ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Coat of arms of Ireland

A coat of arms is a special symbol that represents a country or a family. The coat of arms of Ireland has lots of pictures and colors that are important to Irish history.

At the very top of the coat of arms, there is a golden lion. Lions are very strong and brave animals, so this lion is showing that Ireland is a strong and brave country. On either side of the lion, there are two red stripes that represent the two parts of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Under the lion and the red stripes, there is a golden harp. A harp is a musical instrument that is very important to Irish music and culture. In fact, the harp is so important to Ireland that it’s also the national symbol of the country. The harp on the coat of arms is turned so that the strings are facing upwards, which means that it’s different from the harp that’s on the Irish flag.

On the left side of the coat of arms, there is a green shamrock. A shamrock is a special kind of plant that grows in Ireland, and it has three leaves. Irish people often wear a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day, which is a holiday that celebrates the patron saint of Ireland. The shamrock on the coat of arms represents Ireland’s connection to this holiday and its history.

Finally, on the right side of the coat of arms, there is a golden tower. This tower is called a “torse,” and it’s a symbol of strength and protection. The tower has six sections, each with three lines. These lines are called “bends,” and they represent the six provinces of Ireland: Ulster, Leinster, Connacht, Munster, Meath, and Laighin.

Overall, the coat of arms of Ireland is a very important symbol that tells the story of Ireland’s history, culture, and people. It helps Irish people feel proud and connected to their country, and it shows the rest of the world what it means to be Irish.