Celtic Design Tattoos | Best Celtic Tattoo Design

With wide-ranging meanings that span a multitude of cultures, Celtic cross tattoos join the abundant variations of one of the most widely known forms of expression and belief. The Celtic cross is a popular selection in tattoos because it showcases origins linked to both the Christian Cross and Celtic fertility symbols.

The Celtic tattoo design may highlight a series of knots in a cross, but is most often selected to show ties to the Irish culture. Today, the intricate artistic designs and never-ending possibilities of Celtic cross tattoos have gained a large following outside of this cultural symbolism.

When a Celtic cross tattoo is chosen for symbolic reasons, it often pays homage to the ancient culture, which shows through in specific knot patterns. In the center of the cross, plenty of expressive designs are available for those who are looking for non-cultural tattoo selections.

The Meaning and History of Celtic Cross Tattoos

The Celtic cross possesses a distinct and characteristic circle that is one of the most widely recognized of all Celtic imagery. The circle of the cross is often seen as a halo or a symbol of eternity.

In Ireland, Scotland, and other Celtic locations, the establishment of imposing crosses made of stone (referred to as “High Crosses”) was known to emerge as a significant tradition in sculpture display. These arrangements date back to the 9th century or earlier.

Throughout the Celtic Revival, newer constructions in this same style blossomed in order to send out a message of Celtic heritage.

Throughout the years, the Celtic cross has been compared to pagan sun symbols, as well as connected to the mystical nature of early Celtic Christians. Overall, Celtic cross tattoos serve as a symbol of pride pertaining to ethnic heritage that relates to the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh.

Scandinavians are also attracted to this particular design, as Celtic art and Norse art share similarities and represent a historic exchange of culture.

In general, there has always been an attraction towards the spirals, mazes, and elaborate interweaving that represents the belief that there is no beginning and no end. Sometimes, the Celtic cross is used to represent the changing of seasons or refer to various stages in life.

Best Celtic tattoos

Celtic tattoos have a long history. Celtic tattoo designs have become very popular in recent years. The designs vary but a few designs are the most popular.


While there are many variations on Celtic tattoo design, the Celtic knot is the most commonly seen and used for tattoos. This knot is many strands woven together to create the symbol or design of the knot that is to be used. These knots have different meanings and were used for different purposes. The Celtic knot is often referred to as an endless knot which symbolizes the eternal spiritual being that are people. There is no beginning and there is no end to spirituality and life itself. This is representative of the extremely superstitious and spiritual nature of the Celts. The endless knot can be intertwined with an animal or can be woven in the form of a triangle or a cross.

The Celtic cross symbolizes ones’ faith and the end of the polytheistic ways of the Celts and the acceptance of Christianity. The earliest Celtic tattoos were dated back to 3000BC to a man with tribal tattoos on his shoulder. While there is no way of knowing of sure whether or not the ancient Celts actually used our modern Celtic tattoo design as tattoos it is thought that these tattoos were primarily worn by Celtic warriors as an intimidation tactic during times of conflict, which was,from a historical point of view, a common reason for tattooing. If these tattoos did happen it is uncertain what these designs were, although it is certain that the symbols such as the knots or the use of animals within the knots have always been used to show the feelings one has for something. This is also the reasoning that many people use for getting Celtic tattoos now.

While there may be many different accounts of if Celtics were tattooed and if so how much what cannot be disputed is that what this group of people started visually has remained a part of modern tattoo culture up through the present. For the last five thousand and eight years Celtic tattoos have linked one with their faith and tradition and it is certain that this tradition will last for another five thousand and eight years.

Celtic Tattoo designs

Celtic tattoos are still one of the most popular types of design despite their long history. These designs have existed for thousands of years, yet more than one thousand people search for information about celtic tattoo designs every day. So why are these designs still such a popular choice for tattoos?


The Celtic people have a long and proud history. From ancient times their people have shown an artistic ability to create complex works of art. These elaborate patterns took pride of place on their stonework, metalwork, weapons and jewelry. In fact ancient celtic designs carved in stone can still be found in both Ireland and Scotland.

Celtic tattoo designs usually consist of elaborate patterns of lines, loops and spirals that are linked together in a decorative manner. Occasionally animal designs, often depicting the tiger and the lion are incorporated into the tattoo design. These celtic animal designs (often known as zoomorphic tattoo designs) differ from traditional celtic patterns as the various lines and strands of the design end in animal heads, feet and tails instead of following a never ending path.

The meaning of these patterns is not readily apparent. To find the real meaning of celtic artwork you have to look much deeper. The constant interlacing of lines and spirals symbolizes the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. And the never ending route of the loops and spirals represents the never ending cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Celtic designs also represent the fight and the heart of the Celtic people who were renowned throughout the world as courageous warriors. And it’s thanks to a combination of these noble values and the timeless symbolism of these patterns that they remain such a popular choice for tattoo designs.

The most popular and well known of all the celtic designs are the celtic knot and the celtic cross.

Celtic Knot: This tattoo consists of decorative loops with no beginning and no end which represents the continuing cycle of life and death.

Celtic Cross: The celtic cross is usually a highly elaborate design containing many interlinking spirals and strands. Once again, the lines used to create the outline of the cross don’t have a beginning or an end, and as such represent the immortality of human life and love. The cross is also significant as the Celtic people believed it would protect them from their enemies.

Celtic tattoo designs are a great way of expressing pride in your ancestry whether you are of Irish, Scottish or Welsh descent. In fact these designs are highly popular among people from North America who have Celtic ancestors.

However, you should be aware that due to the elaborate nature of these patterns, celtic tattoo designs are not easy to create. So before you start, make sure that you find a tattoo artist who has experience in creating celtic tattoo designs. An eye for detail and the ability to place the lines and spirals in exactly the right place is vital. And even once you find a talented artist, it will take a lot of time, patience and dare I say it, tolerance of pain, in order to get your celtic design just right. So make sure that you find the perfect celtic design before you go any further.

celtic tattoos

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Thinking of a Celtic Tattoo? Here are samples of just some of the sweet Celtic Tattoo’s you will find on the website.

cletic dising

One of my favorite tattoo designs is the Celtic butterfly tattoo. It is feminine, interesting to look at and has meaning and symbolism. Although, most Celtic tattoos are traditionally done in mostly black the Celtic butterfly tattoo can be beautifully done in a variety of colors.

Celtic tattoo designs are extremely popular, some being the most widely selected. Typical Celtic tattoos are admired ornaments, which include interlacing patterns, complicated and twisted knots, colors, complex spiral motives, and animals. The intricate designs and meaningful symbolism are what make these tattoos so popular.


The most commonly used symbol by the Celtics in ancient times was the Celtic cross symbolizing unity of the opposite spheres. The vertical part of the cross for heaven and earth and the horizontal for male and female. As in most all Celtic design you find interlaced patterns of twisted knots and spirals symbolic for the forever ongoing cycle, underlining this union. The Celtic butterfly tattoo’s meaning is rebirth and transformation. In fact the winged form of a butterfly has been used as a symbol for the human soul since ancient times. Because of the beauty, power of flight, and complete metamorphosis found in butterflies they are often found in many myths. Although, as you pick a design and wear it the meaning can take a completely different dimension unique to you.

Because of the complexity of Celtic tattoo designs, I would strongly recommend that you find a tattoo artist who is familiar and has experience specifically with them. Just like every tattoo artist can not do a portrait, many do not have the eye for detail and exact line placement for the Celtic butterfly tattoo. You may take in a picture you have found or drawn and ask the tattoo artist to sketch it on paper before committing to it in permanent ink.

Celtic Design Tattoos

Many people today are getting Celtic tattoos. These ancient symbols have awakened some real sense of meaning. Perhaps this is because the modern world does not have much to do with tradition and symbols and there is a human need for these things. This is what writers like Joseph Campbell have said. Although he wasn’t talking about tattoos, that is definitely one way that people are reclaiming ancient practices.


What is the origin of Celtic symbols such as knotwork, spirals, animal forms and crosses? In some cases, it goes back hundreds of years to books like the Book of Kells. The original version of this beautiful illuminated manuscript is now in Dublin, at Trinity College. It contains many of the Celtic style spirals, knotwork and zoomorphic (animal) images that have become so popular as tattoos.

Some Celtic symbols, however, go back even further in time. The Celts can be traced as far back as around 500 B.C. They did not keep written records, so much of what we know about them comes from either oral tradition or from what their enemies, such as the Romans, wrote about them. Historians believe that the Celts at some point moved to lands such as Britain and Ireland that were originally occupied by earlier, unknown people. These earlier tribes created some of the early symbols, such as triple spirals, and certain types of crosses, that the Celts would later adapt as their own.

There is no doubt, however, that the Celts developed an artistic style of their own. The fact that they took some of their images from earlier civilizations is not unusual. Every culture in history has done this –the Romans, for example, borrowed from the Greeks, who borrowed from the Egyptians, and so on.

Perhaps what is most distinctive about Celtic artwork is the focus on symbols that have to do with infinity, or the ever-repeating cycles of life. This can be seen most clearly in Celtic knots, which beautifully illustrate the connected and never-ending movement of all things. Spirals also convey this kind of idea. Today we see many people wearing tribal type Celtic tattoo designs based on knotwork or spirals.

More complex Celtic artwork, such as the zoomorphic animal images also use spiral designs and these are often rendered in modern Celtic tattoos. When it comes to tattoos, these images can be made even more striking by using vivid colors. Animals depicted in traditional Celtic designs include birds, reptiles, horses and dragons, all of which can make great tattoos. Other images that are popular as Celtic tattoos include harps, Celtic crosses and swords.

Some people get Celtic tattoos to express their heritage, but this isn’t always the case. In today’s multicultural world, you don’t have to be of Irish, Scottish or Welsh ancestry to appreciate Celtic art and people of all backgrounds get Celtic tattoos.

With such a rich and diverse wealth of material to choose from, it’s likely that Celtic tattoo designs will remain popular for a long time.

celtic tatto art

Celtic tattoos are all the rage right now, and for good reason – these highly-detailed images look good and carry a highly symbolic weight. The following are some of the most popular Celtic tattoo designs.

Celtic Knot – The Celtic knot is a series of interwoven lines that interact together like a puzzle to form a pleasing design or zoomorphic form. Although their origin is still debated and may include a Norse influence, the key feature of the design is that none of the lines in the knot ever end – they all continue on to connect with one another throughout the design. This is said to represent continuity in life, the cycle of the seasons and the vast complexity of nature.

Celtic Cross – Celtic cross tattoos carry the same weaving line structure as the Celtic knot, but instead of forming a simple pattern, the strands of the design come together to outline the shape of a Christian cross. This design is highly religious in nature, and is often used by different groups of Celtic people to proclaim their ethnicity as well.

Claddagh – The Claddagh is a recognizable symbol of Celtic and Irish origins. The design traditionally features two hands clasping a heart that is covered by a crown. Although this design is most widely seen in the form of a ring that’s given to symbolize the intent to wed, it’s also popular as a tattoo for its graphic representation of everlasting love, loyalty and fidelity.

Celtic Tree of Life – The Celtic tree of life tattoo is fairly self-explanatory. In the same style as the Celtic knot and the Celtic cross, the Celtic tree of life tattoo is composed of interweaving lines that form branches around a central tree trunk. Again, no ends of the lines are exposed, so the design takes on a feeling of continuity and permanence. In addition, the Celtic tree of life tattoo is said to represent the beginning and end of life, as well as the eternal nature of the world.

cletic dising

The tribal Celtic tattoo is a very classic piece, and makes a amazing tattoos. Finding the good artwork online can be a pain, though, as you may have found out. Here are some tips on how to avoid the generic designs on the internet, as well as how to bypass that as get right to the quality art on the web.



The tribal Celtic tattoo is artwork that is a mixture of different cultures. You probably know the good history behind the Celt art in question, or else you wouldn’t be looking to get this artwork inked on your skin. The problem with finding the quality designs on the internet is that the web is filled with a huge amount of generic and outdated content. You should not settle for a Google search, or content from some random websites that may have a bunch of tattoos and artwork to choose from. The problem with a lot of those kinds of websites is that they have artwork that is mostly over seven years old and is plastered all over the internet already. Who knows how many people may have that tribal Celtic tattoo inked on their skin already?

Also, those places have designs that were not actually drawn to be implemented as tattoos. The artists that draw a lot of it have no real knowledge when it comes to drawing something that will look good once made into real life tattoos. While the artist may be good at what they do, which is draw, a lot of them do not know what it takes to makes something that will look good once inked on someone’s skin. This is not the kind of tribal Celtic tattoo that you want. You want an original, high quality art piece that you will love for a long time to come.

There is a ways around all of the generic artwork, though….

It starts with using internet forums. Forums are such a great places to find just about any information on any given subject, including tribal Celtic tattoo designs and any Celt artwork you might be looking for. Remember people love to brag to others when they happen to find a website filled with what they are looking for, which in this case will be a tribal Celtic tattoo and where the original content is located. There is not a better place on the internet for people to spread the word to others who are looking for the same thing than by posting in a forum and you can reap the benefits. Finding a tribal Celtic tattoo design with the help of forums can make it much easier on you and much more fun.

As a person looking to get a new piece of artwork on their skin, you want your art to be quality and original. Getting the perfect tribal Celtic tattoo does not have to be hard anymore and please, don’t go ahead and settle for generic designs.

Celtic Design Tattoos

Finding Celtic tattoos on the internet can be just about impossible, I know, especially when you only want to top notch Celt artwork out there. Some people just go ahead and give up completely on their search, while other folks even settle on designs they aren’t 100% in love with, which no sane person should ever do. Well, here is what you need to know about so much of the generic artwork on the web, as well as how to locate the really good stuff.

Celtic tattoos can be some of the most amazing designs there are, but actually finding the great artwork to make them great can be very, very hard. When it comes to this fantastic design choice, you should never “settle” on something just because it was all you could find. There are much better ways than that. To avoid this from happening to you don’t rely on something like a Yahoo or Google search to locate your designs. This just leads to bland, generic, cookie-cutter websites that have no real value other than having a lot of artwork. These domains have nothing but artwork that is well over five years old in most cases. Also, the designs they do have are already plastered on hundreds and hundreds of other websites. Who knows how many people have those Celtic tattoos inked on their skin already? That would not be a fun thing to experience. You want your designs to be top quality and you want them to be pretty original; not cookie-cutter Celtic tattoos that dozens and dozens of other people will have on their body.

The good news is that you can easily find quality Celtic tattoos online without having to settle for the loads of generic artwork that floods the internet….

Now that you know to avoid the Googles and Yahoos of the world, you will need to know what to use in order to locate those genuine Celtic tattoos and the artwork for them. It all starts with internet forums. I can’t tell you how many separate times I, and so many other people I know, have used forums to locate quality artwork for tattoos. This is where you can find the posts about those hidden websites that don’t necessarily pop up in search results. This is also where you will find the websites that have designs that were truly drawn to be implemented as a tattoo. Most of those cookie-cutter websites have art that was made by people that have no clue what it takes to draw something that will look even half as good once inked on a person’s skin. Those are not the Celtic tattoos you want. People in forums post their findings, which are available to the select few who know where to look and you can reap the benefits of their findings. Locating Celtic tattoos and artwork is easy when you use forums, because they lead you right to the high quality websites that feature original designs.

Finding loads of original Celtic tattoos online does not have to be hard and it can even be fun now, so please, don’t settle for the tons of generic designs that litter the internet.

Celtic Design Tattoos

There is a wide range of traditional designs when you look into Celtic cross tattoos. Symbols used in ancient Celtic imagery draw on the powerful forces of nature. Celtic design tattoos and artwork originated from the Celts’ magical legends, which recognized the connection of all life forms. The Celtic cross design shows a cross with a ring around the intersection. This detailed design is also called the Irish Cross.

What is the symbolism of Celtic cross tattoos? Much of the translation of the Celtic design tattoos and symbols remains a mystery to us because they are dated before the time of written records. We rely heavily on oral histories to guide us in the observations of such extraordinary Celtic art that we see displayed in age-old manuscripts such as the prized Book of Kells.

The High Cross is one of the best-known Celtic symbols and Celtic tattoos. Celtic knot word interweaves a complex pattern to form a cross, which stands for a crossroads. You may find yourself at the beginning or end of a long journey. Celtic cross tattoos can symbolize a decision you have made or a plan. The circle is drawn as a sign of everlasting.

There are many different ways of interpreting the original purpose of Celtic crosses. As a Celtic design tattoo, the owner allows it to take on a personal meaning. Celtic cross tattoos evoke a spiritual vision of the universe. The cross points to all four directions: north, south, east, and west. It can also be related to four elements: air, earth, fire, and water. The cross enclosed within the circle suggests a place where time and space cease to exist.

The cross emerged as a Christian symbol in the 4th century, although it has a much older, pre-Christianity origin. Despite its long reign as the adopted symbol of Christians, its prehistoric meanings have not altogether vanished. Religion groups are often surprised to learn that their recognized religious symbols often had beginnings in pagan rituals. Pagans saw the circle of the Celtic cross as representative of the sun. They viewed sketches of the Celtic cross as a communication between their worlds and beyond.

The word cross in English comes from the Old Irish word, crux. The Celtic cross was believed a symbol of protection across superstitious medieval Europe. They found solace in the notion it would dispel bad spirits from the wearer. The cross continues to be respected in regards to the religious protection of the bearer.

The Celtic monks of the early Church practiced a simpler style of life, close to nature. St. Patrick was said to have used the Celtic cross to bring the Druids to Christianity. By using a familiar sight to them, it helped bright them together. Druids worshiped nature, and the missionaries build on what the groups shared in common to convert them.

Celtic cross tattoos can represent your ethnic heritage. They are often worn as a decorative emblem of pride in Irish, Scottish, or Welsh ancestry. Scandinavians are also drawn to the Celtic cross. Norse and Celtic art was exchanged between cultures during both trade and war. We have not discovered a magic codebook to explain all the hidden meaning behind Celtic art creations. The conclusions drawn from Celtic Cross Tattoos can be decided on your own.

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