A lot has changed in Ireland over the past two decades, from politics to how people dress to popular culture. Here are ten things that have changed for the better in Ireland.
Ireland is a vastly different place from what it was 20 years ago: a lot of things have changed for the better. With almost a century’s worth of progress squeezed into just two decades, it’s amazing to see how far the country has come.
From improved infrastructure to the arrival of global corporations, Ireland is becoming a vibrant and modern country to rival some of the world’s most modern nations.
So, if you’re curious to find out how the island has changed over the years, read on to discover the ten things that have changed for the better for Ireland.
- A lot has changed in Ireland over the past two decades, from politics to how people dress to popular culture. Here are ten things that have changed for the better in Ireland.
- 10. Greater employment opportunities – combatting the brain drain
- 9. Same-sex marriage and repealing the 8th – one of the most important things that have changed for the better
- 8. Wireless broadband – keeping us all connected
- 7. More internationally connected – improvements to global travel
- 6. Improved road systems – making transport across the country easier
- 5. Dublin has become a vibrant and modern city – huge changes across the city
- 4. The makeup – we’ve learned what we’re doing
- 3. Increasing awareness of mental health – a major area of progression
- 2. More global food options – better options for all dietary requirements
- 1. Ireland has become a tech hub – one of the top things that have changed for the better in Ireland
10. Greater employment opportunities – combatting the brain drain
Back in 2004, it wasn’t uncommon for anyone looking to start a new career to have no other option than to leave the island. This led to the so-called ‘brain-drain’, which saw fresh grads move to more developed countries like the US or the UK.
However, with increased interest from global tech companies opening up head offices in Dublin, thousands of new jobs have been created, encouraging the younger generation to stay for longer.
9. Same-sex marriage and repealing the 8th – one of the most important things that have changed for the better
Two of the most incredible ways Ireland has changed over the past 20 years show how the country has become a more accepting place.
Since 2004, two major pieces of legislation were brought in to improve the rights of people in the country. First up, Ireland became the first country to support and enact same-sex marriage by a popular vote in 2015.
Then, in 2018, a referendum was held to repeal the country’s eighth amendment. This repeal legalised abortion in the country.
8. Wireless broadband – keeping us all connected
When comparing life in Ireland in 2004 vs 2024, one of the major differences experienced by people across the country has been the widescale roll-out of fibre broadband.
Offering homes and businesses high-speed internet access has been a huge milestone in helping the island remain globally connected.
7. More internationally connected – improvements to global travel
Over the past 20 years, Ireland has become increasingly globally connected, with major improvements to flight routes linking the country to the rest of the world.
For example, Dublin Airport opened its second terminal in 2010, allowing the airport to handle over 30 million extra passengers per year.
6. Improved road systems – making transport across the country easier
Ireland’s Major Inter-Urban Motorway Project was completed in 2010. This project went a long way to connecting Dublin to other major Irish cities, such as Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Galway, by continuous motorway.
This is just one project that made accessibility across the country much easier, both for tourists and commuting.
5. Dublin has become a vibrant and modern city – huge changes across the city
Over the past two decades, Dublin has seen major progress across various areas, making the city’s landscape look almost unrecognisable compared to what it was before.
From new businesses opening up across the city to new and improved Luas lines improving accessibility across the city, Dublin has seen plenty of change over the past 20 years.
4. The makeup – we’ve learned what we’re doing
Who remembers the questionable looks we wore back in 2004? From concealer lips to pencil-thin eyebrows, we really thought we looked so cool.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve started to learn how to use makeup to enhance our features instead of hiding them, thanks to lots of new cosmetics companies, offering everything from high-end makeup brushes to foundations, eyeshadow palettes to makeup brush cleaners.
3. Increasing awareness of mental health – a major area of progression
One of the best things that has changed in Ireland over the past 20 years is the increased awareness and acceptance of mental health.
Back in 2004, it’s sad but true that there was a huge lack of understanding about mental health and many people would have been judged and ostracised for the issues they suffered from. Today, however, things have improved and are steadily changing for the better.
2. More global food options – better options for all dietary requirements
In 2004, many of us lived on a staple diet of classic Irish foods, such as meat and potatoes, mincemeat pies, and root vegetables. While we still love this food, it’s great to see an increasing variety of options inspired by global cuisine.
There are also plenty more options these days to suit all dietary requirements, catering for vegans, vegetarians, and those following a gluten-free lifestyle.
1. Ireland has become a tech hub – one of the top things that have changed for the better in Ireland
Over the past 20 years, many global companies such as Google and Facebook have invested in the Emerald Isle, bringing attention to the island.
This has majorly helped the economy, helping push Ireland into the 21st century and welcoming investors from all over the world. This is certainly one of the ways life has changed in Ireland in 2004 vs 2024.
