More Than Just a Stick—It’s a Legacy
In Ireland, making a walking stick isn’t just a craft—it’s a calling. The best blackthorn sticks come from men and women who’ve spent decades learning when to cut, how to season, and where the best branches grow.
Most of our makers grew up surrounded by blackthorn hedgerows and inherited this knowledge from family. It’s not taught in schools—it’s taught in sheds, fields, and by the fire.
Irish walking stick in Blackthorn and Hazel
The Tools May Be Old, But They Still Work
Traditional Irish stick makers don’t rely on high-tech tools. Most still use hand saws, rasps, files, and blowtorches—some of them passed down through generations.
Each stick is cut, dried, shaped, and finished by hand. You can’t rush it—and you can’t fake it. The result? A one-of-a-kind Irish walking stick made with skill, patience, and pride.
The Stories Behind the Sticks
One of our craftsmen once told us how his father used to test a finished shillelagh by hitting it against a rock. “If it didn’t crack, it was ready.” Another swears he can tell how long a stick needs to season just by the sound it makes when tapped.
These are more than tricks of the trade—they’re insights earned over a lifetime.
A New Generation Steps In
Thankfully, the craft isn’t dying. In recent years, younger generations have begun to take up the mantle—sons and daughters learning from their elders, mixing tradition with modern pride.
They’re still using blackthorn, still respecting the drying process, and still shaping every handle by hand. The tradition is alive and well.
When You Buy from Us, You Support This Tradition
At MyIrishWalkingStick.com, we’re proud to support these craftsmen. Every stick you buy helps preserve a piece of Irish culture—and keeps these skills alive for the next generation.
You're not just buying a product. You're walking with a story in your hand.
