The euro (EUR or €) is the common currency for most European nations within the European Union, including Ireland. The euro coins have two different sides; one common, European side showing the value of the coin and one national side featuring a design chosen by the EU member state where the coin was minted. Each member state has one or more designs unique to that country.
For images of the common side and a detailed description of the coins, see Euro coins.
Irish euro coins all share the same design by the hand of Jarlath Hayes, that of the Celtic harp, a traditional symbol for Ireland since the Middle Ages. The harp's design is based on that of the Brian Boru harp, housed in Trinity College Dublin, and said to have once been owned by ancient High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. The same harp is used as the official Irish state symbol.
The coins' design also features the 12 stars of the EU, the year of imprint and the Irish word for Ireland, "Éire", in the traditional Gaelic alphabet.
The design of the Irish euro coins is identical to that featured on the back of Irish Punt coinage, apart from the circle of 12 stars.
| € 0.01 | € 0.02 | € 0.05 |
|---|---|---|
| The traditional Irish harp | The traditional Irish harp | The traditional Irish harp |
| The traditional Irish harp | The traditional Irish harp | The traditional Irish harp |
| The edge lettering features the number "2" six times alternated with ** for a total of 12 stars |
||
| The traditional Irish harp | The traditional Irish harp |