Old Irish road signs are an instantly recognizable feature from Ireland and times past. Only a few originals actually remain in place on our roads today, mostly in isolated and rural areas.
Luckily some original street name signs can still be seen in towns and buildings throughout the country.
These distinctive white and black signs truly are a symbol of Ireland, especially for those who now live far away from home. I’m delighted to say that once again these old Irish signs are being crafted in Ireland. Anthony Proctor, from Moone Co. Kildare started a new company called Old Irish Road Signs to recreate these treasured symbols of Ireland’s past.
Today I’m thrilled to publish a guest post by Anthony, explaining his inspiration for creating these beautiful pieces. Anthony has graciously sponsored a giveaway for one lucky reader. More details on how to enter are at the end of this post, but first here’s the story of how Anthony started making these signs.
The Story Behind Old Irish Road Signs
by Anthony Proctor
When the original cast iron signs were replaced most were destroyed or recast into other stuff. But they also became collector items and a nostalgic reminder of ‘Home’, especially for people far from home.
Some were ‘saved’ from destruction and then turned up in gardens, pubs and anywhere that Irish people settled – worldwide.
I live in a village in Co. Kildare called Moone. I always wanted some signs in my garden but since they were so scarce there was no hope of finding any and definitely not with accurate mileage. There was no option but to make some. I made 2 exact replicas of Moone and Castledermot signs and then added accurate mileage from my home. The significance of these are Castledermot is my home town and Moone is my wife’s home.
Such was the immediate reaction from people on seeing these signs I was soon making signs for lots of people. First locally, then nationally and now I make and ship them worldwide.
The signs have been used for decoration in many different areas such as gardens, patios, homes, pubs, schools and businesses. Given as gifts for every occasion, these signs have an added nostalgic attraction for people who actually remember the originals.
Every sign means something – most commonly it is a customer’s home town or a loved one’s home. They can also be historical or functional, and one has even been fictitious . But on receiving each sign people always smile – and remember!
No one likes leaving home and the longer they are away, it seems the more they look for a reminder or link to home.
These signs are a constant reminder of our origins and I have added family crests to some signs for people who want something a little different , but equally attractive. If you have an idea for a sign I would be happy to discuss the options.
The signs I make are exact in size and detail to the originals. All have bilingual text and any mileage (accurate or fictitious) can be added as standard. Here are some specifications and details:
- The signs are 250mm (10 inches) high and the average length is 750mm long (30 inches).
- Length will vary depending upon the number of letters in the chosen name.
- The letters are individually handmade and bonded to each sign.
- The English text lettering is 75mm (3 inches) high.
- The Irish text is 35mm (1 ½ inches) high .
- All signs are 6mm (¼ inch) thick.
- Celtic style lettering is also available for the Irish translation on any sign.
- The white backround of the sign is 11mm (½ inch) thick.
- The material the signs and letters are made from is called ‘foamex’. It is a pvc material. Completely weatherproof in all conditions, it is also uv resistant. It won’t fade.
- These signs require no maintenance. But, good news, they can be washed with soap and water if necessary.
- The signs can be single or double sided and double sided signs come complete with a powdercoated bracket (no maintenance).
- The weight of a single sided sign is approx 800grms and a double sided with bracket weighs approx 2.5kg. This makes them easy to handle and to ship anywhere using standard post.
- The average cost of a sign is €65 for single sided, and €85 for double sided. Postage costs around €25.
Recently I have also added another ‘Irish’ product. A Post box featuring the Irish harp and ‘An Post’ on the front. The family name can also be added on top if required. They are also made from 11mm foamex, and are fully lockable and weatherproof. The standard size box is for A4 size mail. I can also ship these worldwide.
The green and gold is the standard colour but I can also do black, blue or red. They are easy to fix to a pole, wall or gate.
All the signs and post boxes are made in my home in Moone, Co.Kildare, Ireland.
The appeal of the signs and the post boxes are their unique connection to Ireland. We all want ‘a little piece of home’ no matter where we are. We want to make our little patch ‘just like home’.
There is nothing better than seeing a familiar sight, sign or even taste to remind us of where our heart is. We stand and stare when we come across them. There’s no place like home.
I hope these signs make that connection for you because I love making them, especially knowing they stir lovely memories of home for so many people.
The stories behind these signs, the people and the destination are always so heart warming. There are places I’ve never heard of in Ireland and I’ve sent them to places I’ve never heard of abroad. So it’s been an education and an opportunity to keep a little piece of the past alive.
If any readers would like to contact me for any reason or for more information , I would be delighted to reply, and answer all queries.
My Facebook page is called – Old Irish Road Signs and where you will find lots more examples of signs and products to browse through.
I can be contacted by e-mail:
phone – 011 353 86 3919162
The Giveaway:
Anthony from Old Irish Road Signs has generously donated a single sided sign as a prize for one of Irish American Mom’s readers. I think these signs would make wonderful Christmas gifts.
To enter our giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, September 7th, 2014. You can leave any comment you wish. What you write does not affect your chances of winning.
If you need some inspiration, why not tell us what name or location you would like to have inscribed on your sign should you win.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so I can contact you to arrange shipping of the prize. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky winner.
The winner will be announced on Sunday September 7th, 2014 at the end of this post.
Best of luck to all our entrants and a big thank you to Anthony Proctor for sponsoring this fantastic prize for Irish American Mom’s readers.
September 7th, 2014 – We Have A Winner:
Congratulations to Patricia Awen Fey O’Luanaigh, who is our lucky winner.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and enter this little giveaway. It was lovely to read everyone’s comments and learn of all the wonderful places in Ireland that readers hold dear to their hearts.
And a big thank you to Anthony Proctor for sponsoring this wonderful prize. Wishing him every success with his business.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Disclosure of Material Connection: Irish American Mom receives a road sign for review purposes. I do not receive cash payment for publishing guest posts, but do so to help spread the word about home businesses and artists. Thank you to all who support Irish and Irish American crafts people and their wonderful enterprises.
Here are some other posts you might enjoy..
What I Miss About Ireland – Swans
A Tribute To An Irish American Mom
They look beautiful and would be so nice to have.
What a gift idea! Awesome.
Beautiful craftsmanship! I would love to have one that said Derrycassan & Longford on it!
I am so excited to run across your website on Pinterest. I can’t wait to try out your Irish Sausage Rolls recipe. My family has grown up on them and they always have been a special treat. They bring me sweet memories of my granny who has passed.
I have one of these beautiful signs that say Kerry after which I was named. My mom was born in Belfast, and I was able to spend some time in Ireland (during that horrific heat wave) last summer. I would love to have another sign in my home to celebrate an Island that speaks to my heart of my heritage.
These are fantastic! I would have one for Parknasilla (I know it’s a hotel name rather than town name but it sounds pretty!), a very special place for us which we visit with family each year.
I want a Doire One – Wish i was back in Derry – Love your site – Keeps me connected to what i grew up with
grá i gcónaí ( love always) . For the Giveaway ( Old Irish Road Signs ).
I would love to display one of those signs!
love the one from Co. Waterford, where my ancestors came from.
awesome! would look amazing in my house 😉
I would love one with Darmhagh Ua nDuach my hometown of Durrow, Co. Laois.
Would love to have one!!!
How wonderful of you to create these signs, they are lovely. I live in New Jersey and both my parents are Irish. When we were younger, my parents had saved enough money for us all to go to Ireland for the entire summer. My mom is from Dooey, on the Rosguill Peninsula in Donegal, and we spent most of the summer there. Dooey was then and still today a magical place for me. My dad came home later in the summer and we went to visit my Granny in Rathnamangh in County Laois. Rathnamagh was lovely too, but Dooey was where my heart was. We went back to Donegal before leaving Ireland, and the day we left, we were stopping to say goodbye to all the neighbors on the road. There was a road sign at one stop with the sign to Dooey, and I ran out and wrapped myself around it. I did not want to go back home to the states, just wanted to stay in Ireland. That was many years ago, and when I see these road signs it always reminds me of Ireland and the day I did not want to go home. Looking forward to checking out your Facebook page and website. I love the post boxes too. Thank you for creating these memories.
My family comes from Dingle. I would love to have a sign with Dingle/Kerry! What a wonderful opportunity!
Dunguaire Castle was one highlight of our trip, the craic was mighty!!!! ( I’m such a tourist!!!)
I happened upon your blog this week as I was trying to replicate an egg sponge for my husband’s birthday. I usually enjoy baking but since moving to Scituate, MA in Jan my baking has been thrown off with local ingredients. Still trying my best…. Thanks for the tips. B
we loved our trip to Ireland and plan to go back…I think this will remind us of where to go next……
thank you….Lelsie
I would love to win one. You can surprise me with what it says!
I would love a sign for my home here in canada my family is from donegal
Enjoy reading your recipes and posts. Thank you, George
Love the signs!
Slainte
I love all the signs but I would like one that says Limerick. Both my parents are from Limerick City.
Thank you
I would love to have one of these signs! They are all beautiful, such craftsmanship! My mom is from Cork City and this would bring so many memories to our home! Thanks and good luck to all!
I tried to post earlier so I hope this doesn’t post twice! Really enjoy your blog. These signs are so charming and love the history of them. Ireland has a special place in my heart and would love a sign that says Dublin 🙂
Love this site – it’s where I was able to get a recipe that closely replicated the brown bread we had in Ireland…. Thank you!
Have one that says “Lurgan”?
How lovely it would be to have a Leitrum sign be our Iowa farm home. It is the birthplace of my husband’s grandfather, and the home of so many wonderful cousins we now connect with.
Want to go back to Ireland!
Oh…this is wonderful! Dear old Ireland always calls out to me through the ancestral dreams and memories that flow through my blood and sing in my bones! Methinks Miltown Malbay in County Clare would be sweet! Thank you for this opportunity.
Congratulations Patricia. Your name was picked out of the hat. Miltown Malbay will be a lovely sign. I hope every time you see this Irish sign you’ll feel even more connected to Ireland.
We’re can’t wait to return to all of the sign locations. What a Blessing it would be to have one in our home as we save for our return.
OConnor Slainte
Great signs ..looking forward to seeing some onus trip to Ireland next year !
Lovely signs~ Thank you for the link for facebook, this will make a perfect Christmas gift
Craic Agus Ceol~
I would love one of these Irish road signs. They harken back to a time gone by, although I know they are still used. If I win, I would love the Beal na Blath because of its connection to Michael Collins, someone I studied extensively in college. I would also like one for Spiddal in Galway, as I have many friends there and the great John Ford’s family is from there. (American film director) Thanks for running this contest. Love the blog!
My Dad used to say that we had a wee bit of Irish in the family, but I think it’s enough to want a fantastic Irish sign like these.
Love the craftsmanship. Beautiful !
Slainte
Oh, Oh, Oh me, me, me. I would LOVE to have one of these. A couple of years ago I started getting my husband a sign made each year depicting that years activity. he would love this.
Oh I love them 🙂
Oh I’d love a little piece of Ireland in my garden! Those signs are wonderful!
I would love to have one of your wonderful signs to surprise my 92 year old Mother-Violet Rose McNellis Corr at her 93rd Birthday bash next month! Both of her parents were from Teelin, Co. Donegal and she has many cousins still living there! It would be a lovely way to honor her. She just had her 41st great grandchild. Her name is Ava (Aoife) Elizabeth. She is 100% Irish baby!!
Wow you mentioned your Mother’s 41st grandchild those children are so lucky & so are you Colleen, hope your mum goes past one hundred.
A big thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway. Our winner is Patricia Awen Fey O’Luanaigh.
Since there were so many entries, I didn’t respond to each comment individually, but rest assured II read each and every entry. I really enjoyed everyone’s stories about the places in Ireland you all hold dear to your hearts. It is such an honor to learn of your immigrant tales and and deep feelings of connection to the Emerald Isle.
Thank you all for reading and following my blog. And a big thank you to Anthony Proctor for sharing his story with us. These signs are beautiful and an amazing tribute to Ireland’s past.
Best wishes to all,
Mairéad
Dear Mairéad – I absolutely love this post and several others you have provided over the past few weeks as they not only remind me of growing up in the Bronx with parents from Armagh and Cavan, but they provide a rich and varied selection of ideas for Christmas gift giving. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
When just 13 I travelled with Grandad & family in their camper to southern Ireland, we went from Fishguard in Wales to Rosslare by ferry; then around the southern coastline to Waterford, ending up in the mountains of Killarney [meaning “church of sloes”]. It was a wonderful trip, & nearly fourty years later, I still have fond memories. Irish people are so friendly with a warm welcoming brogue.
Rest In Peace dear Grandfather.
Forgot to mention many years later, I flew across ‘the pond’ to New York City from London I was 21 years old. I spent about 10 or 11 weeks in N.Y.C. As I was just the legal limit to enter a bar, my favour was Irish bars. There’s plenty of Irish Americans, I found those bars were a reminder of that holiday when just a boy of 13. I lived & worked in the states for three months. Saw the Grand Canyon & ended up in Hollywood, the walk of fame was interesting, but the rich poor divide I found very sad.
Hi Paul – Thank you for sharing your lovely memories of your trip to Ireland when you were a teenager. It’s always wonderful to hear you experienced such a welcoming feeling in Ireland, and that you still look back fondly at your time traveling the coastline of Ireland.
Many thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad