The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (2024)

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My Ireland Destinations Where to go? Places you'll love Things to do See and do Things you'll love Themes What's on Plan your trip Getting here Go electric in Ireland's Ancient East Flavours of Northern Ireland Getting around Accommodation Travel operators Help and advice Need to know Traveling to Ireland Essentials Emergency When you're here What are you looking for? Ideas for you 10 to try: traditional Irish food Northern Ireland's 12 must-try treats 5 ways to tour the Wild Atlantic Way 5 tales of terror from Ireland's Ancient East Sign in Sign up My Ireland Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed? Oops, no internet connection Oops, no internet connection My Board Looks like your board is empty Board settings Forgot your password? Create an account? Location access Enable location access Location access on iOS Notifications Travel times You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving? Privacy Remove Data Reset your Board Are you sure you want to reset your board? Privacy Delete account My Ireland Location access Enable location access Location access on iOS Notifications Travel times You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving? Reset your Board Are you sure you want to reset your board? The people of Ireland Ireland in your inbox Famous Irish wit Unique encounters Ireland’s shining stars Modern-day Ireland 5 local tour guides who’ll fill your heart with Ireland Want to keep reading? 48 hours in Dublin and Wicklow Meet Michelle, the yoga teacher Women who made history Explore ancient kingdoms and high kings A concierge guide to Belfast Meet Ireland’s artisan food producers Meet Chris, the photographer Ireland's golfing heroes Ireland's movie stars Quiz: Irish people who changed the world Meet Martin, the sheep farmer Meet the people of Ireland: Dublin tour guide, Tracey Bardon People of Ireland Arigna Mining Experience Seamus Heaney HomePlace NI Black Taxi Tours Donegal Tour Guide Burren Experience Guided Walks Michelle's Craft Courses Lahinch Surf School Tannery Cookery School Blakes Of The Hollow Kilkenny Design Centre The Queer Dublin Tour Arigna Mining Experience Seamus Heaney HomePlace NI Black Taxi Tours Donegal Tour Guide Burren Experience Guided Walks Michelle's Craft Courses Lahinch Surf School Tannery Cookery School Blakes Of The Hollow Kilkenny Design Centre FAQs References
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    Big-hearted, massively talented and lots of craic (fun) – you won’t forget the characters on this small island in a hurry!

    • #CultureandHeritage
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    • #FillYourHeartWithIreland
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    There are countless variations on the Irish personality, but certain traits are pretty consistent – the warmth, the wit, the passion.

    Yes, we're passionate! About music, about sport, about making our mark on the world. We like a good book and the person who can write one. We LOVE to chat. And fun is our oxygen.

    But Irishness goes deeper than all of this. So get ready to fill your heart, as we say hello to the people of Ireland...

    As every writer knows, it’s the characters you remember, long after you’ve forgotten the story.

    Sharon Horgan, actor and writer

    The people of Ireland

    L-R: sea swimmers at the Forty Foot, County Dublin; Derry Girls mural, Derry~Londonderry; an Irish welcome, County Wicklow; fun on Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland

    Famous Irish wit

    As a people, we're always up for a laugh. We love a bit of mischief, of devilment, from the witty remarks you’ll hear in our pubsto the wise-cracking of our top comedians, such as Sharon Horgan and Chris O’Dowd. If live stand-up comedy is your thing, check out The Comedy Cellar in Dublin or Lavery’s Comedy Club in Belfast, for a side-splittingly good evening out.

    From the ever-quotable witticisms of Oscar Wilde to the darkly black comedy of The Banshees of Inisherin, being funny is part of who we are. Jokey bartenders, a cheeky waiter, amusing store owners – you’ll experience first-hand how the Irish are always up for a bit of craic (fun), no matter the circ*mstances!

    We’ve got a quirky side, too. We thank bus drivers when we’re hopping off. We say hello to strangers when we pass them on a walk in the countryside. We’ve got the gift of the gab (and you could too if you kiss the Blarney Stone). And we LOVE talking about the weather. Soft rain, a fierce mild day, it’s our favorite subject matter, really.

    The world’s friendliest locals

    There’s a reason why Ireland’s hospitality is regarded as second to none. Irish people pride themselves on being warm and easy-going individuals.

    The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (97) The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (98)

    Queen of the Aran jumper

    Meet Francis Beatty

    Unique encounters

    A breathtaking walking tour up Belfast’s famous Cave Hill is one thing, but hearing stories from tour guides Rodney Ferguson and Nicky Jonesalong the way really brings the landscape to life. Exploring the medieval ruins of Fore Abbey in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlandsis awe-inspiring, but it’s the lovely chat you'll have with Jane O’Reilly, the Fore Abbey Coffee Shop owner, that’ll leave your heart feeling truly full as you move on to your next must-see sight.

    This is Ireland at its best – mixing BIG attractions and show-stopping moments with small, authentic encounters with the locals. It’s the same reason why people love the Wild Atlantic Wayor the Causeway Coastal Route. They can traverse sprawling glens and vast seascapes by day, before cozying up by a pub fireside for a traditional music session by night. It’s the best of both worlds.

    The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (99) The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (100)

    Ireland’s shining stars

    Our best and brightest have always led the way for us on the international stage. This is the land of saints and scholars, after all. From St Patrick and St Brigid to Nobel laureates, such as poet Seamus Heaneyand peace activist John Hume, Ireland’s most famous sons and daughters have always put this small island in the wild Atlantic Ocean on the map.

    From the likes of Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott and U2’s Bono to Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson and Ruth Negga, we’ve always had supremely talented rockstars and film stars whom we could be proud of. As for Irish literature, we’ve practically cornered the market in literary maestros. James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, CS Lewis, Sally Rooney, the list goes on and on...

    But perhaps we reserve our greatest admiration for our sporting heroes, the sports-mad people that we are. Legendary figures, such as footballers George Best and Paul McGrath, track and field athlete Sonia O'Sullivan and boxer Barry McGuigan, are exalted alongside modern-day champions, the likes of golfer Rory McIlroy, Gaelic footballer David Clifford, boxer Katie Taylor and rugbyplayer Johnny Sexton.

    The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (101) The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (102)

    Modern-day Ireland

    For all of Ireland’s mythical heroes and creative legends, it’s the current crop of Irish people that hail from all cultures and backgrounds who are shaping what Ireland looks like today.

    Be it fresh voices from Northern Ireland in the shape of Lisa McGee’s Derry Girls, or beloved public figures, such as drag queen and gay rights activist Panti Bliss, Ireland in 2023 is determined to be an open and progressive society for all.

    Then you have Emma Dabiri, an Irish author, academic and broadcaster, whose best-selling books shine a light on issues of race and racism in modern society. And Sinéad Burke, a teacher, writer, broadcaster, fashion-admirer and advocate for disability and design, who has featured on TED Talks as well as being the first ever little person to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine.

    A confident and cosmopolitan Ireland awaits on your next visit. Ready to fill your heart with Ireland?

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    5 local tour guides who’ll fill your heart with Ireland

    1

    Doolin Cliff Walks, County Clare

    Join local farmer Pat Sweeney on a guided walk along the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and hear tales of Doolin’s history and folklore along the way.

    2

    Derry City Tours, Northern Ireland

    Explore the Walled City of Derry's rich heritage on a walking tour that covers everything from history and food to Derry Girls!

    3

    Howth Adventures, County Dublin

    Embark on an outdoor adventure to remember around this beautiful peninsula near Dublin city, led by insightful local tour guide Shane.

    4

    Leitrim Surf Company, County Leitrim

    Discover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands on a stand-up paddle-boarding tour with Liam, an experienced water sports instructor.

    5

    Caroline and the gang offer award-winning and (more importantly) food-filled tours around Belfast’s top foodie spots.

    People of Ireland

    Don’t miss these things to see and do

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    Attraction

    Arigna Mining Experience

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    Seamus Heaney HomePlace

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    Donegal Tour Guide

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    Donegal

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    Burren Experience Guided Walks

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    Clare

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    Michelle's Craft Courses

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    Roscommon

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    Lahinch Surf School

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    Tannery Cookery School

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    Blakes Of The Hollow

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    BT74 7EJ

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    Kilkenny Design Centre

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    Kilkenny

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    Event

    The Queer Dublin Tour

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    Dublin City

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    People of Ireland Don’t miss these things to see and do

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    Event December 11The Queer Dublin Tour From Oscar Wilde to Nell McCafferty – not forgetting Panti Bliss! – some of the most remarkable Irish people have been more than a little bit queer. On this hilarious and moving tour, discover the history of Ireland through a brand new prism. Dublin City
    The people of Ireland | Ireland.com (2024)

    FAQs

    Why is it called black Irish? ›

    The term "Black Irish" was initially used in the 19th and 20th centuries by Irish-Americans to describe people of Irish descent who have black or dark-coloured hair, blue or dark eyes, or otherwise dark colouring.

    What is the main religion in Ireland? ›

    According to the 2016 census, the most recent, the population is approximately 78 percent Catholic, 3 percent Church of Ireland (Anglican), 1 percent Muslim, 1 percent Orthodox Christian (including Greek, Russian, and Coptic Orthodox), 1 percent unspecified Christian, and 2 percent other religious groups, while 10 ...

    What was the Irish question Quizlet? ›

    The 'Irish Question', is the name given to the set of issues which affected British-Irish relations. Irish issues caused the resignation of British PM's on several occasions: In 1801, William Pitt the Younger resigned because of King George III's opposition to Catholic emancipation.

    What did the British mean by the Irish question? ›

    In 1844, a future British prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli, defined what he called the Irish Question: A dense population, in extreme distress, inhabit an island where there is an Established Church, which is not their Church, and a territorial aristocracy the richest of whom live in foreign capitals.

    Who are the Irish most genetically related to? ›

    They were also found to have most similarity to two main ancestral sources: a 'French' component (mostly northwestern French) which reached highest levels in the Irish and other Celtic populations (Welsh, Highland Scots and Cornish) and showing a possible link to the Bretons; and a 'West Norwegian' component related to ...

    Are Scots and Irish related? ›

    Scots and Irish

    The Scots (originally Irish, but by now Scots) were at this time inhabiting Ireland, having driven the Irish (Picts) out of Scotland; while the Picts (originally Scots) were now Irish (living in brackets) and vice versa.

    What drove the Irish to America? ›

    Pushed out of Ireland by religious conflicts, lack of political autonomy and dire economic conditions, these immigrants, who were often called "Scotch-Irish," were pulled to America by the promise of land ownership and greater religious freedom.

    What did the Americans think of the Irish? ›

    Native-born Americans criticized Irish immigrants for their poverty and manners, their supposed laziness and lack of discipline, their public drinking style, their catholic religion, and their capacity for criminality and collective violence.

    What was the main reason the Irish came to America? ›

    European Emigration to the U.S. 1851 - 1860

    Although the Irish potato blight receded in 1850, the effects of the famine continued to spur Irish emigration into the 20th century. Still facing poverty and disease, the Irish set out for America where they reunited with relatives who had fled at the height of the famine.

    What is the home rule in Ireland? ›

    The Home Rule movement was a movement that campaigned for self-government (or "home rule") for Ireland within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It was the dominant political movement of Irish nationalism from 1870 to the end of World War I.

    Why did the English invade Ireland? ›

    Handily, Henry II's holy invasion of Ireland coincided with his efforts to atone for the recent murder of his troublesome Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The Irish expedition allowed Henry to avoid a penitential pilgrimage as part of his personal reparation.

    Why did the Irish leave Britain? ›

    Resistance to British rule in Ireland had existed for hundreds of years. Irish nationalists, the majority of them Catholic, resisted this rule in a number of peaceful or violent ways up until the start of the First World War. Irish nationalists wanted Ireland to be independent from British control.

    Why are some Irish people dark? ›

    The conclusion is that earliest Irish settlers would have had darker skin than we have today. The findings suggest that the DNA is linked to individuals from Spain and Luxembourg, who populated western European after the last Ice Age but before the farming era.

    How did blacks get Irish names? ›

    Mills said that mixed-race children would have been given Irish surnames when their Irish fathers married their black mothers, or when their unmarried Irish mothers named children after themselves. The Irish ended up in the Caribbean, too.

    Who are the indigenous people of Ireland? ›

    Yes, the Irish people are indigenous to Ireland. The Irish people are Celtic peoples who first inhabited the region between 1500 B.C.E. and 500 B.C.E. Celtic peoples in Ireland developed a distinct culture and became known as Gaelic peoples.

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