The Irish Tricolour: The Truth behind the Symbols and Struggles that Defined a Nation

— —

John Crotty

The Irish Tricolour

Name: The Irish Tricolour
Price: 49.99 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock
ISBN: 9781837051632

The Truth behind the Symbols and Struggles that Defined a Nation

John Crotty

$49.99

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We will update you on expected arrival time to us. If this delay is too long, please let us know within 2 business days and we can give you options regarding cancelling or adjusting your order. More details on cancelling your order can be found in our Terms of Trade.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

The History Press Ltd
01 May 2026

British & Irish history; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900; Social & cultural history; Sociology: customs & traditions

The first referenced history of the tricolour and national symbols, rewriting myths uncovered along the road to nationhood and identity.

This nationally important book reveals the untold story of the Irish tricolour: its true origins, a forgotten heroine, and the emblems it replaced. For the first time, a fully referenced history corrects long-standing myths and slurs surrounding Ireland's national flag. It also reinterprets iconic Irish symbols - from the harp and shamrock to the tri-spiral - placing them within the broader journey toward Irish nationhood and national identity. Along Ireland's road to a republic, key figures are restored to their rightful place - from Owen Roe O'Neill and Wolfe Tone to Thomas Meagher, Padraig Pearse, and Amelia Eleanor Hamilton, the first known person to craft an Irish tricolour. The book explores crucial turning points

-

the rise of green as Ireland's colour, the rebellions of 1642, 1798, 1848, and 1916, Catholic Emancipation, and the flag's later use

-

and misuse. A bold, insightful retelling of Ireland's story through its symbols.

AUTHOR: John Crotty is an Irish author and historian. His debut book, Spike Island, was critically acclaimed, selling out its first print run. He previously led the marketing of Spike Island, gaining multiple press contacts. He has written for RTÉ and The Sunday Times and is an accomplished public speaker, appearing on several TV shows like the Discovery Channel and RTE, in addition to dozens of radio appearances. He holds a degree from Swansea University and regularly speaks at history and writing events. He has built a social media audience of over 8,000 with high engagement, in particular on the topic of the Irish triciolour.

15 colour, 40 b/w illustrations

By: John Crotty
Imprint: The History Press Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781837051632
ISBN 10: 1837051631
Publication Date: 01 May 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

JOHN CROTTY is an Irish author and historian. His debut book, Spike Island, was critically acclaimed, selling out its first print run and featuring in Books.ie's ‘Books of the Year’. He previously led the running of Spike Island as CEO. He has written for RTÉ and The Sunday Times and is an accomplished public speaker, appearing on several TV shows like the Discovery Channel, ITV’s How the Victorians Built Britain and RTÉ, in addition to innumerable radio appearances. He holds a degree from Swansea University and regularly speaks at history and writing events as well as contributing to historical podcasts. He has built an engaged social media audience interested in an accurate retelling of Irish history, and comprehensive historiography related to Irish symbols and identity, the Irish tricolour, Ireland in the Second World War and Spike Island.

Reviews for The Irish Tricolour: The Truth behind the Symbols and Struggles that Defined a Nation

'Ireland does have a fantastically rich history and culture, and Crotty is right to be unashamedly proud of it…he has done the nation some service.' * Review in <i>Irish Independent</i> *