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Irish wedding readings
Irish readings carry a particular music — half prayer, half toast, often with the weather in them. Whether you're leaning into heritage or just love the sound of the language, they land beautifully at a wedding.
Three of the most common Irish blessings are presented below — the kind you're likely to find written on a wall in an Irish pub somewhere. For poems that come out of Ireland's living culture, consider the pieces by Irish myth-keeper W.B. Yeats, the blessing from Irish priest John O'Donohue, or the lyrical music of Irish poet David Whyte.
"May the Road Rise to Meet You" blessing
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow May the soft winds freshen your spirit May the sunshine brighten your heart May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love. May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, my friend(s), May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
"God bless this couple who marry today" blessing
In good times and bad times, in sickness and health, May they know that riches aren't needed for wealth. Help them face problems they'll meet on their way — God bless this couple who marry today. May they find peace of mind comes to all who are kind, May the rough times ahead become triumphs in time, May their children be happy each day — God bless this family who started today. As they go, may they know every love that was shown, And as life gets shorter may their feelings grow. Wherever they travel, wherever they stay, God bless this couple who marry today.
"May your mornings bring joy" blessing
May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love. Your lives are very special, and God has touched you in many ways. May His blessings rest upon you and fill all your coming days.
Irish readings we love
- 01
For a new beginningby John O'Donohue, 1956 ~ 2008The delight when your courage kindled and out you stepped onto new groundRead the full poem - 02
Song of Wandering Aengusby W.B. Yeats, 1865 ~ 1939We will pluck til times and times are done, the silver apples of the moon, the golden apples of the sunRead the full poem - 03
The Trueloveby David Whyte, b. 1955You’ve simply had enough of drowning and you want to live and you want to love and you will walk across any territory and any darkness however fluid and however dangerous to take the one hand you know belongs in yours.Read the full poem - 04
Your Cathedralby Wilfred O'Dea, c1910? ~ unknownYou draw from me broken now holy that yesRead the full poem
Choosing your reading
Do I need an Irish blessing or an Irish poem?
Our Head Librarian has Irish heritage and notes that Irish blessings are a reflection of the Irish literary tradition in the same way that Irish pubs in America are a reflection of Irish social life — that is, they are a celebration of what we want Irish culture to be, but perhaps not exactly as it lives and breathes today. Take nothing away from these blessings — they are musical and full of warmth. However, if you want to bring the full richness of the Irish voice to your ceremony, you may want to consider the poems on offer here. For more help choosing your reading, check out the Free Resources we have for Resplendants (wedding readers), particularly the video 'Seven Rules You Are Totally Allowed to Break'.
What are the tips to delivering an Irish wedding reading like a pro?
Lean into the music of the language — Irish poetry and blessings have a natural rhythm that rewards a slightly slower, more deliberate delivery than you might use with contemporary verse. Don't rush the line endings; let them breathe. Make sure you check out the performance tips we have for each poem, and visit the Performance Bootcamp for general tips every Resplendant (wedding reader) can follow.