| Irish walking sticks, or Shillelaghs, are walking sticks that | | | | lot of different designs for Irish walking sticks, and you |
| are short and made with knotty wood. The handle is | | | | can find them from a variety of stores and websites. |
| typically a large knot or a shaped handle that is | | | | Some walking sticks are more ornate than others, for |
| designed to fit the contours of your hand. Irish walking | | | | example, some have designs carved into the stick or |
| sticks are usually made with oak or blackthorn and | | | | handle, while others have ornate stones decorating |
| they are known for their dark black finish. Some | | | | them, or they are used as the handles. Some walking |
| shillelaghs are hollowed out using molten lead, which | | | | sticks have straps attached to them too. Irish walking |
| makes them heavier. The walking sticks with lead in | | | | stick handles can vary greatly in design as well. You |
| them are referred to as 'loaded sticks.' Shillelaghs are | | | | can find basic sticks with a large knot as the handle, a |
| associated with Ireland because they originated in or | | | | shaped handle to fit with the contours of your hand, a |
| around Ireland and they were used in Ireland often. | | | | stone or gem handle, or a handle shaped like |
| They originated as weapons and were used to settle | | | | something, like the head of some animal like a wolf. |
| disputes, similar to duels using pistols or swords. They | | | | When you are looking at Irish walking sticks, it is a |
| were used as weapons often, but now they are used | | | | good idea for you to look at a variety of sticks and |
| as walking sticks. Today shillelaghs are also used as | | | | look for the stick that is most comfortable for you. It is |
| Irish symbols for several things, including many different | | | | a good idea to go to various stores that sell walking |
| sport teams. | | | | sticks and find one you like the most, and after you |
| Shillelaghs are still used today and are good for | | | | find the type that you like, it might be a good idea for |
| anybody who wants more stability when they walk, | | | | you to look online for the same stick, or a similar one. |
| but would also like a stylish walking stick. There are a | | | | |