A shillelagh also known as an Irish walking stick, is a knotty blackthorn cane with a large, round, and polished knob at the top.
This wooden walking stick has historically been used as a club or cudgel. It has deep rooted associations with Ireland, the fighting Irish, and Irish folklore.
Part of Irish popular culture, it’s used in leprechaun cartoons and sport’s logos. It was also the weapon of choice for an ancient form of Gaelic stick fighting called ‘bataireacht.’
Shillelaghs are sold as souvenirs all over Ireland, and in Irish shops throughout the United States. It is a symbol of Ireland for the Irish diaspora throughout the world.
So let’s explore this famous blackthorn stick and determine if it was a helpful walking aid or a potentially vicious weapon.
What Does a Shillelagh Look Like?
A shillelagh is usually a black stick with a polished wooden knob as a handle at the top.
The length of a shillelagh can vary greatly. Some are between 4 feet and 5 feet and others are the length of a walking stick, measured from the floor to the wrist,which is about 3 feet long.
They also come in the form of short mallets measuring only 12 to 24 inches in length. These would be known as shillelagh bata (pronounced shill-ay-lah bah-ta) and this hammer form of shillelagh is what is usually found in souvenir shops and associated with leprechauns.
Some are taller than a person with long pole shillelaghs ranging from 6 to 9 feet.
They had many uses as a form of protection and as an ancient weapon in Irish martial arts which we’ll explore a little more shortly.
How To Pronounce Shillelagh:
Let’s start with a little pronunciation lesson. Irish words are notoriously difficult to read because the phonetic and written rules of this Celtic language are very different from the rules of English linguistics.
Here is one phonetic pronunciation… Shi-lay-lah. Others pronounce is as shuh-lay-lee.
The g at the end of the word is silent.
This is a Gaelic word that has been transferred to the English language.
Irish Language And Gaelic Names For Shillelagh:
The word we use today, shillelagh is Hiberno-English.
In the Irish language or Gaeilge the word would be sail éille (pronounced shal eh-la) and which means a willow stick with a strap.
‘Sail’ is the Irish word for “willow” or a ‘cudgel” and éille is the genitive case of iall (pronounced eel) which is the word for a strap or a thong.
The other name for this famous stick in Irish Gaelic is maide draighin (pronounced mah-deh dri-hin) which means a blackthorn stick.
In Scottish Gaelic the word is shillelagh which is the form the word takes in English.
How to Spell Shillelagh:
Now writing the word shillelagh presents all kinds of challenges and there are many, many variations of this difficult little word.
Here’s a list of some of the close, and not so close attempts at this word. I’m sure Google gets many requests for information on words somewhere close to the ones on the following list.
- chalali
- schalley
- shalali
- shalalie
- shalaylee
- shalaly
- shaleigh
- shelaley
- shelaly
- sheleigh
- sheleighley
- sheleighly
- shilaylee
- shileighleigh
- shillaly
- shillaylee
- shelele
- shellaligh
No matter how you spell it, this little Irish stick is world famous.
So let’s delve into the history of the shillelagh.
Origins Of The Shillelagh:
This Irish stick finds its origins in a small village in County Wicklow called Shillelagh.
The surrounding area belongs to the Barony of Shillelagh.
This Irish place name comes from the Irish language and means the descendants of Ealach (Siol Éalaigh). Ealach was a 7th century Irish king in Leinster, one of Ireland’s four provinces.
The area was surrounded by large oak forests and the people of Shillelagh made wooden sticks or cudgels.
In 1773 the Oxford English Dictionary explained the word shillelagh as meaning a wooden cudgel.
Shillelaghs In Ancient Irish History and Folklore:
For thousands of years ancient Irish warriors were renowned as stick fighters.
In the first millennium the warrior clans of Shillelagh were so adept at using their cudgel style weapon their name was given to the wooden club.
The blackthorn tree is associated with the fairies in Ireland, especially moon fairies. These magical inhabitants of this thorny tree are not the friendliest toward humans.
It was said that when the moon was full the fairies would leave the blackthorn tree and it was the safest time to pick the fruit or sloes, and to chop the branches of the blackthorn.
It was important to avoid cutting this tree at Samhain or Bealtaine.
Shillelaghs are also associated with leprechauns. They’re notorious for defending their gold with this ancient Irish weapon.
These antique, magical artifacts were supposedly used by leprechauns and were powerful magical conduits. Every leprechaun is said to carry his very own shillelagh.
How Were Shillelaghs Made:
Shillelaghs are handmade cultural treasures from Ireland’s past. But what is a shillelagh stick made of?
The traditional material used for making a shillelagh is the wood of a blackthorn tree.
Originally oak may have been the chosen timber for shillelaghs. Oak became a scarce resource, with the destruction of Ireland’s forests in the 16th century under the direction of Henry VIII of England. Blackthorn was used instead to make these sticks.
The root of the blackthorn was used for the knob of the stick, since it was strong and not prone to cracking.
Skill and knowledge were required to make a durable shillelagh. Curing the wood was required and was achieved by smearing it with whiskey butter and placing it up the chimney. It was left there for months on end. Sometimes the wood for a shillelagh would be cured for years.
Soot accumulated on the outer layer of the wood, giving the shillelagh a glossy black appearance.
Other curing methods involved wrapping the wood in greasy paper and burying it in a dung pile. Brining in salt water was also used as a way to draw moisture from the wood while preventing warping.
Once cured the wood was coated in soot and sealed with oils.
Today the sticks made for the souvenir market are simply painted black with an oil based sealant. This is not the traditional and genuine method of coloring a shillelagh black.
How Was a Shillelagh Used?
The Shillelagh was a walking stick or cane used by Irish people throughout the centuries. However, it doubled up nicely as a weapon.
In the 1600’s the British Government enacted the Penal Laws, a strict legal code that outlawed Catholics from owning weapons. This was one of a host of other laws designed to subdue and control the rowdy Irish, who were not very happy to have been thrown off their land.
Whether a walking stick was needed or not, Irishmen began to carry these Gaelic cudgels for protection. A walking cane that also served as a weapon was a cunning way to work around the English law.
What Was Bataireacht?
Sheillelaghs came to be known as Irish fighting sticks and were an important weapon in the ancient Irish sport of Bataireacht, pronouced bat-ur-ock-th.
This was a traditional form of Irish stick fighting that was extremely popular in 18th and 19th century Ireland.
A faction fight illustrated in Carleton’s 1834 book, “The Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry.”
Shillelaghs of varying sizes and forms were the main weapons used in Bataireacht. Irish gangs or family groups formed factions, and fights were often organized at large gatherings like fairs, markets, weddings and funerals.
The derogatory stereotype of Irish gangs creates an image of unplanned scuffles and riots with drunken Irish men and women clubbing each other with shillelaghs. This image was unhesitatingly portrayed in British publications of the 19th century.
Without a doubt, there were many unplanned squabbles and fights, but it’s important to note that most contests were planned, some even months in advance. Stick fighting was viewed as a sport or martial art in 18th and 19th century Ireland.
Fathers taught their sons the art and skill of stick fencing, and rules were established for these brawls or fights.
Shillelagh Law:
The rules of faction fighting or shillelagh fighting were known as Shillelagh Law.
They included guidelines such as only allowing one-on-one combat, ensuring that weapons were evenly matched, and disallowing use of guns.
Illustration from Carleton’s Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry.
Women were not to be struck, and there were rules that allowed punching, kicking and wrestling.
Now there’s no guarantee fighters stuck to these rules in the middle of a melée, but they did exist.
Shillelaghs in Irish American Culture:
The Irish brought shillelagh fighting with them to America. Reports of a shillelagh frolic are found in the New York American Newspaper of March 31, 1825 where several hundred sons of Erin gathering for the event.
In 1837 a large scale faction fight broke out in New Orleans.
The Jewelled Shilelagh is a football trophy presented to the winner of the annual USC vs Notre Dame game. They’re not called the Fighting Irish for nothing.
And if you check out the Boston Celtic’s team logo, the green clad leprechaun is leaning on his very own shillelagh.
Conclusion:
And there you have it – a review of the importance of the shillelagh in Irish and Irish American history and culture.
Do you own a shillelagh? If so, display it with Irish pride. We’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.
My father has a beautiful blackthorn walking stick which he keeps as a treasured family heirloom.
Thanks so much for stopping by to learn all about the shillelagh, an iconic emblem of Ireland.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
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A very interesting and informant post. Thank You
Joan
Hi Joan – I’m so glad you found this post interesting. In Ireland people can take these walking canes for granted and forget they’re historical significance.
All the best,
Mairéad
We have four “sticks for the Reek” as they were described by the man who made them and was selling them at the base of Croagh Patrick in 1998 when we made the climb. They are plain, about 4 feet long and not black but are sturdy and performed well on that arduous climb. We brought them home to the States and every time I look at them I remember the fella selling them to us and the rocky climb.
Hi Tom – I love the quote “sticks for the Reek.” Croagh Patrick is a climb that definitely requires a stick or two for the Reek. A good, sturdy blackthorn stick will help most climbers on the ascent up that steep, rocky slope. It’s lovely to hear you brought your sticks back to America and they now remind you of how you followed in the footsteps of Saint Patrick. He probably had a crozier for the reek.
All the best, and thanks for telling us your story about your trip to Ireland.
Mairéad
Growing up, we had a shillelagh in the corner of the living room…I wish I’d thought to ask where/whom my mother got it from and also wish it was still in the family. I toyed with buying one when in Ireland last year…next time, perhaps! Thanks for the post, Mairéad!
Hi Patricia – It would have been lovely to know the history of the shillelagh displayed in your family home for years. I often wish I too had asked my grannys so many more questions when they were alive. If you do decide to buy a shillelagh, make sure it’s not a fake one, painted black and probably made in China. A real, hand-made stick of blackthorn wood is priceless. I believe there is a man in the village of Shillelagh that still makes authentic sticks and bata.
All the best,
Mairéad
Great post!
The reason the spikes were left on the shaft of the stick was for defensive purposes – if an opponent grabbed the stick during a fight it could be twisted and the spikes would rip his palms – practical not very pleasant!
The Irish for Blackthorn is Draighnán Dubh – the word Draighnán is also the Irish for the family name Thornton – my son had a teacher called Miss Ní Draighnán from the Aran Islands.
Hi Liam – Thanks so much for that extra fact about the spikes on the shafts of blackthorn sticks. I did not realize that the Irish name Driaghnán translates as Thornton. Anytime I hear the name Thornton I think of John Wayne in The Quiet Man. Thanks for stopping by and all the best,
Mairéad
Wow, very interesting! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Brian – I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this post and that you found the information to be interesting. I love delving into little known facts about Irish history and culture. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
What a wonderful post!! I remember a shillelagh sitting in my grandparents’ bedroom in New York. (Long since gone) It was much thicker than the ones in your photos. And the wood as very dark as you described. I always thought of it as a walking stick. Thank you for the history behind it. How I wish could get one like the one I remember from childhood. My grandchildren would love the story as much as I did! I really enjoy these posts.
Hi Barbara – It sounds like your grandparents’ shillelagh was the real McCoy. Sorry to hear it’s long gone – I remember all the lovely treasures my granny had, like old three legged pots, and three legged stools that are also long gone. Hindsight is 20/20 – wish we had preserved more of these antiques. I’m so glad you enjoyed this story. Sometimes I question my inklings to write about unusual artifacts like shillelaghs, but it’s lovely to read comments from readers who also have memories of these Irish antiques and treasures.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mairéad,
Thanks for a very interesting post about Irish culture!
And thank you, Jeff for stopping by to check it out. It’s always lovely to hear from readers who enjoy these ramblings about Irish culture and heritage.
All the best,
Mairéad
What a wonderful post. Not only is the Shillelagh pictured but the meaning and the use of the Shillelagh. This is a historical post to be treasured by the Irish. Thank you Mairead for all the information
Marion
Hi Marion – I’m so glad you found this piece to be informative. I love reading about history and it’s wonderful to be able to share these stories here. Many thanks for following along.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ahhh, the Shillelagh. A grand walking stick, of which I use regularly. I use mine to lean on while walking and to keep my balance with. Mine was made by hand from the root of a sumac shrub. The one piece cane had a handle which resembled an eagle’s head [to me]. My partner in life now uses it to steady her walking. I use an old drawknife to shave off bark and rough shape a ‘stick’ and then finish it off with several coats of tongue oil. I enjoy making ‘walking sticks’. Thank you for such an interesting and informative article.
Hi Bill – It’s lovely to hear you and your life partner use your canes wisely for stability. Being a physical therapist by trade, I’m a firm believer in the importance of canes. It’s great that you can fashion your own and seal them with oil. Thanks for checking out this piece about the shillelagh as a part of our Irish cultural legacy.
Take care,
Mairéad
I, for one, love hearing about anything Irish ! Keep them coming, since we can’t travel to Ireland for quite a while yet, let’s pretend we are there through your great ramblings! Blessings, Mary
Hi Mary – Thank you for being such a faithful reader of my ramblings. I truly appreciate it. It’s lovely to know that these stories of Ireland help you feel connected to our homeland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ahhh so that must be where the phrase ‘I’ll batter you’ originated.
Thanks for that😊
Hi Deirdre – I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes complete sense. “I’ll batter you, if you don’t get up the stairs to bed,” was said in many an Irish house in years gone by – not acceptable anymore, but would put the fear of the shillelagh in anyone. When I think of some of our expressions, I laugh at how politically incorrect they are today. The threat of a batter probably does have its roots in baitearacht.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Thank You Mairead for this informative post concerning the shillelagh. I knew what the shillelagh was but not the history. It is very interesting and educational. God Bless.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn – I too didn’t realize the history and cultural significance of the shillelagh was so interesting until I started researching the topic. Thanks so much for checking out this post.
All the best, and take care.
Mairéad
As a child, when my mother could foresee that I was on the verge of doing something I shouldn’t, she would say, “I’ll get my shillelagh.” With this warning I would generally reconsider my actions! Her shillelagh was a paddle of some sort.
Hi Danielle – Only an Irish mother would put the fear of a shillelagh in her kids. For me the wooden spoon was the warning that quickly brought me back to good behavior. Thanks for sharing this story of your Irish childhood. I love to hear tales like this, that remind me of my childhood days. These warnings are an Irish thing, for sure.
Thanks for joining and adding so nicely to our shillelagh chat.
All the best,
Mairéad
A very interesting and informative post. Thank you, Mairead. My wife and I have been lucky enough to visit Ireland on four trips, so far. The last trip, May & June of 2019, we were able to spend a month, staying a week or longer in northwest Co. Donegal, west Co. Cork, and central Co. Clare. What a great holiday for us and some friends and family that were able to share some of the time with us. Like Tom who posted earlier, my first Irish stick was bought at the base of Croagh Patrick for the climb to the summit. Also, like Tom, we brought ours back home. Since then I have made myself a Shillelagh using blue beech which is also known as “muscle wood”. It is displayed in a corner of our farmhouse kitchen along with an Ogham stone from Co. Kerry inscribed “Failte” and a picture of “Nollaig” our adopted donkey who lives at the Donkey Sanctuary at Knockardbane, Mallow, Co. Cork.
“You can leave Ireland but Ireland will never leave you!”
Hi Kimball – Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of your time in Ireland. Your last trip sounds fantastic and you covered quite a bit of time during your time in Ireland. You visited many of my favorite places. My husband is from Donegal, my father is from very near Mallow, and my mother is from Skibbereen in West Cork. My family love the donkey sanctuary and we adopted Lorcan a few years ago. It’s lovely to hear you keep a picture of “Nollaig” in your farmhouse, together with your shillelaghs and Ogham Stone.
I hope every time you see them, you remember your trip to Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Was talking to the wife last night, and told her stories of our fear of the Shillelagh growing up because we knew a good spanking was coming if it was mentioned!!! Not sure where my image came from, but for some reason I always thought it was a flat paddle and not the walking stick I see here.
Hi John – I grew up with a fear of the wooden spoon, so perhaps it was an extra big wooden spoon in your house that was dubbed a shillelagh. Thanks for stopping by to check out my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
This was fascinating!
Hi Heidi – I’m glad you found this post interesting. There’s lots of history behind those shillelaghs sold as souvenirs in Ireland.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad