In the 19th century various tricolour flags and ribbons came to be symbolic of Irish nationalism. Many of them included the colours green (for the Roman Catholics), orange (for the Protestants), and white (for peace between them). History of the Irish Flag Ireland had different flags throughout its history. In the 13 th century, it flew a blue flag with a golden harp. Many flags then represented Ireland until the modern flag with its three colors was first officially flown in the Easter Rising in 1916. However, it was known publicly long before that. Learn about the tricolor flag of Ireland , its origin, and its representation of peace and harmony between Catholics and Protestants. Also, discover the national coat of arms, anthem, and currency of Ireland . Flag of Ireland Ireland Flag Meaning The flag of Ireland , often referred to as the “ Irish tricolor,” is a vertical tricolor consisting of three equal bands of green, white, and orange. The flag is one of the most iconic national symbols of Ireland , representing its history, political evolution, and cultural identity. The flag ’s proportions are generally described as 1:2, meaning the length of the flag is twice its height. Each of the three colors holds significant historical and ...