Collection: Oak Shillelaghs
The first shillelaghs were made from oak, long before blackthorn became the usual wood. We still make a few oak shillelaghs each year for people who want the original. Each one is made by hand in Ireland by Aidan and his partners, and also works as an everyday Irish oak walking stick.
Trusted by the Doyle System of Bataireacht
Our sticks are endorsed by Bernard Leddy, the world-renowned fighter and chief of the Doyle system of bataireacht, Ireland's traditional art of stick fighting. Members of his club come to us regularly for their sticks, and the same care goes into every oak shillelagh we make.
Where the Shillelagh Got Its Name
There's a village in south Wicklow called Shillelagh. It was once surrounded by oak woods that were known well beyond Ireland, and the story is that the stick was named after them. A shillelagh was a club cut from Shillelagh oak.
Over the years blackthorn replaced it. Blackthorn grows in hedges all over the country, so it was much easier to get, and it's harder and tougher for its size. Oak shillelaghs became rare, which is why we only make a handful.
Choosing an Oak Shillelagh
Oak has a straighter grain than blackthorn and a smoother finish, without the knuckles. The colour is a mid brown and it gets darker over the years. Each stick is finished with boiled linseed oil, then measured and weighed, and the one in the photos is the one we send you. We ship worldwide, with duties included.
Oak Shillelagh FAQs
Were shillelaghs originally made from oak?
Yes. The earliest shillelaghs are said to have been oak clubs from the woods around Shillelagh in County Wicklow. Blackthorn only became the usual wood later.
Is the shillelagh named after a place in Ireland?
That's the popular story. Shillelagh is a village in south Wicklow that was once surrounded by oak forest, and the stick is said to be named after the oak from there.
Who makes your oak shillelaghs?
Aidan and his partners, a small group of Irish makers. Our sticks are endorsed by Bernard Leddy, chief of the Doyle system of bataireacht, and members of his club come to us for their sticks.
Why is blackthorn more common than oak today?
Blackthorn grows in hedges all over Ireland, so it's much easier to find, and it's harder for its size. Once the old oak woods were cut down, blackthorn became the obvious choice. It's still the wood most of our customers go for.
How is an oak shillelagh different from a blackthorn one?
Oak is straighter and smoother, with a brown colour. Blackthorn is darker and knobbly, with a reddish-purple tint in the bark. Both are strong. Most people simply pick the one they like the look of.
How do I look after an oak walking stick?
Keep it dry and away from radiators. Once or twice a year, rub in a little boiled linseed oil with a soft cloth so the wood doesn't dry out.