About Celtic Tattoos Design

Celtic history goes back thousands and thousands of years. Early Celtic people were well known for their skills in artwork of jewelry, metal, and even weapons. They were warriors as well, regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans. Throughout Ireland, there are many examples and evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic cross.

Over the years, modern Celtics evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. Throughout North America, Celtic people often wear these symbols to let others know that they are a Celtic descent. The symbols and knowledge have been passed down through the years, as there is little no written history. Tattooing however, keeps the Celtic tradition alive with the infamous Celtic cross and other popular Celtic designs.

Celtic Tattoos Design

Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland, where the evidence of Celtic history is very strong indeed. The Trinity College found in Dublin, Ireland, contains many manuscripts that document the Celtic heritage and symbols. The height of Celtic tattooing however, occurred during the era when stone and metal work was really popular.

Celtic knot tattoos are some of the most popular and most common designs, featuring loops with no end that symbolize a never ending cycle of dying and rebirth. There are also Celtic animal tattoo designs as well, which are similar in design to the knot tattoos, although the cords in the design normally terminate in heads, tails, and feet. The pure knot tattoo designs are normally never ending, unless an individual adds an end to symbolize a spiral.

The meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos defies any type of literal translation and is found at a much deeper level. The interlacing of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of both physical and spiritual elements. The strands and their never ending path is a popular design for Celtic tattoos, representing life, faith, and love. For many years, Celtics have used these designs for emotional as well as heritage purposes.

Celtic cross tattoo

Those who are from a Celtic descent, Irish, Scots, or Welsh, normally find a Celtic tattoo to be a great way to express their heritage pride. These tattoos help to reestablish pride, and give tribute to one’s ancestors. The tattoos aren’t easy to do, most taking several hours. Unlike other tattoo designs, Celtic tattoos are among the hardest designs in the world.

Celtic cross tattoos

If you are from a Celtic descent and have decided to get a Celtic tattoos, the first thing to do is find an artist capable of doing the tattoo. The designs are very difficult and not all tattoo artists can do them. It’s always best to find a tattoo artist who has a background in Celtic designs, as this will ensure the tattoo is done correctly. The artist who does the tattoo needs to have an eye for detail and exact line placement – which is a skill that not all tattoo artists possess.

The Art of Celtic Tattoos

The Art of Celtic Tattoos - Designs and Ideas


By Terreance Thomas

Celtic tattoos are one of the more popular arts in the tattoo world. They have a wide variety of different symbols and each symbol relates to the celtic heritage. Some of the celtic tattoo designs include crosses, symbols, and sleeves. However the celtic knot is probably the most popular designs included in the celtic art. Celtic tattoos which include the knot are made up of complex interwoven lines and these lines represent knots, mazes, spirals, and other figures.


Animals are also very popular in the celtic art and for certain reasons. The celts believed by painting a certain animal on their body they would some how inherit the animal's characteristics. This is why animal symbols are so heavily used in celtic tattoo designs. The snake is one of the first animal symbols used in these tattoo designs. The snake represents being reborn because of the way snakes shed their skin.


Horses are also very popular in the celtic art and they represent elegance and strength. Other animal symbols frequently used in the celtic artwork is that of the dog and the rooster. The dog symbol represents divinity while the rooster represents a new day. Trees are another commonly found celtic tattoo design and they symbolize long life and good health.


The horn is also seen regularly in the celtic designs. The horn symbolizes renewal because it was believed when you drink out of a horn you were renewing yourself.


Finally, the number 3 is very important to the celtic art. The number 3 stands for the three transitions in life, birth, life, and death.


As you can see there are more than a few designs and ideas for you to use in the celtic art. A lot of people get these tattoos because each tattoo design represents something or has a meaning, but many other people get them just because they love the artwork.