Irish blessings for thanksgiving are the perfect way to share your gratitude this thanksgiving with family and friends.
These meaningful Irish blessings are centered around gratitude, friendship and prosperity for the future.
They are universal in their meaning, but can hold a special place in the hearts of those with Irish heritage and Irish interests.
Irish Blessings will make a wonderful and unique addition to your Thanksgiving Day festivities this year.
While Thanksgiving is an American tradition that is not celebrated in Ireland, Ireland has its own thanksgiving story.
Read on to discover the very special bond between Ireland and the Choctaw-Nation.
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Traditional Irish Blessings
The most famous of all Irish blessings is May the Road Rise to Meet You. It is also simply called “The Irish Blessing”.
The meaningful words in this short blessing offer love and protection to those we care about on their journey through life.
It is well liked and used on many occasions in Ireland.
(Discover more about the meaning and usage of May the Road Rise to Meet You in our detailed guide.)
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
The Irish translation of this blessing is as follows:
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat,
Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl,
Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh,
Go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna,
Agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís,
Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú.
Irish Thanksgiving Blessings for Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate with those who we care about. Those loved ones both near and far are in our thoughts at this special time.
These blessings express gratitude for all the things we are glad to have in our lives including the cherished bonds of friendship.
Irish Blessings are also a nice way to rekindle the connections with Ireland throughout the year and not just for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
May love and laughter light your days,
And warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
Wherever you may roam.
May God be with you and bless you,
May you see your children’s children,
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May the love and protection
Saint Patrick can give
Be yours in abundance
As long as you live.
An old Irish recipe longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the bar thirsty.
May the roof above us never fall in,
And may we friends gathered below never fall out.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that pass away
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
Grant me a sense of humor, Lord,
The saving grace to see a joke,
To win some happiness from life,
And pass it on to other folks.
You can also give thanks and celebrate the bonds of friendship with these Irish blessings for friends.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate is a prayer that originates from an old hymn. It can also be integrated into a blessing before a meal.
Christ be with me
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Related articles: Irish Prayer blessings
Irish Thanksgiving Toasts
Thanksgiving celebrations inevitably involve raising a glass with a toast.
While Sláinte or “Health” is the most well known Irish toast, there are plenty of others as well.
Here are some short Irish toasts that can enhance any Thanksgiving meal.
Good times, good friends,
Good health to you
And the luck of the Irish in all that you do.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
Wherever you go and whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish be there with you.
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
May your pockets be heavy
And your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you
Each morning and night.
At the end of every celebration, there will probably be a few goodbyes. Here are some memorable ways to wish someone farewell with Irish blessings.
The Irish Choctaw-Nation Connection
Ireland suffered from a devastating famine resulting from failed potato crops in the mid 19th century. This was known as the Great Famine (1845-1851).
This resulted in widespread starvation and suffering as most of the Irish population relied on the potato crop as their main food source.
In 1847, the Choctaw-Nation based in Oklahoma heard about the terrible suffering that the people of Ireland were enduring as a result of the famine.
They collected $170 dollars, which at the time was a considerable sum of money to send to the starving Irish in their time of need.
This unforgettable act of kindness and generosity has been remembered down through the generations in Ireland.
A beautiful stainless steel feather monument in Bailick Park, Midleton, County Cork commemorates this act of generosity.
It is known as “Kindred Spirits” and was created by the artist Alex Pentek.
This sculpture honores connection between the Choctaw-Nation and the Irish people and the deep gratitude of the Irish people to the Choctaw ancestors.
Irish Blessings for Thanksgiving FAQs
Is Thanksgiving Day celebrated in Ireland?
No, traditionally Thanksgiving Day is not celebrated in Ireland. There is a growing awareness of American tradition and celebrations like Independence Day on July 4, in Ireland..
Some upmarket restaurants may offer special Thanksgiving meals, but it is worth checking this in advance.
How do you say Happy Thanksgiving in Irish?
Lá an Altaithe sona duit
Happy Thanksgiving (to one person)
Lá an Altaithe sona daoibh
Happy Thanksgiving (to multiple people)
Pronunciation tips can be found in this video.
Irish Blessings for all Occasions
Find the right word to say with Irish blessings for all sorts of occasions.
You will find everythings from Irish morning blessings that help you start your day, to wedding blessings and even funeral blessings.
Disocver perfect Christmas Blessings and New Year Blessings too!
Explore our extensive collection of Irish blessings on this website.
The team at Let’s Go Ireland would like to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving this November!
