What is this symbol?

gormdubhgorm · 11-09-2023 11:24AM #1

I believe it is above a house numbered 15 Nuns Island Co Galway

Is it an old na Fianna Eireann thing? A religious thing? Or what is it?

gipi · 11-09-2023 11:44AM

My first thought was the religious "IHS" or "JHS" symbol, often seen in churches. Google images for "IHS religious symbol" shows a lot of examples, which wouldn't be too far from what's over the door here.

Edit to add: Is this it? Found on reddit - it was a tile to commemorate the 1932 Eucharistic Congress, apparently

https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/y4mb23/anyone_know_what_this_symbol_over_a_door_means/?rdt=37060

gormdubhgorm · 11-09-2023 11:46AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121096592#Comment_121096592

Thanks, that would make sense given the area that it is in etc. But the writing on it is unclear.

magicbastarder · 11-09-2023 12:03PM

certainly looks like the IHS symbol to me, which is a generic religious symbol - i don't see other writing though?

gipi · 11-09-2023 12:11PM

The reddit link I added to my earlier post has a clearer picture of the type of tile (not sure if it's the actual one on Nun's Island).

gormdubhgorm · 11-09-2023 12:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121096592#Comment_121096592

Jayus fair play that looks like it, spot on.

whisky_galore · 11-09-2023 01:00PM

They were probably souvenirs that were sold at the time of the Congress, like those little badges that are still in the sewing boxes and drawers of many an old house yet. Some enterprising tile manufacturers must have thought they'd make a killing. I've seen them on many older houses.

What is this symbol?

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