With the root of the tree being the preferred source for blackthorn wood¸ it not only makes a weightier shillelagh but also makes it less likely to crack or break when used. It’s also heavier and stronger than the typical walking stick. Sanding those thorns leaves a nubby¸ knotty appearance that immediately marks this walking stick as a high-quality blackthorn shillelagh. Shillelaghs designed form it use only straight lengths of stout blackthorn wood with spiny thorns covering it. Indeed¸ its strong association with Ireland is still the shillelagh’s most identifying feature.īlackthorn became the wood of choice due to its beauty and durability. Knowing this¸ it was an English writer who is credited with first naming this walking stick. It is from these trees that the first shillelaghs were made. Initially called an Irish bata¸ or fighting stick¸ it takes its current name from the Shillelagh Forest in County Wicklow¸ Ireland¸ whose claim to fame was once its many massive oak trees. What Is a Shillelagh?įirst¸ a shillelagh is a quite specific type of knotty walking stick. They still don’t answer exactly what it is. Yet these details demonstrate only the reasons that a shillelagh is different from other canes or walking sticks. They also explain why shillelaghs have become such cherished collectors’ items. Add to that where the wood comes from¸ along with how its Irish fighting-club history made this walking stick a distinctive part of Irish culture and heritage¸ and all these details begin to provide you with a fairly good idea of what goes into a shillelagh. For example¸ besides the blackthorn wood¸ the particular way a shillelagh is designed separates it from all other walking sticks. In fact¸ even among blackthorn canes¸ there are certain details that identify a genuine Irish shillelagh. It also makes the best quality shillelagh. While you may find a shillelagh for sale designed from ash¸ oak or holly¸ blackthorn wood is a traditional Irish choice. Specially designed¸ it has a rich Irish history that makes it unlike any other walking stick. That’s because there’s nothing ordinary about a shillelagh. Irish Blackthorn Walking Sticks & ShillelaghsĪn ordinary walking stick is often called by many names¸ but not one of those names is shillelagh. All thorns and spurs that have been completely removed should leave behind a fine dimple in the wood. ![]() ![]() ![]()
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