The Luck of the Irish and lucky four-leaf clovers: where do they come from?
Have you ever wondered why a four-leaf clover is considered a symbol of good fortune, where the phrase “luck of the Irish” actually comes from, and if the Irish really are luckier than the rest of us?
In this article, we’ll cover the surprising histories behind these iconic symbols and sayings, clarify the difference between a shamrock and a clover, and explore the best places to discover Ireland’s folklore and stories firsthand.
If you are planning a boating holiday in Ireland, unlocking these local legends will transform your journeys down the country’s waterways into an unforgettable immersive experience.
Where does the phrase “Luck of the Irish” come from?
There is no one clear answer for the origins of this age-old expression. Some say it is an old mining phrase from the 19th century, where just by chance, the successful miners of the Gold and Silver Rush happened to be Irish or Irish American.
Over time, the association of Irish miners finding the fortunes led to this now widely used expression.
Some also link the origin of the phrase back further in time, placing its roots in Celtic mythology. The Emerald Isle is home to many myths and legends, including tales of mystical creatures roaming the land, and one of these is the legendary leprechaun.
Often known to be a lucky symbol of Ireland, the leprechaun is a little man in green who can be found at the end of a rainbow, guarding his pot of gold. Perhaps the phrase is related to this myth?
Why are four-leaf clovers and shamrocks lucky in Ireland?
The three-leaf shamrock is a well-known Irish symboll, and its legendary origins trace back to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.
Born in Wales, St Patrick was captured at the young age of 16 by raiders, made a slave and held for six long years in Ireland. He then converted to Christianity and returned to Ireland to convert the Irish Pagans – especially in the northern half of the country. In local folklore, he famously used the leaves of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, and how the Father, Son and Holy Ghost could coexist in one entity. Over time, the leaves of the traditional shamrock came to represent faith, hope and love, with the extra leaf of the rarer four-leaf clover then bringing an element of luck!
What is the difference between a shamrock and a four-leaf clover?
These green symbols of luck and Ireland are similar but not identical, with over 300 variants of clover, and 30 of shamrock. Clovers can have either four or three leaves, while the true Irish shamrock specifically refers only to three-leafed varieties.
You will definitely need the luck of the Irish if on the hunt for a four-leaf clover, and part of the reason they are considered so lucky is their sheer rarity. These little four-leafed plants can be found in around one in every 10,000 clovers, and if you do manage to discover one, it is said that you will have an abundance of luck.
Both clover and shamrocks flourish along the lush, damp banks of Ireland’s great waterways, including the broad, majestic River Shannon.
Experience Irish folklore and legends along the River Shannon
If you want to visit Ireland on a boating holiday to soak up some of this folklore, then you will find it on the River Shannon. Legend says that St Patrick drove out all the snakes in Ireland, but the last serpent was finally cast out along the waters of the Shannon.
It is thought that St Patrick arrived at the river to be stopped by this large snake which had allegedly twisted its way up from the sea. St Patrick then caught the serpent and chained it to where the River Shannon meets at three points. You might not see any remnants of a great serpent when on a boating holiday on the Shannon, but standing on the deck of your cruiser and staring at where the green shores meet the glassy water, it is easy to imagine such a scene taking place there.
Starting from our bases in Carrick-on-Shannon and Portumna, a River Shannon boat rental with Emerald Star gives you the freedom to navigate this flowing corridor of history at your own pace, with an abundance of locations to moor up, step ashore and explore these tales firsthand. Here are some of our highlights:
Clonmacnoise Monastic site
Once the ancient crossroads of Ireland, this extraordinary 6th-century ruin site is right on the water’s edge. The site is a haven of local folklore, shrouded with tales of early saints, ancient kings, and a claim to be the location where monks first recorded some of the oldest legends in Ireland.
Athlone Castle
Located in the centre of the waterway, Athlone and its castle have guarded the River Shannon for centuries. This 13th-century stone castle steeped in local lore sits right on the riverbank, and is home to an interactive visitor centre detailing the history, battles, and settlements of the Shannon basin.
Lough Derg & Holy Island
Situated at the southern end of the Shannon, Lough Derg is a vast lake tied to a famous ancient legend. Local folklore says the lake got its name – “Lake of the Red Eye” – after a mythical chieftain defeated a mythical water serpent here, staining the waters a deep crimson. Today, however, Lough Derg is a site of tranquillity and home to the uninhabited Holy Island, where you can step ashore and explore a 10th-century tower and its ruins.
Killaloe & Ballina
Situated at the southern tip of Lough Derg where the lake narrows back into a river, this historic twin town (connected to Ballina by a 17th-century stone bridge) was once the seat of Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions about Irish luck and folklore
No, they are different symbols. A true Irish shamrock refers only to three-leafed varieties of white clover and is a traditional symbol of Irish heritage and the Holy Trinity. A four-leaf clover is a rare genetic mutation of the standard clover plant and is recognised as a universal symbol of good luck.
The statistical odds of finding a natural four-leaf clover are approximately one in every 10,000. Because of this rarity, finding one growing wild in the Irish countryside has traditionally been viewed as a sign of good fortune.
While some associate the phrase with ancient myths or leprechauns, the phrase is generally thought to have originated during the 19th-century gold rushes in the United States, where many of the most successful miners were Irish.
The River Shannon offers easy access to some of Ireland’s most legendary landmarks. Taking a self-drive boating holiday allows you to moor up at dedicated public jetties to explore places like the 6th-century monastic ruins at Clonmacnoise, the stronghold of Athlone Castle, and the mystical Holy Island on Lough Derg.
Ready to start your own Irish adventure?
The luck of the Irish can be felt on any visit to this small country with a lot of charm, and there’s no better way to experience the infectious spirit of the Emerald Isle than from the water.
Whether you are searching the riverbanks for a four-leafed clover, exploring sites of local legends, or simply soaking up the local hospitality, a boating holiday opens up a side of Ireland that few people will get to see.
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A boating holiday in Ireland: a tranquil adventure exploring the Shannon River
Photo credits: © Tourism Ireland and © Holger Leue