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.
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Irish Road Signs
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.
Nostalgic Irish Gifts
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.
Details of Irish Road Signs
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.
How To Contact Anthony at Irish Road Signs
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.
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)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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.
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Alison
Cool post, especially those mailboxes! I'd want Cork on my sign. We're not sure where in Ireland our family is from, but that city holds special importance for us.
Kim
Love it
Colleen Hall
It would be so hard to pick a sign name. My family's from Galway but Ireland is so beautiful I'd be willing to go wherever.
Michele low
These signs are lovely! Personally I'd love a Dublin or Kilkenny sign, my two favourite places.
Sharon Crickmer
On my way to Ireland Sept 8th! Would love to have a Rochfortbridge sign!!! The name relates to my husband's grandmother's family (Rochfort). And we know the place very well!
Lorraine
I love these old signs and they do remind me of Ireland past. I'm delighted this man has started making them and hope he does well with his business. I think I'd get Mayo on my sign as that's where I'm from and where I will always call home.
Mary Ann
These are lovely! What a fun addition to a family room, great for Christmas gifts. I am anxious to look at his Facebook page. Thank you for sharing.
Theresa Barry
Love this! Tnx for sharing!
Jenn
Amazing! I never knew you could own one!
Lisa Coney
A sign saying Mullach Íde would grace my house so well. It's my hometown. (Been in the US 7 years on Hallowe'en)
Sue
I am stuck tracing the ancestry of my mom's great grandfather, so I'd have my sign say what i do know (though the parish name maybe spelled wrong): Mulherin, Drumhold Parish, County Donegal
Amy Brennan
Oh, how I'd love to post one of these signs in our garden! My hubby was born and raised in Kilkenny but also lived for 20 yrs in Galway, so either would be grand! <3
Maureen McGovern Morse
My Mother was born in Easkey, Co. Sligo. Her family now lives in Standhill, Sligo and Iniscrone. It's been far too long since I've been "home". I also have family in Limerick, Tralee and Wexford. I need lots of those signs.
Jo Noonan
What a lovely prize to give away! I would choose either Anabla, the village of my great-grandmother, or Tralee, home to my great-grandfather. Having them in irish would be even better! Thanks, IAM and Anthony, for the chance at a great girft. <3
Tony Fleming
My wife and I honeymooned in Ireland in 2005 and fell in love with a country we'd long wanted to visit. I'm torn between having a sign for Dingle or one for Kenmare, both places we'd love to move to one day. In either case, I'll likely order one of the postboxes in the near future. They're look amazing.
Skye
I have been to Ireland twice. My family name is McConnell. I am not exactly sure what I would put on the signs, but they would be amazing!!
Patrick lynch
Would love a Roscommon or frenchpark sign
Joshua Stucchi
What an interesting read! Thanks for sharing this.
Patrick Cosgrove
Would love one of these!
Jean MacCoy
I love seeing that Anthony is continuing a piece of Ireland's history. Every time I see one it reminds me of a rather amusing day on the Carlinford penisula where the old signs kept sending us in a tight circle. We past an old man walking along the road at least three times--by the third time he was laughing at us as we drove past, waving at him AGAIN! I'd so love to have a sign for Donegal. My family is from Creeslough and it would be a very happy reminder of times spent there.
Eileen McMaster
Awesome! I'd love either Dingle or Kenmare - two of our favorite stops on our honeymoon!
Lynn Reed
Beautiful signs. Would love to have to own one.
Noreen Folan Essenberg
My parents are both from Galway. My sister lives in Crosshaven, Cork. I have been back several times and each time I come back saying I'd like to live in Ireland. If only I had the means. My 1st time back I noticed the old-time signs. Ever since then, they've become a piece of me. Whenever I see them, I feel like I'm "home".
I've gotten my husband to paint an Irish door for me. My next step is definitely a mailbox. I LOVE them! Thanks for stirring my inner Irish. Love that....
Liane zoebelein
I am from Germany but I love Ireland. It would be great to have a sign FIDDOWN.
Deborah Egizii
Would LOVE one of these- it would make me feel at home!
Kelly Gordon
I would love to have a sign with "Doolin" on it!
It was the first place my sister and I stayed when we visited Ireland ,four years ago. We loved the people and the beautiful scenery of Doolin!
P Breen
Croom, my husband's home town!
Jennifer Pierce
I love the signs....we visited Ireland last year and loved everything about it!!
Rob Lock
What a fabulous idea and well documented in this blog. Would love to win. For my home and pointing to my genetic roots.
Patricia
Hmmm...can't decide which I love more, the road signs or the mailboxes! Both are very nice pieces to have for a bit of Ireland here in the U.S.
John Ongena
Not only are the signs beautiful and nostalgic but I hope they can promote the Irish language.
Anthony proctor
A huge Thank You Mairead - from me and my family . All Your help is greatly appreciated . X
Irish American Mom
And thank you to you too, Anthony for sponsoring this giveaway. Wishing you every success with your business - it's a wonderful way to connect Irish people all over the world with places they hold dear.
Jennifer
These are amazing... We had an old wrought iron (I think) one in my grandparents garden. I hadn't thought of it in years. Thank you for reminding me of a wonderful time in my life.
Aimee
These are so wonderful! I think my mom has one somewhere for the County she was named after (Kerry), but I think one for Galway (where our family came from) would be fun too!
Marlo S.
These signs are lovely! Thank you for the chance to win.
EllenFitz
These look lovely. What a great job you've worked yourself into as it appears you make a lot of people very happy. I would probably go with a County Clare sign, most likely Ennis.
Michael Holland
These old style signs always look class.
Sarah
What craftsmanship! I love them. We'd have to just go with Éire, I think.
David
These are some beautiful signs. They would look great up on our wall. Thanks for the contest!
JJT
Terrific looking signs!
The townlands of my Tierneys and McDonalds et al still elude me, so would have to go with my Gran's home on a sign to start.... Ferbane, Offaly. (She was really from Creggan, just north of it.)
Patricia Farrand
I love the signs. I know my husband would love it....his moms name was Keenan.
Margarett fraser Leonard
What a wonderful gift this would make... I would choose my mothers maiden name of Larkin... would be lovely for her garden.
Maureen Murphy Bluhm
Love the signs! I am a sign person myself here in the US, at an amusement park called Cedar Point in Ohio. My mother's parents(Lavelle/Dugan) came from Achill Island, County Mayo, and my father's grandparents(Wallace/Murphy) came from Wexford. To have an original "Old Irish Sign" for my garden would be awesome!!
Julie Gervais Roop
How fun!!! When we visited Ireland 2 years ago, we bought 2 street signs, one with "Ireland" and the other "Dingle." I believe they are ceramic ( wish I knew how to post a photo of them ). I would love one that points me in the direction of Ballinasloe Co. Galway, the village from where my father's family came. Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
Susan Kurek
What a delightful contest! Loved seeing the Dublin street signs in both languages when I visited Ireland!
Liz Garvey
Love the signs, would love one that said Termonfeckin (village
my mom is from) and Clogerhead (village my dad is from) both
In County Louth. Please post info if you are planning on making signs
And selling. Thanks Liz
Erin Smith
Would love a sign that says galway bays, where my grandmother was born and raised and also where my father grew up.
Rochelle
Awesome
Peggy Miller Hopes
What an awesome opportunity. My 2x Great Grandfather Connell came from County Clare and my 2x Great Grandmother came from County Tipperary. Something with both names would be nice.
Kathleen Jackson
I will be going to Ireland next year. I'm so excited!! I know that my Grandfather's parents were both born there, but not sure of the city or county? Their last name was "Farmer", so if there was a sign with Farmer on it, it'd be awesome! Thank you and May God Bless you all!