Irish ''Blue'' Ensign

By Crusader1307

Derived from The British Irish Naval “Green” Ensign used briefly in the 17th/18th Centuries, The so named Blue Harp Flag was first used in 1542. Revised in 1783, it was by this time identified for The Order of St. Patrick. It was flown on small ceremonial ships used to honor newly granted Knights, with a "Honor Cruise". The original design was based on The Royal English Standard of Great Britain, which featured Quartered images of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (until 1801, when The Union Jack was designed). The Flag was a Blue Field, with a large Centered Harp in Gold (the insignia of Ireland). A similar design was made (and is still used) as the official Flag of The President of Ireland.