Ulster

About the flag

The Ulster Flag is a community flag proclaiming the unique identity of this traditional Irish province.

It consists of a red cross on gold, from the arms of the de Burgh family, medieval Earls of Ulster.

In the centre of the cross appears a white shield bearing the Red Hand of Ulster.

Many legends concern the origin of this emblem, linked with the powerful O’Neill family, Ulster and Ireland.

They often involve an amputation suffered to help claim and secure the crown.

The province of Ulster extends beyond the modern border of Northern Ireland and includes three counties in the Republic of Ireland.

The Ulster Flag thus appears here by agreement between the Flag Institute and Vexillology Ireland/Brateolaíocht Éireann.

Note: the Ulster Flag differs from the Ulster Banner, the former flag of Northern Ireland, which now holds no official status.