![Top 70+ Best Celtic Tribal Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]](https://nextluxury.com/wp-content/uploads/Celtic-Tribal-Shoulder-Tattoo-tattoozanto-1.jpg)
Top 70+ Best Celtic Tribal Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]
Contemporary Celtic tribal tattoo often features complex knotwork concepts, a mix of traditional and Christian symbolism, and fierce animal motifs.
The Celtic tribes of the Iron Age brightly dyed their hair and had indigo stained skin from the native Woad plant were prevalent. Tattoos were held over for important rites of passage or for recognition of great valor in battle.
Swirls, trinities, and circles are believed to symbolize nature, motion, time and the wind. The popular cross and circle stood for the unity of four directions under the sun, before shifting in meaning as Christianity replaced paganism as the main religion of the British Isles.
From ink to intimidate foes, protective animals, or the meaning of life with no beginning nor end, there are all manner of rich Celtic tribal ink patterns.
Explore this collection of top 69 Celtic Tattoo Ideas for inspiration, while to understand some of the meanings ascribed to Celtic tribal ink check out the FAQs at the end of the gallery.
1. Celtic Tribal Back Tattoo Designs
Source: @jstorm_art via Instagram
Source: @ladyducktattoos via Instagram
Source: @marrowtattoo via Instagram
Source: @r.i.p.lefteyelucy_tattooer via Instagram
Source: @rens_ink via Instagram
Source: @tattoo_chop_shop via Instagram
2. Celtic Cross Tribal Tattoo Ideas
Source: @andrewjacob93 via Instagram
Source: @bar_omeara via Instagram
Source: @george_vincent_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @heikospiketattoo via Instagram
Source: @hollywoodmarktattoo via Instagram
Source: @iconicinkkevin via Instagram
Source: @just.ailen_ via Instagram
Source: @matbonetattoo via Instagram
Source: @th.ink_tattoos via Instagram
3. Forearm Celtic Tribal Tattoos
Source: @_black_tribal_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @jean_se_vincent via Instagram
Source: @killainkstudio_vic_ via Instagram
Source: @marabergtattoo via Instagram
Source: @marco_gallegos99 via Instagram
Source: @totemic_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @uncensoredvikaskujur via Instagram
4. Celtic Knot Tribal Tattoo Designs
Source: @100_percent_techno via Instagram
Source: @sandochello via Instagram
Source: @black_pentacle_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @damonmyers_tattoo_artist via Instagram
Source: @jimbo_cutler via Instagram
Source: @kingpin_kulture_and_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @rainbow_britetatts via Instagram
Source: @shaneboulgertattoo via Instagram
Source: @startattooist via Instagram
Source: @studio8tattooland via Instagram
5. Celtic Tribal Tattoos for the Leg
Source: @pablomatostattoo via Instagram
Source: @sim.ba_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @sourdoughviking via Instagram
6. Shoulder Tattoos Featuring Celtic Tribal Art
Source: @_mel_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @carlacacio_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @chrismorillotattoo via Instagram
Source: @hurricanegreen via Instagram
Source: @jessijamestattoo via Instagram
Source: @kevlucky7 via Instagram
Source: @legends_on_skin via Instagram
Source: @nettybatestattoo via Instagram
Source: @rob_beast_tat2 via Instagram
Source: @stefanhagartattooer via Instagram
Source: @tattoozanto via Instagram
Source: @liquoricetattoo via Instagram
7. Celtic Tribal Tattoo Sleeves
Source: @666tattooer via Instagram
Source: @ccollinsworth via Instagram
Source: @gavinwilliamstattoos via Instagram
Source: @katidyertattoo via Instagram
Source: @luitalo1 via Instagram
Source: @tribal_sr.geleia_gellystattoo via Instagram
Source: @rachelmkongd via Instagram
8. Small Celtic Tribal Tattoo Ideas
Source: @aurel_draconis via Instagram
Source: @beeinkblondie via Instagram
Source: @bofftattoo via Instagram
Source: @connorbrookstattoos via Instagram
Source: @dotmontt via Instagram
Source: @hattoncustomdesign via Instagram
Source: @jessicawentzeltattoo via Instagram
Source: @mandzariii via Instagram
Source: @satya_tattooz via Instagram
9. Upper Arm Celtic Tribal Tattoo Art
Source: @grzeguaa via Instagram
Source: @inkoutsidethefox via Instagram
Source: @lobo_dla_estepa via Instagram
Source: @marrowtattoo via Instagram
Source: @ralphvellekoop via Instagram
Source: @siebe__siech via Instagram
Source: @glen_98 via Instagram
10. Celtic Tribal Wolf Tattoos
Source: @gbell_nodrog_lleb via Instagram
Source: @jamesgibbstattoos via Instagram
Source: @mitchpleasance via Instagram
Source: @sunshine_ewbank via Instagram
Source: @abigaelstattoos via Instagram
Celtic Tribal Tattoo FAQs
Few Irish tattoo symbols are more instantly recognizable than the Celtic cross.
Some believe the circle on the cross represents the Roman Sun god Invictus, while others say it represents Jesus’ halo when he was nailed to the cross.
It could be a holdover from pagan religions, arguing that the iconic image is a combination of an even armed cross within a circle—a common symbol in many pagan traditions—and the Christian cross.
Celtic knots are patterns are filled with sentimental meaning that can be traced back to the height of Medieval Europe.
Each interwoven creation comes with its own ascribed mystique; the concepts of infinity and immortality are those most often associated with the symbol.
Each individual Celtic knot is imbued with its own specific energy including timeless concepts such as wisdom, love, inner strength, artistry and luck.
Springing from Celtic traditions, the triple spiral’s essential meaning is man’s competitive drive and the march of progress. This is because it seems to be moving. Competition and progress are also moving. Take man into account as the third element and you get the triskele.
Celtic knots are patterns are filled with sentimental meaning that can be traced back to the height of Medieval Europe.
Each interwoven creation comes with its own ascribed mystique; the concepts of infinity and immortality are those most often associated with the symbol.
Each individual Celtic knot is imbued with its own specific energy including timeless concepts such as wisdom, love, inner strength, artistry and luck.
In the Celtic tradition dragons were powerful protectors of earth and all its living creatures.
These stylized beasts can be found throughout Celtic art and make for great tattoos thanks to their deep symbolism and dramatic appearance.
Dragons became common elements in the coat of arms and family seals in this area for their strong associations with strength and wisdom, characteristics that every leader aspires to.
