Download this free printable Irish blessing to use as bookmarks, gift tags, encouragement cards, prayer cards, or anything else you can think of. These cute cards feature a green rainbow and the “May the road rise up to meet you” Irish blessing prayer.
I use these Irish blessing cards as small notes of encouragement when someone loses a loved one, especially if I don’t know if that person is religious but I want to convey a message of hope. (This traditional blessing is sometimes spoken at funerals.) Include these with a care package or with a small token (I’ve painted rocks to go with these!) for extra encouragement. The words “until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand” can be used to convey a sense of hope that a we will see our departed loved ones again.
You can also include these cards with a goodbye gift, for when friends, neighbours, or colleagues move away or make a big change. Or use them at the end of a meeting, conference, retreat, etc.
This traditional Irish blessing has been passed on for generations as a way of wishing someone good luck and fortune on their journey through life. The author is unknown, and the origin of this blessing is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have its roots in Ireland and it was originally written in Gaelic.
There is much imagery of nature in this Irish prayer. The wind, sun, and rain may also be religious imagery: the reference to wind may be a nod to the Holy Spirit who came as a “mighty wind” at Pentecost. The sun’s warmth may allude to God’s mercy, specifically Luke 1:78, which speaks of God’s mercy that will come to us from heaven, like the rising sun. The mention of rain may be symbolic of God’s provision.
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall softly upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
And may the land of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Free Printable Irish Blessing Cards
These Irish blessing cards are best printed on cardstock. Simply print, cut, and use! These cards make great bookmarks, encouragement cards, or mini note cards.
