Known for its black shiny outer coat, most Shillelaghs are still produced the old traditional way, using blackthorn wood, or oak. As a finishing touch, the wood would be smeared with butter and placed up a chimney to cure until blackened. Many Shillelaghs have a heavy knob for a handle, aptly named the "hitting" end, that is hollowed out and filled with molten lead to increase the weight beyond the typical two pounds; these kinds are referred to as 'loaded sticks', which can be used for striking as well as disarming an opponent. They are most often the length of a walking stick or cane. Originally used for settling disputes in a gentlemanly manner, much like the use of pistols in colonial America, or the katana in Japan. The Shillelagh eventually became a symbol of stereotypical violent Irish behavior, and as a result, an almost tabooed topic of discussion for some Irish people. There is no actual connection with the village or forest of Shillelagh in County Wicklow, Ireland.
Modern day practitioners of Bataireacht (The Art of Irish Stick-Fighting) study the use of the shillelagh for self defense and as a martial art. Shillelagh fighting methods have evolved over a period of thousands of years, from the spear, axe and sword fighting of the Irish to a 19th century practice which involves the use of three basic types of weapons; sticks that are long, medium or short in length.
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