We Irish will do anything for a good celebration, and that is why we have so many annual events we just love to look forward to.
The Irish are a very traditional bunch, with some events that originated here centuries ago still widely celebrated.
We are also a very outgoing and social bunch, so of course, there are many times of the year Irish people look forward to.
With special occasions looming, it gives us the excitement we crave and the chance to plan, which is a rare occasion for us Irish as we famously like to ‘wing it’ most of the time.
However, many special events keep us occupied, and when one ends, we waste no time in planning the next one.
Let us delve a little deeper into the Irish way by checking out the top ten times of the year Irish people look forward to.
10. Wedding season – the time to let your hair down
Many weddings in Ireland happen in spring and summer, and Irish people love a good wedding party as much as the next person.
Wedding celebrations in Ireland last for days, and it is the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and have some fun in a great environment.
9. St Stephen’s Day – time spent with friends
The day after Christmas is another reason to celebrate and one of the times of the year Irish people look forward to.
While Christmas Day is time spent with family, 26 December is reserved for drinks with friends and, of course, more food.
8. Summer holidays – family adventures
While many people don’t have ‘summer holidays’ per se, teachers and children are off school for the whole summer.
So, many families look forward to planning their holidays abroad during this time of year.
7. Long weekends – relax, unwind, and enjoy some extra time off
We have long weekends all throughout the year, more than in other countries, it seems. They are the perfect time for short getaways, relaxing, or visiting friends and family.
Everyone always looks forward to the upcoming ‘banker’ (bank holiday).
6. Easter – the time to eat your weight in chocolate
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate, no wonder we love this time of year in Ireland so much.
Weeks before the event, you’ll find Easter eggs in all the shops, and kids love to go on Easter egg hunts on Easter Sunday, too.
5. New Year’s Day – the first day of a brand-new year
New Year’s Day is just as good as Christmas Day, although the hangover may be a bit more intense.
However, if you are lucky not to be working, this day will involve lazing around, watching movies, or visiting family. And, of course, eating yet another massive roast dinner.
4. New Year’s Eve – the best time of the year to party
This is one of the most exciting times of the year for Irish people. It isn’t uncommon for folks to plan their outfits weeks in advance.
Booking is essential if you want to party, so we tend to plan this side of things beforehand to make the biggest evening of the year a memorable one.
3. Halloween – our most traditional Irish event
Unlike many other European countries, Halloween is greatly celebrated in Ireland, and people look forward to this evening, especially kids.
We have costume parties, bonfires, trick or treat, Halloween games, fireworks, and much more because Halloween is actually an Irish tradition.
It has been celebrated every 31 October for over 3000 years.
2. St Patrick’s Day – when everything goes green
Known as our national holiday, St Patrick’s Day – or Paddy’s Day as it is known locally – is one of the biggest times of the year Irish people look forward to.
This Irish holiday is also celebrated by people all over the world. Be prepared for parades, drinking toasts, street drinking, and all things green on 17 March.
1. Christmas Day – when festive spirits are thriving
Christmas Day, held on 25 December in Ireland, is definitely one of the main times of the year Irish people look forward to.
It has been celebrated in Ireland for centuries. Traditions include attending Christmas mass, enjoying copious amounts of food and alcohol, seeing the Christmas lights and markets, and opening presents.
Christmas is such a magical time of year in Ireland; the streets have a festive spirit like no other time of the year.
So there it is, the top ten times of the year Irish people look forward to. So, which one is on the top of your list?
