29 December 1937 (constitutional status, 178 years).
Designed byIntroduced and popularised by Thomas Francis Meagher (1848).
Design & Symbolism
Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.
Proportions
1:2
Shape
Rectangular
Colors
Green#169B62 · Pantone 347 C
Green represents Ireland's Gaelic and Catholic tradition.
White#FFFFFF
The central white symbolises lasting peace between the two communities.
Orange#FF883E · Pantone 151 C
Orange represents Irish Protestants, followers of William of Orange.
Construction details
Proportions 1:2. Three equal vertical bands, green at the hoist, white in the middle, orange at the fly. Always flown with green toward the hoist. The design draws on the French Tricolour.
Construction sheet
Etiquette & protocol
How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.
Specific rules — Ireland
Green must always be placed on the hoist side.
Replacing orange with yellow, a common mistake, destroys its meaning.
Common conventions
Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.
Did you know?
Its green and orange represent two rival traditions (Catholic-nationalist and Protestant-unionist), the white between them standing for peace, 'a lasting truce'.
