87 incredible things Ireland is famous for

Wondering what is Ireland famous for? Well you have come to the right place. In this article we list everything that the Emerald Isle is famous for, from drinks and food, to people and literature and everything in between. Here is the ultimate guide to everything Ireland is famous for.

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What is Ireland famous for? In all honestly it is famous for a lot of things so to make things easier we have categorised all the things Ireland is famous for below. We have also approached this as the island of Ireland so this list includes both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

And if you are wondering if Ireland is worth visiting this is the post for you!

What is Ireland famous for? Buildings

Here are some of the buildings and architecture Ireland is famous for.

1. General Post Office Dublin

Not only is the General Post Office or the GPO as known to locals, a beautiful building but it has an important place in Irish history.

In the 1916 Rising it was the stronghold of the Irish Volunteers. There is even a museum here where you can learn about modern Irish history.

2. Kilmainham Gaol Dublin

Kilmainham Gaol is a fascinating bit of Irish history. The gaol is 3.5km out of Dublin centre, but worth the trip. It’s an important part of Irish history as many revolutionaries were imprisoned here by the UK government at the time.

3. Trinity College Dublin

Another one of the top things Ireland is famous for is Trinity College. It’s one of the top universities in Europe, and even the buildings are beautiful. It kind of reminds us of a mix between Harry Potter and the Dead Poets Society. The architecture is grand, and you can chill out in one of the grassy knolls or cobbled squares.

Anyone who has watched the hit TV show Normal People will recognise this as the university that the main characters attended.

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin

St Patrick’s in Dublin is the largest cathedral in Ireland. It’s home to the Church of Ireland however Dublin is predominately Catholic. You can visit the cathedral for a small fee.

What is Ireland famous for? Literature

One of Ireland’s greatest exports is literature. There are so many famous storytellers with Irish connections that we couldn’t possible mention them all but here are some of the greats.

5. Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is perhaps one of the most well known Irish writers. He was born in Dublin in 1854 and his birthplace is now a part of Trinity College. He was imprisoned for his sexuality and forced to do hard labour.

His literary works are famous all over the world. Some of the most famous are The Picture of Dorian Gray which incidentally was his only novel, and The Importance of Being Earnest.

6. W B Yeats

Yeats is one of the most famous poets to hail from Ireland. A place that he writes about a lot is County Sligo where he is buried in a cemetery in Drumcliffe. His career spanned over 50 years and he has even won a Nobel Prize for literature.

7. James Joyce

Born in Dublin in 1882 James Joyce is another famous Irish writer. Joyce was a large contributor to the modernist avant-garde movement and is highly regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th Century.

Some of his most known works include Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Ulysses.

8. Bram Stoker

Another famous Irish writer is Bram Stoker. He was born in County Dublin in 1847, but died in London in 1912. His most famous piece of work is Dracula. In fact we can probably thank him for the whole vampire genre entirely.

9. George Bernard Shaw

Another writer hailing from Dublin is George Bernard Shaw. He was born in 1856 and is most well known for his plays and political activism. He had a strong influence over Western theatre and wrote over 60 plays. He is known as the leading dramatist of his generation.

10. Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett also a Dubliner was an Irish novelist born in 1906. He also wrote poetry and plays in both English and French. His most famous work is Waiting for Godot.

What is Ireland famous for? History

Ireland has had a tumultuous history and in all honestly I cannot even begin to do it justice here. I urge you to do some research on the points below to understand their impact on Irish society not just at the time but today. The issues below are incredibly sensitive, so I am going to summarise them briefly but please do your own research if you can.

11. The Titanic Museum

Located in Belfast, the Titanic Museum is another thing that Ireland is famous for. It’s located on the site where the Titanic was designed, built and launched. You can learn all about the history of the ship and its unfortunate end.

And for more information on Belfast you can read this article.

12. The Troubles

If you know your modern history you will know that Ireland is famous for the conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles.

There is no way I can do any of this justice and explain everything in such a short post, but if you aren’t aware of what happened I highly recommend you research it.

The Troubles lasted for around 30 years from the 60s up until 1998. A lot of pain and suffering happened during this time and below I have added some links for further reading.

What you need to know about The Troubles

How The Troubles began in Northern Ireland

13. The Great Famine

Again this is not something I am going to do any justice to writing about, so I highly recommend you do your own research if you are interested. The Great Famine was a period of starvation in Ireland between 1845 to 1852. Around 1 million people died, whilst 2.1 million left Ireland entirely.

It is one of the biggest mass exoduses from an island in history. This is one of the reasons The Great Famine is so well known. And also why you get a lot of Irish descendants in all parts of the world.

14. The War of Independence

The Irish War of Independence was a guerrilla war fought in Ireland between 1919 – 1921. It involved the Irish Republican Army and the British forces. The War of Independence was one of the most important events in modern Irish history and is one that many still discuss today.

What is Ireland famous for? Attractions

One a lighter note when someone asks you ‘what is Ireland famous for’ one of the things that comes to mind has to be tourist attractions. Here are some of the most popular attractions on the island.

15. Guinness Storehouse

Arguably the most famous attraction in Dublin if not Ireland as a whole is the Guinness Storehouse. This popular attraction lets you learn all about the history of Guinness and most importantly you can even sample your own pint at the end of the tour.

16. Carrick-A-Rede Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is another popular attraction in Ireland. Although this time in the North around the Causeway Coast. The bridge is located in a National Trust site so you need to pay to visit. It will set you back somewhere around the £8 mark.

It was built by fishermen in 1755 to link the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede. These days you can cross it and visit Carrickarede before crossing back and exploring the rest of the park.

There is a timed ticketing system here so get in early so you don’t miss out.

17. Rock of Cashel

One of Ireland’s famous attractions is the Rock of Cashel. Located in Tipperary this is an ancient monumnet and historical site. Included in the monuments is a Gothic Cathedral, and abbey, a round tower, and a Romanesque chapel.

You will probably need about an hour to explore here, and try to get in early to avoid the tourist rush.

18. Book of Kells

One of the things Ireland is famous for is the Book of Kells. It’s located in Trinity College, but you do need to pay to see it. The book is essentially a manuscript that dates back to the 9th Century. Just make sure you book your tour in advance as it is an incredibly popular attraction.

19. Dark Hedges

Another famous Northern Irish spot are the Dark Hedges. These were made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones.

Located on Bregagh Road which is a pedestrianised street, the trees create a magical and almost otherworldly tunnel that you can stroll through.

It’s a beautiful walk, but if you want to do it without the masses of people you need to get here early.

What is Ireland famous for? Folklore

Ireland is famous for some of their folklore and stories passed on from generation to generation. Here are some of the more popular bits of Irish Folklore.

20. Banshees

Stories of Banshees terrify me slightly as they are said to be female spirits that forewarn you on the death of a family member. This is usually in the form of wailing, and shrieking.

She is said to have long flowing hair, and wears a grey hood over a green dress. Her eyes are said to be red from crying.

21. Fairies

Years ago many Irish people believed strongly in Fairies or Wee People (Little People). Known as Tuatha de Danann were said to be one of the original inhabitants of Ireland. The Tuatha de Danann were unfortunately attacked and they used their magic to become fairies that we know today.

The belief in fairies is still alive and well especially when it comes to Lone Hawthorn trees. Many people avoid damaging them to this day, as you really don’t want to anger the fairies.

22. Leprechauns

The most famous of all the fairies is of course the Leprechaun. They are depicted as these little men in green suits and hats with long bards. They are said to partake in quite a bit of mischief, and are responsible for hiding pots of gold at the end of rainbows.

What is Ireland famous for? Natural Beauty

If you are wondering what is Ireland famous for one thing is certain – it’s famous for its natural beauty. Some of the top attractions in Ireland are to do with nature, and this is what draws tourists to the country each year.

23. Cliffs of Moher

When we ask people what is Ireland famous for, a lot of responses involve the Cliffs of Moher. They are probably one of the most recognised attractions in Ireland (or at least the Republic). Located in County Clare these cliffs are 203 metres above sea level and are 14km in length.

They are a magnificent example of Ireland’s natural beauty. You can either see them from land, or on boat. Either view is sure to wow you.

If you are driving from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher here is a guide to help you plan your trip.

24. Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most famous attractions in Ireland. Located in Northern Ireland along the Causeway Coast, this natural wonder is a product of an erupting volcano over 60 million years ago.

Now though it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is run by the National Trust. Our top tip for visiting is, if you want photos without the swarms of other tourists make sure you visit early.

25. Ring of Kerry

Another beautiful bit of natural beauty that Ireland is known for is the Ring of Kerry. This is a popular with road trippers.

The Ring of Kerry is 111 miles of coastal road with some of the most beautiful beaches and towns to stop in along the way.

Your Ring of Kerry driving route can take on many forms, but most people tend to start and finish in Killarney.

26. Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is a driving route in the west of Ireland. It covers the coast from Cork to Donegal. It also includes famous sights like the Cliffs of Moher which we have addressed above. The cool thing about the Wild Atlantic Way is that it will take you to some of the lesser known beaches and nature spots in Ireland as well as the more popular.

27. Skellig Islands

About 12 km off the coast of Ireland you will find the Skellig islands. You can access these by boat from Portmagee in Kerry.

There are two main islands Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. Skellig Michael is the only one you can visit as the other is home to a protected colony of sea birds.

To get on the island you need to book in advance as numbers are very restricted. It’s also weather dependant if you can go so a bit of luck is also needed.

28. Aran Islands

I’ve popped the Aran Islands under natural beauty Ireland is famous for. Mostly because these islands are some of the most beautiful we have seen. They are predominately Irish-speaking islands located in the Atlantic.

They are famed for their knitted jumpers and thatched cottages. When you visit it feels like a completely different world or an Ireland of yesteryear.

There are 3 islands that make up what is known collectively as the Aran Islands. They are Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. Inishmore is the biggest but they each have their own character.

You can get to the islands from either Galway or Doolin, and the easiest way is via boat.

Here is a guide for getting from Galway to the Aran Islands.

29. Glendalough

Glendalough is both a thing of natural beauty and a spiritual escape. It’s home to an early medieval monastic settlement that was founded in the 6th Century by St Kevin. It’s also full of deep lakes and rugged mountains.

It’s a great option for a day trip from Dublin if you are looking to get out of the city.

30. Knocknarea Mountain

Knocknarea dominates the Sligo skyline so if you are in the North West of Ireland then why not hike to the top. There is an excellent trail that is a 6km loop that reaches a height of 315m at the summit.

It’s also a sacred place as it is said to be the burial place of Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught.

31. Benbulbin Sligo

Benbulbin is another bit of natural beauty that dominates the Sligo skyline. It’s part of the Darty Mountains and is a protected site in the county. Apart from its natural beauty it is also most famous for inspiring works by W B Yeats. In fact his final resting place is a cemetery near the foot of Benbulbin.

32. Slieve League Cliffs Donegal

Slieve League are rugged cliffs in Donegal on the west coast of Ireland. At 601 metres high these are home to some of the largest sea cliffs in Europe. It’s also pretty safe to say that these are some of the best views in Ireland.

We recommend visit as part of a larger road trip around Ireland.

33. Beaches

This might not be the first thing you think of when asked ‘what is Ireland famous for’ but it’s undeniable that Ireland has some pretty awesome beaches. County Sligo is one of our favourites with it’s top quality surf school. But you also have some epic beaches in Donegal, Galway, and even Dublin.

And speaking of beaches, here is our guide to the best beaches in Sligo.

34. Glencar Lough

Located in Leitrum the Glencar Lough and waterfall is famous as it is the subject of Yeats’ poem ‘The Stolen Child’

W B Yeats wrote:

Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star,’
WB Yeats

Leitrum and more so neighbouring Sligo was a favourite place of Yeats and it held a special place in his heart. So much so that his wish was to be burried in Sligo. You can even visit his grave if you are visiting Sligo.

What is Ireland famous for? National Parks

Ireland is also known for its sensational National Parks. The Republic of Ireland is home to 6 National Parks that bring in the tourists each year. We have decided to mention 4 of the most popular.

35. The Burren National Park

Ireland has 6 national parks and The Burren National Park is one of them. It’s popular due to its proximity to the Cliffs of Moher. The landscape is very unique with its rocky ground, beaches and caves.

36. Killarney National Park

Probably the most famous of the National Parks in Ireland is Killarney. This is where a lot of people start their Ring of Kerry road trip as it is located just at the start of it.

There are so many things to do here especially if you are into hiking. Torc waterfall and Ladies View are our highlights, but take your time and explore as much as possible. It is so worth it.

Ideally you want to rent a car to explore the park, but there are also a number of day trips you can book from Killarney that will ensure you see the key sights.

37. Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest of all the parks in Ireland. It’s also the only one in the east of Ireland.

This park is close to Dublin so it makes for a great day trip if you are staying in the city. There are lots of amazing things to do in the park like climbing Sugarloaf Mountain or visiting Blessington Lakes.

Powerscourt House and Gardens and the Powerscourt waterfall are also located in the park and are popular tourist attractions.

For more inspiration you can read all about our Ireland road trip here.

38. Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park is another great place to visit in Ireland. The park covers around 3000 hectares and includes glorious mountains, grasslands, woodlands and more.

The park is located in County Galway so it’s worth a visit when exploring the west coast of Ireland. There are some great hikes you can do here all at your own pace.

Park highlights include the famous Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens. There is also a visitors centre and a tea room that you can relax in after you finish exploring.

What is Ireland famous for? Castles

Castles are another thing Ireland is famous for, and there are some pretty amazing ones on the island. Here are some of the best.

39. Blarney Castle including the Blarney Stone

Ireland or the Irish rather are famous for having the gift of the gab. Or at least that’s the stereotype. If you would also like to share this gift you have the kiss the Blarney Stone.

Located at the top of Blarney Castle is the Blarney Stone which is suspended over a pretty sever drop. You need to lay on your back and hold on as you edge towards it for a kiss. Don’t worry someone is also holding you.

The idea is that afterwards you will receive the gift of the gab. Visitors from all over the world head to Blarney Castle to give it a go. Although I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone scared of heights.

40. Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is was once the centre of UK government rule in Ireland, so it has a lot of history in the country. These days however it is a major tourist attraction as well as being used for state dinners and the inauguration of Presidents in Ireland.

41. Kilkenny Castle

Another gorgeous Irish Castle is the Kilkenny Castle located in well….Kilkenny. It was built in 1195, although in 1967 it was transferred over to the people of Kilkenny for only £5.

You can do paid tours of the castle or just wander around the rose garden for free.

Kilkenny is a great place to visit whilst you are here, so checkout our post on things to do in Kilkenny for inspo.

42. Dunluce Castle

A lot of the castles we have mentioned are in the Republic of Ireland, Dunluce Castle however is in the North. It’s situated on some dramatic coastal cliffs and was built in 1500.

These days the castle is mostly ruins but still very beautiful to visit. It’s also really cheap with entry being around £5.50. And honestly the views alone are worth it.

43. Leap Castle

Leap Castle is one of the most haunted castles in the world. Apparently there are several gosts that are said to haunt the castle so visit at your own risk.

Built in the 15th Century Leap Castle has had a very turbulent and eventful history. In fact one story that supports this is two brothers who were embroiled in a bitter fight. One of the brothers was a priest and holding mass for the family. The other brother cam charging in and murdered him with a sword. The chapel where this took place is now known as the bloody chapel.

What is Ireland famous for? Cities & Towns

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland both have some pretty amazing cities and towns. We cannot mention them all but here are some of the cities and towns that Ireland is famous for.

44. Dublin

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and therefore one of the cities that Ireland is famous for. It’s known for it’s literary history, great nights out, and friendly locals.

It’s also notoriously expensive. But don’t let that put you off. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Dublin. And if you want a more comprehensive list you can read our post on spending 2 days in Dublin.

• Visit the Guinness Factory
• Explore the many museums in the city
• See the Book of Kells
• Walk around Trinity College
• Do the Old Jameson’s Distillery tour
• Drink at Temple Bar
• Checkout Dublin Castle
• Ha’penny Bridge

45. Cobh

Whilst only a small town Cobh is famous as it was the last port of call for the Titanic before it set sail for New York.

It’s also home to the most photographed street in Ireland. This is where a group of houses known as the Deck of Cards sit. The houses are very colourful and if you take a picture from the right angle you can also get St Coleman’s Cathedral in the background.

46. Belfast

Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland and is also the capital. It’s famous for many things, for instance during The Troubles apart from Derry this was another city that suffered greatly and has been synonymous with this time.

It was also known as the world’s linen capital in the 19th Century and was once nicknamed Linenopolis.

Probably one of the most famous things about Belfast though is that this is where the Titanic was built, and you can visit the Titanic Museum to learn more.

47. Derry

If you are aware of modern history you might be aware that Derry was the centre of The Troubles for a number of years. In fact there are still a number of murals in the city today that depict this time. In fact if you have ever watched the hit show Derry Girls you will know that it is set here during this time.

These days Derry is an up and coming place and there are a number of great reasons to visit Derry. For starters it is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Whatever your reason for visiting the future is definitely bright for this city.

48. Galway

Ireland is certainly has some famous cities, and Galway is no different. I mean you have probably heard Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl at this point in your life!

But apart from famous songs, it’s also known for it’s beautiful harbour, incredible food, and buskers. That’s right buskers. Even Ed himself is known to have started out busking in the Irish city

Galway is also known for a great night out, so get yourself to the Latin Quarter and soak in all the atmosphere and ‘craic’ as they say in Ireland.

In terms of things to do in Galway you can:

• Gorge on some great food
• Take in the pub culture and nightlife
• Listen to the buskers along Quay Street
• Visit the Galway City Museum
• Visit Salthill
• Go to a trad music session

49. Cork

Another famous Irish city has to be Cork. It’s the second largest city in Ireland, and is very vibrant and lively. It’s situated on the River Lee and is great for foodies, and culture lovers.

Highlights in the city include the English Market. This is ideal for buying locally produced food. And our favourite thing is that you can purchase tea and cake and just chill out.

St Anne’s church is another highlight in the city. You can climb to the top for 360 degree views. You can also ring the church bells on your way up. And don’t worry you will be provided with noise cancelling headphones because those things are loud!

50. Killarney

Killarney is a famous tourist stop in Ireland. A lot of people use it as a stop for exploring the nearby National Park and the Ring of Kerry. It’s also a really fun place for a night out.

There are a lot of pubs here that play traditional Irish music, and serve great whiskey. The food here is also fantastic. For more information on things to do in Killarney you can read this post.

What is Ireland famous for? Music

Of course many of you might be familiar with Irish music. Some of the best artists in the world hail from Ireland. Again we couldn’t possibly mention them all but here are some of the biggies.

51. U2

Formed in Dublin in 1976 U2 have to be one of Ireland’s biggest musical exports. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have won 22 Grammy Awards.

52. Enya

Second to U2 in terms of best selling Irish musical acts is of course Enya. If you haven’t heard of Enya then you must be living under a rock. Her modern take on Celtic music has earned her the aclaim of best selling Irish solo artist.

53. The Cranberries

For a more grungy sound when it comes to music you might be familiar with The Cranberries. Hailing from Limerick they rose to fame in the 90s producing hits such as Dreams, Linger, and Zombie.

54. Sinéad O’Connor

Famous for being both controversial and talented Sinéad O’Connor is another famous Irish musician. She was well known for her infamous Saturday Night Live performance that saw her banned from ever performing on the show again. Rest in Peace Sinead.

What is Ireland famous for? Food

Food is another one of those things Ireland is famous for, and comfort food is what the Irish do best. Here are some of the top foods that you can find in Ireland.

55. Boxty

Boxty is a famous Irish dish, that is popular in the west of Ireland. It’s essentially a crispy potato pancake that is comfort food heaven. These days many restaurants do a modern take on this and Gallaghers Boxty House in Dublin is a good example. The Boxty fries are honestly something else.

56. Tayto

Tayto is cheap and cheerful and a popular Irish snack. Tayto are crisps (or chips) with intense flavours. Cheese and onion is the best and that is a hill I am willing to die on! They are an Irish institution so make sure you give them a try.

57. Irish Stew

Irish Stew is a staple even outside of Ireland. The thing that sets it apart from regular stews is that it is usually made from mutton or lamb. It also contains a lot of root vegetables and a thick broth. It’s a great hearty pub meal that’s for sure.

58. Soda Bread

Soda Bread is another Irish treat that is perfect on a cold winters day. Eat it warm with some melting butter and a side of vegetable soup. It’s bliss.

The bread became popular during the times of the famine. Only basic ingredients could be used which is what this bread is made from. It contains flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk.

59. Barmbrack

Barmbrack or Brack is a yeasty bread with sultanas and raisins through it. It’s popular at Halloween where you add things like a ring, a coin, and a bit of cloth to the cake mixture. Each item has a specific meaning to whoever finds them in their cake.

60. Seafood

Given Ireland’s island location it’s unsurprising that seafood is popular in the country. Dublin Bay prawns are popular as is Atlantic Salmon. Sligo, Galway, Cork, and Dingle are a few of the best places to eat quality seafood in the country.

What is Ireland famous for? Drink

Ireland is well known for a few of its alcoholic drinks. From Whiskey to stout the Irish really now how to make their booze.

61. Guinness

When I’m asked ‘what is Ireland famous for’ one thing I think is Guinness. It’s a dry stout that originated in Dublin in 1759. It’s one of the most successful alcohol brands in the world, and is brewed in nearly 50 countries.

62. Whiskey

The other drink that Ireland is famous for apart from Guinness is of course Whiskey. Irish Whiskey is available all over the world, and is known for its smooth creamy and mild flavour. If you want to do a taste test we recommend heading to the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin to try some different varieties.

63. Poitin

Ireland is known for it’s alcohol as mentioned above, but one of the most traditional spirits is Poitín. It dates back to at least the 6th Century and there are a lot of myths that surround it like people going blind.

It’s known as Irish Moonshine, as at one stage it was banned and made and sold illegally. These days you can legally buy and drink it. And some bars like Bar 1661 in Dublin are classing it up by using it as a mixer in cocktails.

64. Irish Coffee

Another Irish export is the famous Irish Coffee. It’s basically warm coffee spiked with Whiskey and topped with cream.

It was apparently invented when a bartender by the name of Joe Sheridan was working at an airport terminal near Limerick. He had to make drinks for a Pan Am flight forced to turn back. So he greeted them with what we now know as Irish Coffee.

It was so popular that people still drink it today.

What is Ireland famous for? Pubs

When you think of Ireland you probably think of Irish Pubs. They are famous all over the world, and you could say they are Ireland’s greatest export. Here are some of the most famous pubs in Ireland.

65. Temple Bar in Dublin

The Temple Bar is one of the most famous pubs in Ireland. It’s recognised by it’s bright red exterior and hanging flowers. It is a bit of a tourist trap we will admit, and drinks are expensive but you definitely should add it to your Ireland bucket list.

The atmosphere is always lively day or night, and it’s great for listening to Irish music.

66. Brazen Head in Dublin

When it Dublin you should visit one of the most well known pubs The Brazen Head. It is said to be the oldest pub in Dublin, and was established in 1198. Many of the original features have been retained, and it’s a great place to go for an authentic Irish pub experience.

67. Seans in Athlone

As mentioned when you think about the question what is Ireland famous for you may immediately think pubs. One of the oldest pubs in Ireland is Seans. It is located in Athlone, Co. Westmeath and is definitely one to visit when you head to Ireland.

68. O’Connor’s Famous Pub Galway

O’Connors is famous because it is self professed to be the first singing pub in Ireland. And whilst that is highly debated, it is definitely one of the coolest pubs in Ireland with it’s crazy interior. In recent years though the pub has been made even more famous by being the filming location for Ed Sheeran’s hit Galway Girl.

69. The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast

The Crown in Belfast is another famous bar in Ireland. It’s known for its historic interior with an incredible amount to admire. The pub dates back to 1826 and is a must visit in Northern Ireland.

What is Ireland famous for? Sport

Ireland is very much a sporting nation and even has some unique sports that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some of the sporting relating things Ireland is famous for.

70. Croke Park

One of the most famous stadiums in Ireland is Croke Park. It holds 82,300 people and is the 3rd largest stadium in Europe. Its popular with Irish Rugby, Gaelic, and Hurling.

If you can’t get tickets to a game through, you can visit the on site museum which goes through the history of Ireland’s more unique sports of Gaelic football and Hurling.

71. Rugby Union

Rugby is a huge deal in Ireland, with the sport being organised on an all-Ireland basis. This means that there is one national team and it includes players from both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

72. Gaelic Football

Gaelic Football is famous in Ireland. It’s a team sport played with a round ball similar to a soccer ball but a little smaller and heavier. It’s probably best described as a mix between soccer and rugby, although it does share some similarities to Australian Rules football.

73. Hurling

Similar in popularity is the Irish sport of Hurling. It’s similar to Gaelic football in some ways but it’s played with a wooden stick (a hurley) and a small ball (a Sliotar).

74. Football/ Soccer

The National Irish team might not be hugely successful when it comes to football or soccer as some people know it, but it’s still a big deal in Ireland. People follow it religiously, with many supporting teams in the English Premier League as well.

What is Ireland famous for? Miscellaneous

Some of the things Ireland is famous for don’t fit under other categories so we have added them here.

75. Saint Patricks Day

One of the most popular days in the Irish calendar (and worldwide) is of course St Patrick’s Day. Originally it was a day to observe the death of St Patrick who is the patron saint of Ireland. These days though it’s synonymous with drinking, dancing, and lots of green!

It’s even celebrated in countries like the USA where in Chicago for example the river is turned green in celebration.

76. Halloween

You might not know this but Halloween originated in Ireland. In fact a lot of today’s Halloween traditions can be traced back to Ireland. It began as a pagan celebration over 2000 years ago as a celebration for the end of the annual harvest. It was also believed that on the eve of Halloween dead spirits would visit.

77. Trad Music

‘Trad Music’ is a casual gathering of musician usually in a pub that come together and play traditional Irish music. It’s a big thing in Ireland, and is particularly fun in smaller towns where the sessions are authentic.

A lot of pubs in Ireland host ‘Trad’ nights so ask around when you are visiting.

78. Irish Dancing

Ireland is of course famous for Irish dancing. Usually performed at things like festivals, fleadhs or céilís.

The most popular show is Riverdance which includes dance and traditional music. It was made famous during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, and has become a worldwide hit since then.

79. The Luck of the Irish

You might be familiar with the saying ‘The Luck of the Irish’. The term was used to explain the positive results that Irish miners experienced during the Gold Rush. Essentially the meaning was that they weren’t getting good results from hard work but simply through luck.

80. Ryanair

If you live in Europe and have been on a low cost flight chances are this was probably through Ryanair. Founded in 1984 Ryanair is headquartered in Dublin with other bases around Europe.

81. Game of Thrones

Ireland in recent years has become famous as it is one of the countries that Game of Thrones was filmed in. The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland is probably one of the most popular places for filming, but the cool thing is you can find so many hidden little spots that you might recognise from the show. Ballintoy Harbour near the Causeway is another must visit for GOT fans.

82. Craic

Every heard the expression what’s the craic? Or well isn’t he good craic? Craic is essentially an Irish term that covers fun, entertainment, good conversation and just a general good time. And the Irish are known for all of the above.

83. Shamrocks

Shamrocks which are a type of clover are very much used as the symbol of Ireland. In fact St Patrick used them as a metaphor to explain the Holy Trinity. The leaves are said to represent The Father (God), The Son (Jesus) and the Holy Sprit. These days whenever you see a shamrock you can’t help but think of Ireland.

84. Eurovision

I’m adding this one because Eurovision has just finished for another year, and every year Dave reminds me how successful Ireland have been in the contest. Eurovision fans will know that Ireland jointly holds the record for the most victories with Sweden. Ireland have won seven times and had three consecutive wins.

85. Father Ted

Comedy lovers might be familiar with Ireland’s most popular sitcom Father Ted. It has won BAFTA awards and even to this day, years after it ended is a much loved hit on Irish television. Technically the show was commissioned by Channel 4 which is a British Broadcaster but the actors were Irish and it was filmed in Country Clare in Ireland.

Father Ted has a kind of cult following these days with pretty much everyone I know in Ireland able to quote the pivotal parts of the show.

What is Ireland famous for? Distilleries

Finally particularly when thinking what is Ireland famous for on an international level you might think of some of its famous distilleries.

86. Old Jameson Distillery

Jameson is probably the most famous Irish Whiskey. In fact you can probably find it as a staple in bars around the world. It’s been going since 1780, and was manufactured in Dublin up until the early 1970s.

87.Old Bushmills Distillery

Whiskey is a big deal in Ireland and another famous brand in Bushmills. You can visit the Old Bushmills Distillery when visiting Northern Ireland. This is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, and over 400 years on it is still making the good stuff. When you visit you can learn all about how whiskey is made as well as trying some too.

What is Ireland famous for? A recap

Hopefully after reading this article you are no longer asking the question ‘what is Ireland famous for’. As you can see Ireland is famous for so many things, from it’s immense natural beauty and attractions, to it’s food and drink.

We hope you one day get the chance to explore this beautiful island, and maybe see a few things that Ireland is famous for yourself.

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Happy Travels!