How many of these Irish traditions have you heard of? Read on to discover those that the rest of the world can’t make sense of.
Like all cultures, Ireland has its own traditions that set it apart from everywhere else. These traditions make us unique, yet when we mention them to non-Irish people, we are often met with perplexed faces.
We’ve decided to highlight a few in the hopes of enlightening you. We understand we may run the risk of confusing you further, but that’s just a risk we are willing to take.
10. The fear of the wooden spoon − why do so many of us run for cover?
If you brandish a wooden spoon in front of an Irish person, they will likely cower in fear. Why on earth would this be, we hear you ask.
The wooden spoon is considered the weapon of choice for all Irish mammies, so most Irish people have been threatened with a slap from one at least once over the years.
9. Hurling − it’s our national sport, and it’s a huge deal
Many people come to Ireland not knowing what hurling even is. Please don’t make this mistake; an Irish person may take serious offence.
Hurling is the country’s national sport and one of the greatest Irish traditions. We recommend you check out facts about hurling or a match if you visit our country. We promise you’ll have great craic.
8. Serving at mass − a right of passage for us all
Are you even Irish if you didn’t serve at mass in primary school? Many Irish schoolchildren were delighted to get some time off school to help the parish priest during a wedding or funeral.
That’s right; we were thrilled at the idea of funerals. We Irish love a bit of misery.
7. Chicken fillet rolls the day after the session − a guaranteed cure
The beloved chicken fillet roll is a must-have to soak up the session from the night before. It is a pure comfort food and an Irish delicacy.
Don’t diss it until you’ve tried it. The only problem is you’ll be pining for them forever.
6. Hunting the wren − a day of divilment
The wren’s hunting is strictly reserved for St. Stephens Day (26 December). On this day, merrymakers known as mummers dress up in straw clothing and go from public house to public house, bringing music, poetry, and general divilment with them.
In days long past, these mummers used to hunt an actual bird, but now they pretend, which is for the best if you ask us. In regards to clothing, see our article on the history of traditional Irish clothing.
5. The Late Late Toy Show − a must for all Irish households
If you don’t watch The Late Late Toy Show, then there’s something fundamentally wrong with your soul.
Traditionally reserved for children, adults love sitting in front of the telly watching the chaos unfold as Ryan Tubridy tries to deal with the overly-giddy children on set.
4. Storytelling − a unique Irish art
Ireland is known for its art in storytelling. Traditionally a seanchaí (storyteller) would go from place to place, passing on stories as they went on.
This aural tradition was critical to the revival of Irish culture. Today, storytelling events such as Seanchoíche (storytelling night) keep this tradition alive.
3. The Christmas day swim − some of us don’t even get this one
You’d have to see it to believe it. Many Irish people flock to the sea every Christmas morning to splash in the ice-cold sea.
This is one of the most bizarre Irish traditions, yet there is something very wholesome about it.
2. Seisún ceol − you can’t beat a good pub session
Irish music, like storytelling, is also traditionally passed on aurally. This is one of the most beautiful Irish traditions.
You can find a music session in any Irish town, ask a bartender, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. For help, check out some of the best Irish drinking songs there is.
1. The 12 pubs − one of the best Irish traditions
The 12 pubs of Christmas is an essential festive night out for every Irish drinker’s Christmas. Gangs of friends don their most festive attire and attempt to drink in 12 pubs in one night.
Each team generally makes up different rules for each pub, with strict penalties if you break them. Forget to drink with your left hand only in pub number 4? You can bet you’re doing a disgusting shot in the next pub if that’s the case.
It isn’t for the faint of heart, and many souls have been destroyed while undertaking this challenge. Still, it remains a favourite among the Irish drinking classes.
See this alternative list for other Irish traditions that the rest of the world might find weird.
