17 Popular Irish Superstitions That You Should Know

The complex web of beliefs and superstitions that comprise Irish folklore and custom is what makes the country’s culture so fascinating. These long-held beliefs have been passed down through the ages.

They continue to influence the actions and choices of modern Irish people, connecting them to their ancestors. Today, we’ll learn about the popular Irish superstitions that have intrigued and shaped the country for generations.

We will discuss the enormous effect it has had on the development of Irish culture – from fairy trees to the banshee’s comb.

17 Popular Irish Superstitions

1. Finding a Halfpenny

In Ireland, halfpennies were formerly accepted as payment for the toll required to cross the well-known Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin.

However, this practice was discontinued in the year 1987.

Nevertheless, it is considered extremely lucky to pick up and keep this coin if you find it lying around on the ground.

You’re probably familiar with the proverb that goes, “Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck.”

2. Accidentally Putting Your shirt on Backwards

It is said that if you accidentally wear your shirt with the wrong side out, you will have good luck.

You should just go about your day as normal, except that your shirt should be worn inside out, and you should anticipate that good things will come your way.

3. Don’t Break Mirrors

This one was around during the time of the Romans. The ancient Romans had the belief that when one stared into a looking glass, they were truly looking into their soul.

Hence, they felt that destroying a mirror was detrimental to one’s soul.

However, there was some solace to be found in the counter-belief that our souls renew themselves every seven years; as a result, the amount of damage that was done was limited.

4. Don’t Pick Up the Comb

The appearance of a comb on the ground is the source of yet another prevalent Irish superstition.

If you find yourself in this predicament, you should under no circumstances pick it up.

Legend has it that it is the comb of the frightening banshee, and according to Irish mythology, picking it up is a sure indicator that your death is drawing near.

5. Cutlery Falling on the Floor

According to Irish folklore, if a knife accidentally falls on the floor, it is a sign that a gentleman visitor will soon arrive.

This superstition has been passed down through generations and is still widely believed in Ireland today.

So, if you happen to drop a knife, don’t fret – it may just be a sign of good luck and a visitor on the way!

Meanwhile, dropping a fork on the floor is believed to bring a female guest to your home.

Be prepared for a visit from a curious child if you accidentally drop a spoon on the floor.

6. Itchy Palm

According to Irish superstition, having an itchy palm could indicate that you are about to receive some money. This belief has been around for centuries and is still prevalent in many cultures today.

In Ireland, if you experience an itchy sensation on the left palm of your hand, it could be a sign of incoming wealth or financial gain.

Keep an eye out for potential opportunities to increase your income!

In Ireland, it is believed that an itchy right palm is a sign that you will soon have to spend money. This superstition suggests that financial expenses are on the horizon.

7. Fairy Trees

While most Irish people deny belief in fairies, they also refuse to risk the supposed bad luck that would result from cutting down one of these trees. The trees are easy to spot since they grow in the middle of fields that would otherwise have been removed.

However, legends say that it is bad luck to cut down “fairy trees,” and therefore people generally leave them alone.

In particular, hawthorn trees are thought to be home to fairies, and it is considered unlucky to carry a sprig of hawthorn blossom into your dwelling.

8. Fairy Forts

Destroying a fairy fort or disturbing a fairy ring is considered extremely unlucky, especially in the spring when “the good people” are thought to be the most active.

Iron Age settlements in Ireland left behind stone circles, which locals refer to as “fairy forts.” Natural mushroom or tree rings are often referred to as “fairy rings.”

9. If a bird poop on you, you’ll be lucky.

It’s hard to fathom the rationale behind some of the Irish superstitions. Having a bird poop on you, however, is seen as a compliment in Ireland.

Some say the Irish invented this myth to make themselves feel better about the regular reports of bird feces landing on them.

10. Itchy Nose

Another Irish superstition states that if your nose starts to itch, a fight is imminent.

According to this urban legend, having an itchy nose means you’re about to get into a fight with someone you care about.

To this day, this remains a popular Irish superstition despite the fact that certain months if the year is flu season.

11. Ringing in Ears

When your ears are ringing or “on fire”, that signifies you’re making waves in the social scene. Warmth in your left ear canal indicates that people are complimenting you. If the right is ringing, then they are saying not-so-nice things.

Just think “Left for love, right for spite.”

Although the roots of this old saying are unknown, it is representative of the kind of superstition that the Irish accept enthusiastically and that has spread to other countries.

12. Seeing a robin

The robin is a symbol that can represent both happiness and melancholy in Irish folklore. It’s a good omen that a loved one is nearby if you see a robin following you around.

On the other hand, if a robin knocks on your window or flies into your home through an open window, this is a portent of death, which indicates that you or someone you know is likely on their way out of this world.

This is a dark urban legend, but it’s one that a lot of people in Ireland think is genuine.

13. One Magpie for Happiness, and Two for Sadness 

Even their most cherished superstitions, such as the one regarding magpies, are expressed in rhyme by the Irish.

One for sorrow, two for joy
Three for a girl, and four for a boy,
Five for silver, six for gold,
Seven for a secret never to be told.

Remember these phrases the next time you see an Irishman waving to a flock of magpies. Many people think that removing a curse can be as simple as waving at a single bird.

On the other side, your good fortune increases as the size of the magpie flock does. You may not believe it, yet the Irish swear by it.

14. Keep your chair from falling over!

In Ireland, it’s bad luck to get up from your chair and knock it over.

However, clumsy peiple have more to worry about than merely making a clumsy exit from their seats.

Knocking over your chair as you get up is considered more than just embarrassing; it is also thought to bring good fortune.

15. Bad Weather is Prevented by the Child of Prague Statue

The Irish traditionally display a statue of the Child of Prague in their backyards on the eve of a wedding or other significant event. The statue is thought to send a message to God requesting favorable weather.

Whenever the sun is out, someone will inevitably bring up the fact that somewhere in the country, a Child of Prague is doing its duty.

16. Throw Salt Over Your Left Shoulder

It is believed that if you spill salt, it will bring bad luck. To counteract this, you should throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder to blind the devil who is thought to be lurking behind you.

This practice dates back to ancient times and is still observed by many Irish people today.

So, the next time you spill salt, don’t forget to toss some over your left shoulder to ward off any potential bad luck!

17. Protection Against Bad Luck

Despite the abundance of unfavorable outcomes, Irish folklore provides numerous suggestions for how to enhance one’s fortunes.

Folklore holds that shamrocks, rabbit’s feet, and religious artifacts like crosses, holy water, and saint’s medals are lucky and can ward off harm.