Which Flag Is Older: Italy's or Ireland's? Italy's Tricolor Predates Ireland's

Historical Origins of Two European Tricolors

Italy's flag (green-white-red vertical tricolor) traces its origins to the 13th century, with the colors associated with Milan and later adopted by the Cisalpine Republic (1797) and the Kingdom of Italy (1805). The modern design was formalized in 1946.

Ireland's flag (green-white-orange vertical tricolor) was first used in the late 18th century (1798 rebellion), inspired by the French tricolor, and became the national flag of the Irish Free State in 1922.

Thus, the Italian tricolor has earlier historical roots, though both flags evolved through revolutionary and nationalist movements.