Want to experience a taste of Ireland? If so, these six pastimes offer the perfect way to soak up the feel of the island.
The beautiful island country of Ireland is known for many different things.
From our green landscapes to Guinness, Irish dancing and music to St Patrick’s Day, the welcoming people to the Irish brogue to the literature.
Of course, how could we forget our cosy Irish pubs, which are so inviting and where you spend an evening with friends playing card games.
They also offer a great place to try out your blackjack strategy and some fine Irish whiskey while you’re doing it. With all this considered, it’s really no wonder Ireland is so popular.
Not convinced? Well, in August 2023, the Central Statistics Office reported that in June of that year, 619,000 foreign resident visitors departed on overseas routes.
Meanwhile, they also reported that holidays and leisure were the most frequent reasons for visiting Ireland.
We’re lucky that while staying or living in Ireland, there are so many things to do. So, here are some suggestions of quintessentially Irish pastimes to experience a taste of Ireland.
6. Join a writing group – soak up the country’s literary culture
Ireland has introduced the world to some fine writers, such as Bram Stoker, James Joyce, and Oscar Wilde. So, it shouldn’t surprise you to hear you can join a writing group in Ireland.
You can find writing groups not just in Dublin, the Irish capital, but all around the island. The Irish Writers Centre provides a list of these on its website, detailing where and when they meet.
Plus, if you fancy joining a group but can’t attend or prefer to write at your own pace but still wish for some guidance, you can also take part in one of the online writing courses available.
5. Follow or practise hurling or Gaelic football – enjoy a game of classic Irish sport
Hurling and Gaelic football are Irish national sports, which reach a peak on All Ireland Sunday in September. This day is the culmination of knockout tournaments involving teams from different counties.
On All Ireland Sunday, the two remaining teams battle head-to-head at Croke Park, Ireland’s biggest football stadium. Winning the All-Ireland championship is such a big deal in Ireland that schools will often close the next day for celebrations.
4. Irish dancing – get those feet moving
Irish dancing, derived from English country dancing and French quadrilles, used to be taught by dance masters who travelled throughout Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries.
As time went by dance became increasingly important and ingrained into Irish culture. After Riverdance hit America, Irish step-dancing classes really became popular across the globe.
In Irish step-dancing, the music drives the movement, the upper body remains stiff and upright, and the shoes bash out the rhythm. The performers dance high on the balls of the feet and also make graceful movements with their arms.
So, if you’re looking for one of the best Irish pastimes to experience a taste of Ireland, this is one you need to add to your list.
3. Irish cookery – enjoy a taste of our local cuisine
Before potato farming came to Ireland, wheat, oats, flatbread, and barley were Irish staples. Meanwhile, dairy and beef have been mainstays for longer than anyone can remember, thanks to the green fields of Ireland.
Today, traditional Irish recipes, such as stews and colcannon, are being reinvented by chefs. Meanwhile, cookery schools in Dublin and other parts of Ireland have experienced a revival in popularity.
Chefs haven’t just stuck with traditional Irish cuisine, however, and have been creating new and creative recipes using locally sourced ingredients, including fish, vegetables, shellfish, beef, herbs, and seaweed.
2. Embrace Irish music and pub culture – one of the best pastimes to experience a taste of Ireland
You haven’t experienced Ireland until you’ve spent time in an Irish pub and listened to some Irish music. Believe us when we say that Irish pub and music culture is like no other.
Families get involved. Communities get involved. People bond. You’ll see traditional Irish musicians and singers doing their thing in the pubs while everyone sits and appreciates it.
Importantly, if you do go into a pub and a band or singer is performing, be respectful. If you wish to chat, either keep your voice so as not to drown out the music or simply drink somewhere there isn’t a band playing.
In fact, some might say the experience is wasted on you if you’d rather chat than listen to the music.
1. Walking, rambling, or mountaineering – get out and discover why we call it the Emerald Isle
Being outdoors in Ireland is an experience to cherish, with its stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and magical coastline.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of dedicated clubs you can join or, if you’d rather, you can get out and experience it for yourself or with friends.
If you’re into mountaineering, you’ll find events to accommodate your level, even if you’re just starting out.
So, suppose you’re looking for a safer way to experience the outdoors but still exercise and appreciate Ireland’s natural beauty. In that case, there are plenty of welcoming hill walking and rambling clubs suited to all abilities.
Often, you’ll pay for a membership, which is affordable, and you’ll need strong boots and good trousers for the excursions.
Don’t make the rookie error of wearing jeans, which can make the activity more dangerous if they become wet. Also, don’t mess up by not enjoying the sandwiches and drinks after the trip!
Ireland is a terrific country, packed with things to do so you can immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the country and people.
Whatever you’re doing, the Irish will welcome you with open arms. There’s nothing the people like more than someone appreciating their country, so why not try one (or more) of these epic pastimes to experience a taste of Ireland?
