Irish Walking Sticks, Beauty And Function All In OneThese walking sticks are often crafted of a stout piece of hardwood such as oak or blackthorn, often with a large knob at the very end, and sometimes with a strap attached, to be placed around the wrist of the person using it. They can provide support similar to a cane, or can be very useful in hiking over uneven terrain. The appearance of many Irish walking sticks, or shillelaghs is unmistakable. Traditionally, the wood pieces were coated with butter, and placed inside of a chimney to cure, giving a black, shiny appearance to the finished stick. The whole process of completing a shillelagh can take up to three years. Although, today we regard these beautiful and unique Irish walking sticks as articles of interest, and in some cases, collectibles, this was not their original intent. These shillelaghs were often referred to as "fighting sticks", and could easily be used to defend oneself. In fact, sometimes the rounded knob at the end of the stick was filled with molten lead, to potentially deliver an even more potent blow. The word 'shillelagh" comes from the Shillelagh forest in County Wicklow, Ireland. This forest was renowned for its many expanses of huge oak trees, before being virtually clear-cut for exportation. To own one of these Irish walking sticks, is like owning a piece of art, a piece of history, an example of craftsmanship, and a truly useful aid all at the same time. While these sticks can be very affordable, some older, and more collectible versions, can be pricey. Whether you are a collector of antiquities or simply a hiker who needs a really solid and functional walking stick for your travels, a shillelagh may be just the thing for you. With its dark, shiny surface, rounded knob-like end, and classic look, the shillelagh is sure to draw attention from anyone who sees it. Beauty, function and a rich history make these sticks well worth having. |