A shillelagh is a traditional wooden Irish weapon/walking stick, taking its name from the Shillelagh forest in Ireland. The word is generally pronounced 'shi-LAY-lee'.

The shillelagh itself varies in length, but is characterised by a knobbly ball at one end, designed to fit comfortably in the hand. The business end sometimes had lead placed into it, this would be known as a 'loaded stick'.

For many young Irishmen, the shillelagh was considered a badge of honour. Fathers taught their sons techniques, and many practiced avidly in sparring matches at fairs and other gatherings.

When fighting with a shilleglagh, the stick is held about a third of the way up from the bottom, and snapped out with the wrist, unlike other cudgels, which are swung.