More on Why We Like It

From the moment you see the box, the visual language is unmistakably Celtic. The title is rendered in intricate Celtic knotwork, woven directly into the lettering itself. The central figure, cloaked like a druid, features robes and symbols marked with spirals and triskele motifs deeply rooted in Celtic tradition. Even before opening the box, the game signals its cultural inspiration through deliberate and recognizable design.

That visual continuity carries through the entire game. The back of the box and the cards inside draw heavily from Irish and wider Celtic mythology. The rulebook continues these motifs with knotwork borders and symbolic imagery, and it includes a brief introduction to the epic tales that inspire the cards—offering just enough context to spark curiosity and encourage players to explore those stories more deeply.

The board itself reinforces this connection. The triangular, jagged-edged tiles evoke the rugged landscapes of Ireland. Although Inis is set on a mythic island, the typographies represented are clearly inspired by Irish lands. One of the most prominent references is Tír na nÓg, the Otherworld realm of Celtic mythology, which anchors the game firmly in mythic tradition.

Symbolism continues through the game pieces and mechanics. The Celtic harp appears among the components. The Festival token references the four major festivals of the Celtic calendar. The Citadels visually resemble ring forts, structures common across the Celtic world that offered protection and community. These reflect real cultural forms vs. arbitrary choices.

The cards themselves deepen the experience. Each territory card carries additional symbolism, including motifs like the Tree of Life and triskeles. The Epic Tale cards visually interpret legendary stories, introducing mythological concepts through art. Action cards feature imagery of stonework and forts reminiscent of ancient Irish sites such as Brú na Bóinne, while also introducing cultural roles like bards and druids. Even the alliance and exploration cards echo mythic moments, including the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann.