Did you know about these things Ireland didn’t have ten years ago? Read on to find out.
Sometimes we can forget how much things have changed in such a short period of time. It’s worth taking a look back to see how far we have come as a nation.
Ten years is quite a short period of time, but there are many things Ireland didn’t have ten years ago that we are used to now.
10. Ireland’s tech influence − leading the way
Ireland, specifically Dublin, has made a name for itself in the tech world, with many companies choosing to base offices and facilities on the island. Technology giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft employ many Irish citizens.
Many of these companies have been situated here for more than ten years, but it’s mainly within the last decade that the country has developed a strong identity for its tech reputation.
9. Environmentally conscious − a greener future
The world has been looking at ways to reduce, reuse and recycle to establish a green future for generations to come. Ireland has done its fair share and ramped up efforts over the past few years.
With the implementation of electric car charging points in many locations around the island and other conscious efforts, Ireland is becoming more environmentally conscious every year.
8. TikTok stars − spreading Irish culture around the globe
TikTok was only created in 2016 and has blown up as a social media and entertainment app. Many stars have risen to fame and notoriety on the platform.
Ireland has had its fair share of exposure on the app, with people like @gardinerbrothers showing off their Irish dancing skills and providing the world with a new view of Ireland and our traditions. See this article on the top 10 Irish TikTokers you should definitely be following.
7. Public transport − connecting the country
Many visitors may see Ireland as a pretty small country, but our public transport can leave much to be desired, some may say. However, the past ten years have seen the implementation of more services to avail of.
The Glider service was introduced in Belfast in 2018, and Dublin is planning to expand its services, including Dart, Luas and metro projects.
6. More rights − making Ireland a better place
Ireland has developed in many ways in the last decade. It may be surprising to people in other countries that certain rights were some of the things Ireland didn’t have ten years ago.
In 2018, a referendum led to the repealing of the 8th amendment of the constitution of Ireland, which now means abortion has been legalised in the Republic of Ireland.
More recently, it was legalised in the north. Same-sex marriage has also been legalised in both the north and south in the last decade.
5. Population increase − still not recovered from the famine
The 2022 census of Ireland showed a 7.6% increase in the population of Ireland compared to the 2016 figures. This means Ireland’s population, at last count, is 5.1 million in the south and 1.9 million in the north.
Ireland is in a unique position in which its population is still recovering from The Famine. In 1841, before the famine, the population was 8.5 million.
4. Ireland on screen − move over Hollywood
In recent years Ireland has made a name for itself on both the big and small screen. With Irish talent gracing Hollywood blockbusters, we have now seen Ireland used as the backdrop to many local stories.
Kenneth Branagh took Belfast to the Oscars in 2022. Plus, Derry Girls came and went, educating people around the world about teenagers growing up in The Troubles.
3. Welcoming refugees − opening our homes to those in need
When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the rest of Europe stepped up and did what they could to help those displaced by the violence.
Irish families opened their doors and welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their homes in their time of need. Now many classrooms have welcomed Ukrainian children, and workplaces recruited adults to the workforce.
2. Shared leadership − Irish coalition
Ireland has recently seen a change in leadership, with Leo Varadkar reclaiming the title of Taoiseach in December 2022. The previous Taoiseach was Micheál Martin, who held the title from June 2020.
The reason for the switchover was part of a coalition agreement between the parties Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party.
1. Brexit − a bumpy road
One of the top things Ireland didn’t have ten years ago, which it has now, is the issue of Brexit. The UK left the European Union in 2021 following a referendum vote in 2016.
Due to a shared border with Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland has been heavily involved in the discussion and steps implementing the international change.
