Ah, g'way out of that! Here’s a grand little list of all the bits and pieces that make our little country so brilliant. From the mighty to the magnificent, have a gander at our A-Z of Irish culture.
Where to start but with our national anthem, a rousing tune, you’ll hear Amhrán na bhFiann sung at every major sporting event and national gathering. It's more than just a song; it's a call to arms for every Irish person to sing along, whether they know the words or not!
Sinne Fianna Fáil…
The word "banshee" comes from the Irish phrase bean sí, which means "fairy woman" and is rooted in Irish folklore. These aren't just any old spirits; they're believed to be a family's personal early-warning system, whose wail foretells an upcoming death. So, while their cry might be chilling, they're not malicious, just delivering a very important (and very loud) message.
The term's popularity soared with the Oscar-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin, which, despite its title, isn't about the screaming spirits at all. The title is a metaphor for a friendship's bitter and tragic end.
The ultimate Irish comfort food. A simple sandwich, two slices of good, honest white bread - none of that fancy sourdough shite, a hammering of butter and Tayto or King Cheese & Onion Crisps. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!
Did you know?
Tayto was founded by Joe “Spud” Murphy, in Dublin, Ireland
and was the world’s first flavoured crisp.
An iconic puppet and national treasure who was Ireland’s entry in the 2008 Eurovision with his hit “Irelande Douze Pointe”, he even ran for president.
A lovely, affectionate term for a silly person. We've all been one.
“Wait a second, these are fake hands!”
This isn’t just a beloved comedy series; it’s a national religion. Set in the fictional Craggy Island, it follows the misadventures of three priests: the head of the house Father Ted, the utterly daft Father Dougal and the raging alcoholic Father Jack.
While the show only ran for three seasons in the '90s, its perfectly absurd humour, iconic one-liners, and unforgettable characters have cemented its place in the hearts of the Irish.
Ah, the GAA, it’s not just a sporting body, is it? The Gaelic Athletic Association is the heart and soul of Irish communities. It's the governing body for Ireland's most iconic national sports: Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. These aren’t just games; they’re a way of life, with clubs acting as the central hub of every parish.
The symbol of Ireland, found on everything from pennies to pints, you’ll find the harp on: the back of our euro coins, the national airline and also, a classic brand of Irish lager.
A beautiful concoction that is more than the sum of its parts. An Irish coffee consists of hot coffee, a healthy shot of Irish whiskey, sugar and a layer of fresh cream floating atop.
The magic lies in how you drink it - through the cold cream and into the hot, boozy coffee below. It's the ultimate winter warmer.
One of the most famous Irish whiskeys in the world, renowned for its smoothness. It's a classic for a reason - perfect for your Irish coffee!
Kerrygold is considered a national treasure, loved all over the world. With its wonderfully rich, creamy taste it's the secret ingredient to the perfect crisp sandwich.
Mischievous little fellas who guard pots of gold at the end of rainbows. Ah, but you see, they aren't just mythical creatures; in folklore, they are said to be solitary fairies who work as cobblers. The sound of their tiny hammers tapping on shoes is often how you can tell one is near.
Finding a bag of gold is easier than actually catching one, as they are master tricksters and will vanish in the blink of an eye.
The Irish term for "mother", but it's more than that. She's the heart of the home, the worrier-in-chief, and the one who always knows best. There's no problem a cup of tea and a chat with your mammy can't fix.
Not a price tag, but a taste of Irish summer. The 99 is the iconic soft-serve ice cream cone, a tall swirl of creamy vanilla ice-cream topped with a chocolate flake stuck in it. Syrup and sprinkles are your choice. It's an essential treat on a warm day, a simple pleasure that's been a classic for generations.
The Irish for Halloween, a night of trick-or-treating, bonfires, and traditional mischief. It comes from the ancient festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and start of winter. It all started here in Ireland!
Whether splitting the “G” or sinking a pint of Kilkenny, we’ve never seen an unhappy Irishman with a pint in his hand. A measure of pure happiness, no half ones here!
A versatile Irish word for "very", "strange" or "great". As in, "that's a quare good pint" or "isn't he a quare fella?". It’s a quare handy word, so it is!
A famous international festival that celebrates women of Irish descent. It's an Irish Mammy’s obsession, full of song, dance, and interviews.
What you might not know is that it all started with a love story. The festival is named after a 19th-century ballad about a wealthy Protestant merchant, William Mulchinock, and his forbidden love for a poor Catholic maid, Mary O'Connor, who was known as "The Rose of Tralee" for her beauty.
A glorious takeaway dish of chips, fried chicken, and crispy peppers, all seasoned with a secret spice blend. While its origin is hotly debated, it is believed to have been created from leftovers in Sunflower Chinese in Dublin, as a meal for the staff when they had closed.
If you are not from the country, you may be unfamiliar with the popularity of “Irish Chinese” but the Spice Bag has become a staple of the Irish culinary scene, winning Ireland’s favourite takeaway dish.
The short name for traditional Irish music. A "trad session" in a pub is a lively and essential part of Irish culture where everyone is welcome to come and play along. The annual Fleadh Ceoil is a week-long trad festival that takes over its hosting town every year!
An essential accessory in Ireland, where you're guaranteed to see all four seasons in one day. You’d be an awful eejit to leave the house without one!
They may have raided our monasteries, but they also founded our major cities like Dublin and Waterford. We'll forgive them, just about.
Where would you be without your wooly jumper? Whether it’s the Aran wool from the west or a jumper from somewhere else, you’d be lost in Ireland without one, especially in the winter!
A video rental shop that's now a distant memory. The place where you’d spend hours choosing a movie on a rainy Friday night. A true piece of nostalgia.
Depending where you are in the country, you might hear young fellas yelling “Yuppp”, “YURT”, “Yeoww” or “Yes LAD!”
Two iconic alien puppets who hosted Irish children's TV in the '80s and '90s. They were total legends.
