Are you on a hunt for the perfect Tattoo Design that reflects your Celtic ancestry? Well, worry not. We’re about to bring you some of the finest Celtic Designs from some of the best artists the world has to offer. So, let’s dive into the magical world of the Celtic Tattoo.
Table of Contents
What Do Celtic Tattoos Mean
To understand the meaning of Celtic Tattoos, first, you need to know who the Celts were.
The Celts were a collection of tribes with shared cultural traits, languages, and religious beliefs who lived across Europe during the Iron Age, roughly from 1200 BCE to the Roman conquest in the first century BCE. While the name ‘Celts’ is used broadly, they were, in fact, a group of diverse tribes spread across regions such as present-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France (then Gaul), Spain, and Central Europe.
Celtic art is known for its intricate designs, such as spirals, knots, and animal forms, often seen in metalwork, stone carvings, and manuscripts. While there is limited evidence to suggest the Celts did have tattoos, modern Celtic tattoos are inspired by the symbols and artistic traditions of ancient Celt artwork.
The continuous patterns of Celtic knots symbolize eternity, representing life’s unending journey and interconnectedness. The Celts also had a deep connection to nature and the spiritual world. A Celtic Tattoo can represent the relationship with nature, expressing reverence for natural elements and belief in the mystical.
Being warriors, Celtic imagery is also related to strength and protection, much like Viking Tattoos. These served as talismans that would give them the strength and security they needed when doing battle against their foes.
Best Celtic Tattoo Ideas
Now that we know a little about Celtic Tattoo designs let’s take a look at some of the best Celtic Tattoos from over the internet.
Kelpie Tattoo
This Mythological Tattoo is of a Kelpie from Scottish folklore. While appearing like a horse, this creature inhabits the rivers, lakes, and lochs across Scotland. The Kelpie can transform into a human using its shape-shifting ability to lure people, especially children and young women, to their doom.
Merrow Celtic Tattoo
Not to be mistaken for a Mermaid, the Merrow is a mythical creature from Irish and Scottish folklore. While female Merrows are almost identical to traditional Mermaids, except for having green hair, male Merrows, on the other hand, are portrayed as unattractive, with green skin, scaly bodies, and a more monstrous appearance.
Trinity Knot Tattoo
The trinity knot, or triquetra, was a symbol that predated Christianity in Celtic lands but was adapted to represent the Holy Trinity. The knot symbolizes eternity and the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth, reflecting the interconnectedness of different life stages and the belief in an unending journey.
Fomorian Celtic Tattoo
The Fomorians are a race of hostile supernatural beings in Irish mythology. Considered one of the oldest inhabitants of Ireland, they are generally associated with chaos, darkness, and destructive forces of nature.
They are often at odds with the successive waves of settlers and invaders, including the Partholonians, Nemedians, and, ultimately, the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods and god-like beings associated with order, light, and civilization.
Balor Of The Evil Eye Tattoo
A Fomorian leader, Balor is a central antagonist in Irish folklore. Baldor had a terrifying “evil eye,” a magical eye that can unleash a destructive force, killing anyone it gazes upon. While he kept his eye closed most of the time, it would lay waste to armies and landscapes upon opening it.
As fated by destiny, Balor would meet his end at the hands of his grandson Lugh, who, depending on the story, slung a stone or used a magical spear to pierce the evil eye, destroying it and ultimately killing Balor.
Failinis Celtic Tattoo
Failinis is a mythical dog from Irish mythology with supernatural abilities and magical powers. He is said to be invulnerable in battle and capable of overcoming any foe, has healing properties, and is said to bring good luck to his owner.
Failinis is believed to have origins in the Otherworld, a mystical realm in Celtic mythology that is home to gods, spirits, and magical beings. However, different tales have different origins for the dog, as he is either acquired during a quest, won as a prize, or was the object of a pursuit among rival groups looking to obtain his powers.
Banshee Celtic Tattoo
The Banshee (Bean Sídhe) is an omen of death in Irish and Celtic folklore. She is said to foretell the death of a person or a member of a specific family. A family will be notified of an upcoming death by hearing the wailing or screaming of a Banshee or being seen washing blood-stained clothes near a river or stream.
While the Irish version is most well known, the Scottish version is known as the Bean Nighe, and the Welsh is the Cyhyraeth, a disembodied moaning voice that sounds before a person’s death.
Dara Knot Celtic Tattoo
The Dara Knot is a Celtic symbol inspired by the roots of the oak tree. Like other Celtic knots, it features a continuous, looping design with no clear start or finish, representing eternal life, infinity, and the cyclical nature of existence. The connection to the Oak roots symbolizes stability, strength, and a firmly grounded foundation, drawing nourishment and support from the earth.
Salmon Of Knowledge Celtic Tattoo
This Fish Tattoo is of the Salmon of Knowledge, a mythical fish from Irish folklore. Eating the flesh of the Salmon would grant a person immense wisdom and understanding of the world.
According to the legend, the Salmon of Knowledge gained its extraordinary wisdom by eating the nine hazelnuts that fell into the Well of Wisdom from the nine sacred hazeltrees growing around it. The hazelnuts were said to contain all the world’s knowledge, and by consuming them, the salmon absorbed their wisdom.
According to legend, an old poet and sage named Finn Éces spent seven years trying to catch the Salmon of Knowledge. One day, he finally succeeded in catching the salmon and entrusted his young student, Fionn mac Cumhaill, to cook the fish but not to eat it.
While cooking the salmon, a drop of hot fish oil splashed onto Fionn’s thumb. Instinctively, he put his thumb in his mouth to soothe the burn, thereby tasting the salmon. At that moment, all the knowledge and wisdom that the salmon held were transferred to Fionn.
The Morrígan Celtic Tattoo
The Morrígan or Mór-Ríoghain is a goddess of battle and prophecy in Irish myth. Associated with war, fate, and death, she embodies the darker aspects of warfare, including the chaos and bloodshed of combat.
The Morrígan is a shape-shifter who can take the form of a crow or raven but is also known to appear as an old hag, a beautiful young woman, or a cow. In some versions of the myth, the Morrígan is portrayed as a tripartite goddess, representing three aspects or sisters. These are usually named Badb, Macha, and Nemain, who may act independently or as aspects of the Morrígan herself.
Claddagh Ring Tattoo
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that symbolizes love (heart), loyalty (crown), and friendship (hands). It is named after the Claddagh, a small fishing village near Galway on Ireland’s west coast.
An origin story of the Claddagh ring involves a man named Richard Joyce, a native of Galway who was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. During his captivity, he created the first Claddagh ring for the woman he loved back in Ireland. After he was released and returned to Galway, he found that his beloved had remained faithful. He gave her the ring, and they were married.
Celtic Harp Tattoo
The Celtic harp, also known as the cláirseach in Irish or the telyn in Welsh, is a traditional musical instrument in Celtic culture and history. Evidence suggests that the harp has been used for over a thousand years and was particularly prominent in medieval Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, where it played an important role in the social and cultural life of the time.
The Celtic harp is Ireland’s national emblem, making it the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol. It appears on official documents, Irish currency, and government seals. The harp is also associated with Irish sovereignty and independence, and its image is used by nationalist movements, including groups seeking to preserve Irish culture.
Taranis Celtic Tattoo
Taranis is a Celtic god associated with thunder, lightning, and the sky. He is frequently associated with a wheel depicted with spokes, which may represent the sun, the cycles of nature, or the turning of the seasons. Taranis was worshipped by several Celtic tribes across Gaul, Britain, and other parts of Europe, where Celtic culture was influential.
Children Of Lir Celtic Tattoo
The Children of Lir is a well-known and tragic tale from Irish mythology. The story revolves around the four children of Lir, an Irish sea god, who are transformed into swans by their jealous stepmother.
Lir was a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann who had four children with his wife, Aobh. After the death of his beloved wife, the king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Bodb Derg, offered Lir another marriage, this time to Aoife, Aobh’s sister.
Over time, she grew jealous of the love and attention Lir gave them and, in an act of spite and cruelty, cursed them to spend 900 years as swans. The curse would only be lifted when they heard the bell of a new religion (Christianity) in Ireland. After 900 years, they heard the ringing of a Christian bell and were transformed back into their human forms.
However, they were aged and frail, appearing as elderly people who had endured nine centuries of suffering. Soon after, they died, finding peace and release from their long torment.
Peter Pan Celtic Tattoo
Themed in a Celtic Style, this Disney Tattoo is of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Disney’s Peter Pan is a 1953 animated feature film based on J.M. Barrie’s play and novel Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. Peter is a mischievous boy who lives in Neverland and refuses to grow up.
Also in Neverland lives Captain Hook, a villainous pirate who seeks revenge on Peter Pan for cutting off his hand, which was fed to a crocodile. With the aid of his friends, Peter confronts Captain Hook in a final showdown and defeats him.
Triskelion Celtic Tattoo
The Triskelion, also known as the Triskele or Triple Spiral, is an ancient symbol consisting of three interlocking spirals or three bent human legs radiating from a central point. The triskelion represents the cycles of life, such as birth, life, and death, or past, present, and future. The interconnected spirals symbolize the continuity and flow of these stages, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence.
Celtic Dragon Tattoo Idea
If you love Dragon Tattoos, then you’ll love Celtic Dragon Tattoos.
Celtic Dragons, unlike their other European kin, are more benevolent creatures who were believed to exist in a parallel realm to our own.
It was believed that the dragon’s power affected the land, as Druids believed that wherever the Dragons flew was important to the flow of energy through the physical world. Wherever a Dragon passed, Dragons crossed paths, or anywhere a Dragon stopped to rest became notable powerful areas.
Awen Celtic Tattoo
The Awen is a symbol in Celtic spirituality, particularly within Druidic traditions. The word “Awen” is of Welsh origin and means “inspiration” or “essence.” It is often associated with poetic inspiration, creativity, and spiritual illumination.
Neo-Druidic and Celtic revival movements have embraced the Awen symbol as a representation of spiritual growth, creativity, and the search for wisdom. It is used in modern Druid rituals, ceremonies, and teachings, often as a focal point for meditation or a symbol of spiritual awakening.
Cú Chulainn Celtic Tattoo
Cú Chulainn is a legendary figure in Irish folklore. He was the son of Deichtine and possibly the god Lugh, giving him a semi-divine heritage. As a young warrior, Cú Chulainn went to the Isle of Skye to train under the famous warrior-woman Scáthach, who taught him the arts of combat.
During his time with her, he learned many skills, including using the Gáe Bolga, a deadly barbed spear that could only be used by Cú Chulainn himself. Cú Chulainn was also known for his battle frenzy, called the ríastrad or “warp-spasm,” during which his body would undergo a terrifying transformation. His muscles would twist, and his appearance would become monstrous, making him a nearly unstoppable force in combat.
Carolingian Cross Celtic Tattoo
The Carolingian Cross is a Christian symbol associated with the Carolingian Empire, a Frankish dynasty that ruled much of Western Europe from the 8th to the 10th centuries. The decoration reflects the Carolingian period’s blending of Christian symbolism with artistic styles influenced by Celtic, Germanic, and Roman traditions.
Leprechaun Celtic Tattoo
Leprechauns are one of the most well-known figures in Irish folklore. Tiny, mischievous, magical beings, they are typically associated with luck, gold, and trickery and have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Despite their modern style of all green, older depictions showed them wearing red clothing, which was considered traditional for fairies in earlier Irish folklore. They often have a shoemaker’s apron and carry a tiny hammer or tools, as leprechauns are considered cobblers by trade.
Brigid Celtic Tattoo
Brigid, also known as Brighid, Brigit, or Brìghde, is a prominent figure in Irish mythology, embodying themes of healing, fire, poetry, fertility, and protection. Brigid is another member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and is said to be the daughter of the Dagda, the great father god.
As Christianity spread in Ireland, the goddess Brigid was Christianized and became known as Saint Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, alongside Saint Patrick and Saint Columba. She is said to have been born in the 5th century to a Druid father and Christian mother and is believed to have founded a monastery in Kildare.
Lord Of The Rings Celtic Tattoo
This Film Tattoo is of the Lord of the Rings in a Celtic Style. The Lord of the Rings is a high-fantasy epic set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, written by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story revolves around a malevolent artifact, the One Ring, created by the Dark Lord Sauron to control all other Rings of Power and dominate Middle-earth.
Tolkien’s Elves, with their immortality, beauty, and connection to nature, bear similarities to the Aos Sí, the supernatural beings of Celtic mythology who inhabit the Otherworld. The Elvish realms like Lothlórien and Rivendell can be seen as akin to mystical lands such as Tír na nÓg, a place of eternal youth in Celtic lore.
Celtic Tree Of Life Tattoo
This design is of a Celtic Tree of Life Tattoo.
The Tree of Life is a symbol that exists in multiple different cultures throughout the world, representing interconnectedness, growth, balance, and the cycle of life. In Celtic mythology, the Tree of Life, known as “Crann Bethadh” in Irish, holds deep spiritual significance and is connected to themes of nature, wisdom, and the divine.
Solomon’s Knot Celtic Tattoo
Solomon’s Knot is an ancient symbol with roots in various cultures and traditions. The design has been used for thousands of years across different civilizations, appearing in art, architecture, and religious contexts, and its pattern has made it popular in Celtic art, Roman mosaics, and Islamic architecture.
Dullahan Celtic Tattoo
The Dullahan is a figure from Irish folklore, depicted as a headless horseman who serves as a harbinger of death. The Dullahan carries his own head with a grinning face under his arm. The face has dark, lifeless eyes that can see great distances, allowing the Dullahan to spot his intended victim.
Setanta Cetic Tattoo
Before being given the name Cú Chulainn, Setanta displayed extraordinary talents and bravery as a child. He was known for his strength, speed, and combat skills, which set him apart from other children.
When arriving at a feast at Emain Macha, the royal seat of the King of Ulster, the smith Culann had already released his ferocious guard dog to protect his home, not knowing that the boy had arrived. Using his hurling skills, Setanta killed the dog in self-defense, striking it down with his hurley (A stick used for the sport of hurling) and sliotar (ball).
Having killed not only a protector but also a prized possession, Setanta offered to take the dog’s place and serve as Culann’s guard until a replacement could be raised. As a result, he was given the name Cú Chulainn, meaning “Culann’s Hound.”
Irish Wolf Hound Tattoo
This Animal Tattoo is of the Irish Wolfhound, an iconic dog breed from Ireland known for its impressive size, strength, and noble appearance. The dog is an ancient breed, with evidence of large sighthounds in Ireland dating back to around 700 BCE. These early dogs were highly valued by the Celts and used in hunting large game, such as elk, wild boar, and wolves.
Werewolf of Ossory Tattoo
Werewolves might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to Irish mythology. However, the Werewolf of Ossory refers to a legend from medieval Irish folklore, which tells of people in the region of Ossory who could transform into wolves.
In a Medievil text, “The Topography of Ireland,” the book recounts a story of a priest traveling through the woods in Ossory who encounters a talking wolf. The wolf revealed itself to be a human who had been transformed into a wolf and explained that his wife, who had also been transformed, was near death and requested spiritual assistance for her soul.
Celtic Cross Tattoo Ideas
The Celtic Cross Tattoo is a symbol of faith in Christianity that represents Christ’s sacrifice. The circle behind it is believed to symbolize God’s eternal love or Christ’s halo. The Celtic Cross can be seen as a representation of our mind, soul, body, and heart.
Niamh Celtic Tattoo
Niamh is one of the most prominent figures in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. In many versions of the Irish myths about her, Niamh is said to be the daughter of Manannán mac Lir, the god of the sea and the Otherworld.
Niamh fell in love with Oisín at first sight after seeing him while he was out hunting. So, in love, she offered to bring Oisín to Tír na nÓg (The Land of Eternal Youth). Oisín agrees, and they live together happily for what seems to him like a few years. However, time doesn’t pass at the same rate in the Land of Tír na nÓg, as much more time has passed in the mortal realm.
Dearly missing home and believing to have only been in Tír na nÓg for three years, Niamh reluctantly allows him to return home, under the condition he doesn’t dismount his horse. When Oisín arrives back in Ireland, he discovers that hundreds of years have passed since he left. While trying to help some men move a heavy stone, Oisín falls off his horse, and upon touching the ground, he rapidly ages into an old, frail man, weighed down by the centuries he spent in Tír na nÓg.
Stag Celtic Tattoo
In Celtic culture, the stag represents nobility, strength, renewal, and the natural world. As the Celts were deeply connected to nature and life cycles, they viewed the stag as a powerful and sacred animal associated with deities, the Otherworld, and spiritual transformation.
Fionn mac Cumhaill Celtic Tattoo
Fionn mac Cumhaill is one of the most legendary heroes in Irish mythology. Fionn was the son of Cumhall, the leader of the Fianna, and Muirne, the daughter of a mighty druid named Tadg mac Nuadat. Cumhall had abducted Muirne against her father’s wishes, leading to a battle in which Cumhall was killed by Goll mac Morna, who then took over the leadership of the Fianna.
Muirne was forced to flee following Cumhall’s death, and Fionn was raised in secret by two warrior women, Bodhmall (his aunt) and Líath Luachra, in the forests. They trained him in hunting, combat, and survival, preparing him for his future as a warrior and leader.
As Fionn grew older, he sought to avenge his father’s death and reclaim his rightful place as leader of the Fianna. He confronted Goll mac Morna and won the loyalty of the Fianna warriors, eventually becoming their commander.
Onchú Celtic Tattoo
The Onchú is a lesser-known mythical beast from Irish mythos. This supernatural creature, while appearing as an extremely large wolf, can shapeshift, has unnatural resilience, and is keenly intelligent.
One of the most famous legends about the Onchú features the warrior Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, a member of the Fianna (Ireland’s warrior race). Diarmuid encounters an enormous Onchú terrorizing the countryside and is tasked with slaying the beast to protect the people.
After a fierce battle, Diarmuid defeats the Onchú, proving his heroism and strength
Keldeo Pokemon Tattoo
This Pokemon Tattoo is of Keldo, the 647th Pokemon in the Pokedex. Keldeo is likely based on the Kelpie from Scottish mythology. This Pokemon appears in the Crown Tundra, an area based on Scotland.
The Sluagh Celtic Tattoo
The Slaugh are an eerie group of supernatural spirits from Irish and Scottish folklore. Known as the “Host of the Unforgiven Dead” or the “Fairy Host,” the Sluagh are believed to be restless souls or wicked spirits who were not accepted into the Otherworld or Heaven.
The Sluagh are described as dark, shadowy figures resembling a flock of birds or bats that fly through the air. They are said to move in a swarm or cloud, often accompanied by a cold wind and haunting cries.
Aos Sí Celtic Tattoo
More commonly known as fairies, the Aos Sí are a supernatural race in Irish mythology. Aos Sí” means “people of the mounds,” which refers to their association with ancient burial mounds or fairy hills, known as sidhe.
The Aos Sí are often seen as inhabitants of the Otherworld and are described in various ways, ranging from ethereal, human-like beings to small, winged creatures. Some tales depict them as beautiful and radiant, while others describe them as shadowy or fearsome figures.
Boudicca Celtic Tattoo
Boudicca was the queen of the Iceni tribe in ancient Britain, which led a major uprising against Roman rule around 60–61 AD. The Iceni were a Celtic tribe that lived in what is now Norfolk and parts of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire in eastern England.
When Boudicca’s husband Prasutagus died, the Romans ignored his will that left his kingdom jointly to his two daughters and the Roman emperor. In response, Boudicca united several tribes in a rebellion, including the Iceni, Trinovantes, and other discontented tribes.
Despite sacking and burning towns such as Camulodunum, Londinium, and Verulamium and killing 70,000 to 80,000 Roman civilians and British collaborators, the rebels were soundly defeated at The Battle of Watling Street due to the Romans’ superior discipline and tactical advantages.
Lugh Celtic Tattoo
Lugh is often regarded as one of the greatest of the Tuatha Dé Danann, associated with skill, craftsmanship, the arts, war, and light. This earned him the epithet “Lugh Lámhfada” (Lugh of the Long Arm).
Lugh was considered to excel in craftsmanship, poetry, healing, sorcery, martial arts, music, and metalworking, among other talents. His role as a god of skills and talents made him a patron of artists, warriors, and craftsmen.
Cernunnos Celtic Tattoo
Cernunnos is a Celtic God associated with nature, fertility, animals, wealth, and the underworld and is considered a protector of wildlife and the natural world. “Cernunnos” is derived from the Gaulish language and roughly translates to “Horned One.” The only known inscription explicitly naming him as “Cernunnos” is found on the Pillar of the Boatmen, a first-century AD Roman artifact discovered in Paris.
He is frequently depicted in a cross-legged or seated position, suggesting a state of meditation or a connection to the spiritual realm. This posture emphasizes his role as a god of balance and harmony between nature, life, and the Otherworld.
Sadbh Celtic Tattoo
Sadbh was originally a beautiful maiden who was enchanted by a druid named Fer Doirich. The druid had fallen in love with Sadbh, but when she rejected him, he cursed her, transforming her into a deer. One day, while hunting with the Fianna, Fionn mac Cumhaill encountered the enchanted deer in the forest near Benbulben, a mountain in County Sligo (my hometown).
When Fionn encountered the Doe, the Dogs accompanying him, who themselves were humans transformed into animals, did not harm her. Depending on the story, Sadbh’s curse is broken either by being touched by Bran or by setting foot in the castle of Fianna.
After reverting to her human form, she falls in love with Fionn, and they marry.
Crash Bandicoot Celtic Tattoo
Lastly, we have a Video Game Tattoo in a Celtic style. Crash Bandicoot is a video game series that debuted in 1996 for the Sony PlayStation. The games follow the adventures of Crash, a genetically enhanced, anthropomorphic bandicoot. The story typically revolves around Crash’s efforts to thwart his creator, the Evil Dr.Cortex’s plans for world domination and to rescue his friends.
Where To Get Your Celtic Tattoo
Now that we’ve seen some amazing Celtic Tattoo Designs let’s take a look at some of the best locations for your potential new ink.
Celtic Forearm Tattoo
The Forearm is a terrific location for first-time tattooers. This spot has a lot of muscle and fat, which will help protect your nerves from feeling too much pain when under the needle. It is also one of the best locations to show off your design easily.
Hand Celtic Tattoo
While the hand may be one of the best places to get a Celtic Tattoo that you can show off all the time, it is a location that comes at a cost. This location has extremely thin skin with little bone protection so that you will feel every second of the tattooing experience.
Wrist Celtic Tattoo
The wrist is another fantastic location to show off your Tattoo Design. However, like the hand, it is also extremely uncomfortable to get inked due to its thin skin and proximity to nerves, tendons, and veins.
Foot With Celtic Tattoo
The foot is a unique place to get your Celtic Tattoo. Like the hand, it will be extremely painful, but it isn’t easily shown off unless you are barefoot. However, it can make for a striking design, such as this Mari Lwyd, a Welsh folk tradition involving a horse skull mounted on a pole decorated with white cloth, ribbons, and sometimes bells.
Chest Celtic Tattoo
Lastly, the chest is another fantastic place to get your Celtic Tattoo. For men, the pectoral muscle has a lot of space for large and intricate designs, and for women, the anatomy of the breast allows for unique designs. This lovely design is a necklace piece that spans across the chest and shoulders and around the back.
Conclusion
So ends our journey through the mythical realm of Celtic Tattoo Designs. We hope that with our help, you’ve found the inspiration you’ve been searching for. But hey, if Celtic Tattoos still don’t inspire you, check out these Viking Tattoos instead. If Taranis inspires you, check out these Lightning Bolt Tattoo ideas. To stick with the nature theme, check out these Wolf Tattoo ideas.
