Getting to Know Irish People
May 3, 2022
Irish people are known for our warm welcome and good sense of humour. Get to know us before you arrive by getting to know some of the things we know.
Watch!
The Commitments/The Snapper/The Van: These hilarious and beloved 90s films are based on the Barrytown Trilogy written by Irish author, Roddy Doyle.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley: Winner of the Palme d’Or in Cannes, this film provides some backstory on Ireland’s historic struggle for independence.
Father Ted: Impress people instantly by quoting a line from this cult comedy of three priests living on a remote Irish island.
The Queen of Ireland: A documentary following Ireland’s most prominent advocate for gay rights in the lead up to 2015’s Marriage Equality referendum.
Love/Hate: This critically-acclaimed series is a gritty drama of Dublin’s criminal underworld.
The Secret of Kells/Song of the Sea: These beautifully animated films have won awards internationally and are a great watch for both children and adults.
Read!
The Journal: This internet news publication covers everything from breaking stories to entertainment, and has an active comments section.
Silicon Republic: Leading news resource for all things tech in Ireland, Europe and beyond.
Eimear McBride/Kevin Barry/Lisa McInnerny: These authors of contemporary fiction are just a few of Ireland’s new crop of literary stars.
Roddy Doyle: A national treasure and the voice of working class Dublin. Start with his beloved Barrytown Trilogy on which the movies above (The Commitments, The Snapper, and The Van) were based.
Ross O’Carroll-Kelly: With 14 novels thus far, fictional character, Ross is the equally popular but complete opposite to Roddy Doyle, serving as the obnoxious (and satirical), voice of middle class Dublin.
Lovin Dublin/CorkLike/ThisIsGalway: A guide to your city’s weekend events and hip new restaurants.
Listen!
An Irishman Abroad: In each episode of this podcast, comedian Jarlath Regan and a different well-known guest discuss life experiences in Ireland and abroad.
Nialler9 podcast: Ireland’s biggest music blogger talks about and plays music, with a focus on Irish artists.
The Irish Times podcasts: Big selection, including The Women’s Podcast and the Off-Topic Podcast on arts and culture.
The Rubberbandits/Maeve Higgins/Tommy Tiernan: Some of Ireland’s best loved comedians.
Download!
Duolingo for Irish: If you’re interested in learning the cúpla focal (couple of words) in Irish before you arrive.
RTÉ Player: Catch up on Irish TV and news programmes on your laptop, tablet or phone.
Wild Atlantic Way: The official app for discovering Ireland’s western coastline so you can start planning your first weekend roadtrip.