What do the different flags I may see in Ireland mean?
The tricolour, green, white and orange, is the national flag of Ireland: the green stands for the Gaelic and nationalist tradition, the orange for the followers of William of Orange and the unionist tradition, and the white between them for peace between the two. Northern Ireland flies the Union flag as part of the United Kingdom, and the Ulster Banner, a red hand and crown on a white field, still appears at sporting events though it has had no official status since 1972. You will also see the blue European flag at public buildings, the four provincial flags, and county colours everywhere on match days.
Useful pages: Irish customs · Ireland dos and don'ts · Irish words and expressions · Irish phrases and sayings · The Irish language: a beginner's guide · The Irish language · Irish music · Irish music and dance · Irish sport · Etiquette and customs · Flags of Ireland · Heritage · Meeting locals in Ireland · Ireland photography tips · Events
Sources
- Department of the Taoiseach: the national flag and its symbolism, gov.ie
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