From Galway to Dublin, Irish roots have a way of getting under your skin. While Ireland is ever moving forward towards a more modern existence, the rich tradition of brotherhood and unity are still alive and well. Here the people still take pride in living off the land while finding a way to contemporize tradition.

If you were to walk through downtown Dublin you would see mom and pop stores bunched together next to small bistros. Ice-cream stores that none other than beer flavored scoops and tattoo parlors that specialize in, you guessed it, Celtic design tattoos.

If your Irish roots have gotten "under your skin" you might be considering getting a tattoo to show your Irish pride and remind you of where your story began. But like any Irishman, you want your ink to mean something and if you are going to go Irish you must do as the Irish do by mixing tradition with modern wit.

The Celtic Cross

While the true origins of the Celtic Cross is still shrouded in mystery, most believe it to be a Christian symbolism combined with a sun wheel. Among other theories is that the circular portion of the cross was actually a working tool of the early Irish people which could have been used to measure, to predict weather and for other astrological purposes.