Irish pottery is porcelain, which the Belleek Pottery Ltd Company began trading in approximately 1887. At that time, the company was known as the Belleek Pottery Works Company Ltd. It was located in Belleek, which was in County Fermanagh. This area later became the historical Northern Ireland. A land rich in tradition and Irish pottery.

The fine pottery was not a typical thick pottery, but very thin porcelain that made the pottery have an iridescent surface. This trait is only one feature that makes the original Belleek Irish pottery so highly collectible.

Although the original Irish Belleek pottery has become rarer to find, it does surface as generations of Irish descendent's give up their inherited traditions to more westernized traditions. At one time, a gift of the Irish pottery to newlyweds represented good blessings. Cherished for the term of the marriage, a small piece most often did go to the children to wed as a traditional symbol of good love in their life.

The Irish pottery was often one of the items that immigrants made sure they brought with them when coming to America. It was highly valued for not only good blessings, but also as traditional family heirlooms. The pieces rarely left the family. To this day, they remain a gift of love and as a symbol of what it meant to be Irish.

Some of the more favored pieces of the Irish pottery were the vases, cups and saucers, and tureens. Vases are still available as are cup and saucers. When searching for the old Irish pottery, it is advisable to purchase it from a reputable source, or from one who has the knowledge of its origin. You will find most of the original Irish pottery to appear quite thin and have that milky translucent appearance. It was a very fine pottery, which many today call Parian China. Parian is an accurate term, but not necessarily for the original Irish pottery.

All antique Irish pottery is very collectible, but if you really want to enjoy the true beauty of the old Irish pottery, hold out for a wonderful antique translucent pieces. Take the time to learn more about Irish pottery and view a few pieces to help you recognize it more easily.