Irish Wake Toasts

Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words for an Irish Wake Toast at a time of great emotion. Here are some popular Irish Wake Toasts directed toward the deceased or the surviving family and friends. Mix and match Irish Wake Toasts until you find your own sentiment. We offer a lovely set of Irish Wake Tumblers – see the link at the bottom of our blog More on the Irish Wake history and current customs can be found by clicking here.

“Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.” 

“The grief of our loss may be with us for a long time, but the joy of our memories will stay forever.”

Condolence Messages in Irish:

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha – May they rest in peace

Ní maith liom do thrioblóid – Sorry for your loss

Mo chomhbhrón ort agus ar do mhuintir – My condolences to you and your family

Comhbhrón ó chroí – My deepest sympathy

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine – In the shelter of each other, people survive.

Click here to see and hear how to say it.

A Toast from the song – The Parting Glass

a) Of all the comrades that e’er I had
They’re sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e’er I had
They would wish me one more day to stay

b)…since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

More Traditional toasts…

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

“Lord, we are grieving now for someone we loved and cherished. The experience of death and bereavement can stir up in us feelings of fear for the future and lack of confidence. Renew our confidence…” 

“May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door. And happiness be with you now and bless you evermore.”

“May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.”

“Always remember to forget the things that made you sad. But never forget to remember the things that made you glad.”

“May you be in heaven a full half-hour before the devil knows you’re dead.”

“Dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening, and live every day as if it were your last.”

Irish Wake Toasts are traditionally with Irish Whiskey.

The toast itself is to speak with heart, about the person and the impact their life may have had on those they loved. Or simply to wish them rest and peace.

With a glass in hand, all in attendance raise that glass to the person lost with water of life ( Uisce Beatha * – Meaning water of life but the Irish Language for Whiskey) and the toast or toasts are spoken.

Many families look for a special glass, a glass they will always keep and use on special occasions to remember the lost person , in a way, to bring them along to the happier occasions in life.

Some families buy our Wake Toast set of Ceramic Tumblers, others ask us for Irish Crystal Tumblers.

Defining a new and enduring tradition.

The idea is that each family member ( Partner & Adult Children)  is presented with a Whiskey Tumbler that they will use for the Wake Toast, but will keep their own glass to bring to other family gatherings in the future.

If you would like to know more about our individually handmade Irish Wake set click here.

If you would like to know more about our Irish Hand Cut Crystal Tumblers and “The Parting Glass Collection” through our premier brand partnership with Gifts of Ireland – Click here.

Aidan, the owner of Gifts of Ireland, and a friend of mine, has offered Irish Urns visitors a 10% discount if you use this coupon code  PARTINGLASS

**Uisce beatha Pronounced ‘ishka bah-ha’, English-speaking countries simply took the first word– uisce— and mispronounced it, giving it the phonetically written name ‘Whiskey’.

Plant an Irish Oak Memorial Tree, in memory, as an enduring gesture to help heal the heart and the planet. Click HERE for more information A handwritten card will accompany the Planting Certificate.

The Parting Glass Collection of Irish Whiskey Tumblers – Click here