Living in Ireland in 2026: Culture, Sport, The People & Where to Live

If you’re new in town, your local pub is often the fastest way to feel part of the community. It’s where people meet, share gossip, tell stories, sing songs, and watch a match. Rural areas still hold strong; 38% of people live in communities under 1,500 people. A journalist once described the Irish as a “Mediterranean people who got stuck too far north.” There’s truth in that. Ireland's education system is well-regarded internationally, with Trin… Golf is accessible and affordable by international standards at many public courses.

In Ireland most sports, including rugby union, Gaelic football, hurling and handball, cycling and golf, are organised on an all-island basis, with, where relevant, a single team representing the island of Ireland in international competitions. Other sports with material playing populations, including at school level, include tennis, hockey, pitch and putt, rugby, basketball, boxing, cricket and squash. Their propensity for rural living was influenced by a variety of factors including cultural traditions, a desire for privacy and autonomy, work opportunities and their fondness of the natural world. The most popular of these are the annual Dublin Saint Patrick's Day Festival which attracts on average 500,000 people and the National Ploughing Championships with an attendance in the region of 400,000. British and satellite-carried international television channels have widespread audiences in the Republic.

• The BBC and ITV families of channels are available free to air across the Republic and there is widespread availability of the four main UK channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel Four) but only limited coverage from Five.
• Many modern pubs, not necessarily traditional, still emulate traditional pubs, only perhaps substituting traditional music for a DJ or non-traditional live music.citation needed
• People can also try something new at our various family friendly workshops for all ages and enjoy festive music, hot drinks and treats.
• As darkness falls, visitors will be invited to journey through the park on a specially designed Halloween trail inspired by the ancient festival of Samhain.
• Join us as we leave daylight behind and explore the darker side of our mythologies and histories at EPIC!

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce today that there will be a second TwinkleTown Christmas event and experience. This unforgettable production of Joyce's masterpiece takes place in the rich historical interior and unseen rooms of UCD Newman House. The Dead by James Joyce, a thrilling immersive theatre experience and a uniquely intimate way for small audience groups to experience Joyce's greatest short story. Nina, an aspiring actress and Konstantin’s newest obsession, draws everyone – including Boris -into her orbit and the tensions simmering beneath the surface of this idyllic countryside retreat begin to bubble over. It’s your opportunity to connect with innovators, explore emerging ideas, and celebrate the breakthroughs shaping the future of technology and society. In partnership with principal sponsor Microsoft, the AI Awards is more than an awards ceremony; it is a gathering of Ireland’s thriving AI community.

You will gain a real insight into the student experience and life at UCD. One of the best ways to experience UCD is to come to our Open Day. Following a sell-out season in 2025 that welcomed more than 115,000 visitors, Elf Town returns in Forget pop-up grottos and tinsel-draped sheds, Elf Town is Ireland’s only Christmas experience built with the ambition, scale, and incredible level of detail to match any world-class Christmas production. Ice Skating Blanchardstown returns to Millennium Park, bringing Ireland’s largest and most exciting ice rink to Dublin.

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Little of this had changed by the time of the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. These uniquely Irish sports are deeply loved, with local pride on full display during the All-Ireland Championships. GAA clubs actively welcome international members for hurling and football – you don't need to be Irish to play, and local clubs are highly sociable. Dublin has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, a diverse international food scene driven by its multicultural population, and an outstanding brunch culture.

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Join us on Wednesdays and Saturdays in October for this tour looking at the seasonal folkore and traditions of plants at this time of year Rekindle the ancient folklore and traditions of Samhain on this special Halloween tour. Mark your calendar with some unforgettable experiences. From intimate concerts and West End-style theatre productions to family-friendly festivals and free community events, we cover everything that makes Dublin's cultural scene vibrant. The most active categories are music, comedy, workshops, with popular venues including 3Olympia Theatre, 3Arena Dublin, Wigwam Dublin.

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Ireland's cultural output relative to its size is extraordinary. Ireland offers a lifestyle anchored in natural beauty, cultural depth, and social warmth. Thoughtful reads, new discoveries and old favourites worth making time for. The songs, albums and artists we think are worth your time — this week and beyond.

• A larger minority have Irish as a second language, with 40.6% of people in the Republic of Ireland claiming some ability to speak the language in the 2011 census.
• A fun-filled family event, audiences are encouraged to come in costume, with prizes for the best dressed at selected performances—making it the perfect Halloween treat for children and gro
• Louis Walsh gives major Westlife update and reveals little-known secret about how group was formed
• No matter how much Nemo Rangers have won over the last 50 years, the gap between this title and their last will have felt like a hellish eternity.

Elaine Crowley stuns as she steps out for glamourous Dublin event

Theatre serves here as a place to relate to our uncanny human existences addressing the collective unconscious at a time when violence and grief are undeniable aspects of our experiences. With over 100 events taking place across five days in venues throughout Dublin City, featuring over 200 authors, illustrators, poets and musicians, the festival is packed with events for all ages. The show is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television. We invite you to celebrate this Halloween weekend on a journey through the music that made it unforgettable.

• Come explore everything from technology and ecosystems to the special science week theme of water and its vital role in our world.Meet an amazing line-up of
• As the veil thins at Samhain, join us for a journey through the hidden folklore, horrors and spirits of our house on St Stephen's Green.
• Mass transatlantic Irish and Scottish immigration in the 19th century popularised Halloween in the United States and Canada.
• While many Mincéirí in contemporary Ireland are now settled, including in urban areas, they often maintain rural traditions such as horseback riding, and attend traditional fairs and festivals in the countryside.

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

From 2nd to 31st October 2026, step into a world of illuminated pumpkin creations and wander through an enchanting outdoor trail filled with incredible carvings, imaginative scenes and unforgettable photo opportunities. This Halloween, Newbridge House & Farm lights up after dark with thousands of glowing pumpkins, spectacular hand-carved displays, live entertainment and autumn magic. Journey through the Haunted Trail, encounter playful characters and surprises, and discover ancient Samhain traditions in The Samhain Forest. This October, step into the magic and mystery of Samhain at Malahide Castle. Along the way, we'll trace the Irish roots of Dracula and explore the changelings, fairy Running daily from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October, 2pm-3pm, this is your chance to explore MoLI's darker side this Samhain.

The festival draws inspiration from Stoker, his life, his work, the Dublin of his time and celebrates the Gothic, the supernatural, the after-dark and the Victorian. Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival celebrates the legacy of one of Ireland’s most beloved and iconic writers and is now one of Dublin’s largest arts festivals. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or running your very first marathon, this is your moment to be part of something truly special. Manchester United’s hierarchy are in crisis talks over whether or not to sack Michael Carrick as head coach after he oversaw another torrid defeat, against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, that appeared to leave his job in the balance. Manchester United’s hierarchy are in crisis talks over whether or not to sack Michael Carrick as manager after he oversaw another torrid defeat, to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, that appeared to leave his job in the balance.

Common Questions – Lifestyle in Ireland

Events Thalia Heffernan proudly supported by boyfriend Conor and mum Susan at film premiere Sport Cavan woman battling incurable cancer takes on Dublin marathon after completing 600 races Entertainment Kim Kardashian cuts glam figure in YSL at premiere of All's Fair Season 2 Entertainment Joe Duffy on health battle and how his children never traded in on his famous name THE new series has been pushed back amid allegations of bullying, gruelling shoot and shocking conditions.

What’s On: October 2026 — Ireland’s Events Worth Exploring

Whether you're looking for the perfect family outing, date night or just a fun night out with friends Dundrum on Ice is the next stop on your list! This Christmas, enjoy the magic of Swords On Ice at Pavilions Shopping Centre. With twinkling lights, cosy vibes, and plenty of space for family and friends, it's a winter experience everyone will love. Our rink at the Pavilions Shopping Centre is the perfect place to celebrate the season, whether you're a first-time skater or gliding like a pro.

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Art Source is the most exciting art event of the year, featuring 175 Irish & International artists & galleries gathering together to showcase PAINTING, SCULPTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, ILLUSTRATION, P When love & tragedy collide … Based on Shakespeare’s tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet is one of the greatest love stories of all time. As Other Voices heads for Dingle and its 25th edition, Home sets the journey in motion at St. James's Gate with an intimate night of music and song in the heart of the Liberties. Cheerful Earful is the global festival of funny podcasts. The UK’s biggest and most popular day time club event Day Fever is coming back to Dublin on Saturday, November 7th at the Academy, Dublin!

Many fulach fia sites have been identified across the island of Ireland, and some of them appear to have been in use up to the 17th century.citation needed The Irish language has the third oldest literature in Europe (after Greek and Latin),citation needed the most significant body of written literature (both ancient and recent) of any Celtic language, as well as a strong oral tradition of legends and poetry. Mass transatlantic Irish and Scottish immigration in the 19th century popularised Halloween in the United States and Canada. Important Christian holidays include Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, St. Brigid's Day and various Marian observances, particularly within the month of May.citation needed While many Mincéirí in contemporary Ireland are now settled, including in urban areas, they often maintain rural traditions such as horseback riding, and attend traditional fairs and festivals in the countryside.

TwinkleTown returns to Dublin City this Christmas with ice skating, the Santo Panto, festive food and drink, live music and much more. Join Lola, Buddy, Laurel, and a host of unforgettable new characters as they journey to a world of pirates, fairies, forgotten powers and belly laughs in Dublin’s Most Magical Panto! A thunderstorm of fame.” Irina (Aisling O’Sullivan), a fading star of the stage, returns to her family estate to see her volatile son Konstantin with her lover Boris in tow. This Christmas, the Gate Theatre invites audiences to step into the world of Bedford Falls with a stage production of the timeless classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Every set within the enormous Dublin and Galway locations is hand-crafted, every character fully realised, and every child’s journey designed to feel truly magical from start to finish. Her innovative musical creations are matched by electrifying live performances – Clare brings her audiences on an exhilarating ZNAKI FM Launches Irish Edition, Expanding Its Global News and Entertainment Network journey full of hope, celebration and heart.

In addition, the dialect and accent of the people of Northern Ireland is noticeably different from that of the majority in the Republic of Ireland, being influenced by Ulster Scots and Northern Ireland's proximity to Scotland. A larger minority have Irish as a second language, with 40.6% of people in the Republic of Ireland claiming some ability to speak the language in the 2011 census. During the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, a strong indigenous tradition of painting emerged, including such figures as John Butler Yeats, William Orpen, Jack Yeats and Louis le Brocquy. Poetry in Irish represents the oldest vernacular poetry in Europe, with the earliest examples dating from the 6th century. The island's most widely known literary works are in English, including works by James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and Ireland's four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature; William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney. The island of Ireland has made a large contribution to world literature in various branches, in both the Irish and English languages.

Kilkenny great Richie Power tasted managerial success as he led Shelmaliers to the Wexford SHC title with a two-point victory over Rathnure St Anne’s on Sunday. Thousands of homes and businesses left without power following Storm Boelo Ethiopian athletes claim men's and women's titles at Dublin Marathon