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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.
These are the Irish blessings and poems we recommend most, from household names to lesser-known lines worth speaking aloud.
Irish readings we love
- 01
For a new beginning
by John O'Donohue, 1956 ~ 2008The delight when your courage kindled and out you stepped onto new ground
Read the full poem → - 02
Song of Wandering Aengus
by W.B. Yeats, 1865 ~ 1939We will pluck til times and times are done, the silver apples of the moon, the golden apples of the sun
Read the full poem → - 03
The Truelove
by 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 →
Choosing your reading
How many readings should we have?
One or two is typical for a shorter ceremony; three works well if you'd like to give more guests a role. Vary the tone so the ceremony doesn't sit on one note.
Who should read?
Choose people whose voices you love hearing — siblings, close friends, a parent, a chosen family member. Send the reading in advance so they can practise.