Depicts the harp, a traditional symbol for Ireland since the Middle Ages, based on that of the Brian Boru harp, housed in Trinity College, Dublin. The same harp is used as on the official seals of the Taoiseach, and government ministers and the Seal of the President of Ireland. The coins' design also features the 12 stars of the flag of Europe, the year of issue and the Irish name for Ireland, "Éire", in a traditional Gaelic script.

Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

A map, next to the facial value, shows the gathering of the fifteen states of the European Union.

Engraver: Luc Luycx

Alternating segments: three smooth, three finely ribbed