The Emerald Isle is sure a land like none other. From its stunning scenic landscape to its unique cultural practices, the island has a lot to offer those planning to visit.
As an island nation with such a rich history and heritage, it may come as no surprise that there are many unique things about Irish culture that won’t be found anywhere else in the world.
From Celtic festivals to modern traditions, the people of Ireland are proud to call this little island off the west of Europe home.
So, whether you’re visiting Ireland for the first time or are curious to discover more traditions in Ireland, we are here with ten unique things about Irish culture.
- Halloween – originated in Ireland
While most people today might associate this spooky holiday with the United States, Halloween did, in fact, originate in Ireland.
Taken from the Celtic festival of Samhain, this ancient tradition fell on 1 November and marked the beginning of winter. It was much different from the Halloween we know today. Still, the ancient Celts would have dressed up in scary-looking costumes and lit bonfires to rid the earth of evil spirits.
- Irish slang – it might take a while to get your head around
Irish slang is one of the most unique things about Irish culture that we absolutely love. To an outsider, it may seem like the people of Ireland are speaking in some cryptic code. To locals, it’s just a standard way to communicate.
With words like ‘craic’, ‘wee’, ‘quare’, ‘feck’ littering everyday Irish conversation, we recommend picking up a book of Irish slang if you plan to visit.
- Irish surnames – unique historical roots
Another unique aspect of Irish culture is Irish surnames. Deriving from Gaelic, Norman, and English roots, Irish names are truly distinctive.
Many Irish surnames begin with the prefix ‘Mc’, which means ‘son of’. Similarly, it is also common for Irish surnames to begin with ‘O’. Deriving from ‘ua’, this prefix means ‘grandson of’.
- Potatoes – we aren’t joking
This one has become quite a common stereotype when it comes to thinking of Irish people. However, it finds its roots in truth.
As potatoes are a native vegetable that can be grown in Ireland, they have historically played a huge part in the Irish diet. From things like Irish stew to Tayto crisps, potato bread to boxty, we really can’t get enough.
- More Irish people live abroad than in Ireland – the Irish diaspora
Ever since the Great Famine in the mid-19th-century, emigration has been a defining feature of Irish culture.
By 1890, an estimated 40% of Irish-born people were living abroad. Today, around 80 million people worldwide claim to be of Irish descent. This is an impressive statistic considering Ireland’s current population stands at just over five million.
- The food – hearty and comforting
Ireland is known for its cold, wet weather. So, the food of Ireland is warm, hearty, and comforting. It will warm you up from the inside out after a day spent outside battling the elements.
Common Irish dishes include Irish stew, coddle, boxty, colcannon, champ, and much more.
- Traditional Irish music – a fun cultural pastime
Irish music and ‘trad sessions’ are something that is truly unique to the Emerald Isle.
From the use of unusual instruments, such as the fiddle, the bodhran, and the tin whistle to the lively trad sessions in pubs up and down the country, Ireland wouldn’t be Ireland without the music.
- The president has very little power – one of the most unique things about Irish culture
You may be aware that Ireland has a president. However, what you might not know is that the president of Ireland holds very little power over how the country is run.
In Ireland, the president is really more of a figurehead. Meanwhile, much of the actual running of the country is down to the government, headed by the Taoiseach.
- St Patrick’s Day – our national holiday
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and each year on 17 March, Irish people enjoy a day of work to celebrate the life and legacy of this historical figure.
All across Ireland, parades, festivals, and celebrations take place, all in the name of St Patrick. The streets are filled with a sea of green costumes, drinks are free-flowing, and the overall atmosphere is one of merriment and joviality.
- Rich literary history – the land of saints and scholars
One of the most unique things about Irish culture is its rich literary history and heritage. For such a small country, the Emerald Isle has produced some of the most prolific writers of all time, including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and many more.
Even today, Irish writers, such as Sally Rooney, Colm Tóibín, and Anna Burns, are keeping this tradition alive. No wonder Ireland is known as the land of saints and scholars!