People of Ireland Share Stories of Their Culture

People of Ireland Offer Backstories of Their Home, Culture and Identity

The people of Ireland have a wealth of unique and meaningful customs, authentic artisanal traditions, and majestic historical monuments that shape Irish culture. People Are Culture is pleased to share an ever-growing collection of stories and interviews that offer a deep dive into some of the cultural practices of Western Ireland.

For a relatively small place, the people of Ireland have made a significant contribution to the world’s culture, with four Nobel Prize winners in literature; renowned traditions in folk music and dance; and the visual arts span carvings on megalithic tombs, The Book Of Kells and other early manifestations of Christianity, and Celtic metalwork, to name but a few–all influenced by the country’s spectacular geography.

The third-largest island in Europe, Ireland has both a sweet charm and a savage beauty, with faith and poetry in evidence everywhere.

Read more below about the best experiences of Irish culture—through the eyes and voices of local Irish people who are proud to share their legacy, traditions, history and stories.

Explore the World’s Cultural Landscapes and Interconnectedness

Cultural landscapes feature many dimensions of interconnectedness between people, heritage, and spirituality. Learn more in this interview!

Irish Culture | DeCoding the Landscape with Micheál Mac Gearailt

Irish culture is renowned for its literature and drama. In this Q and A, we explore the connection between Irish heritage and landscape.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is a magical place where the past is very much alive and can be experienced at places like the 11th century Gallarus Oratory, a small, stone-built chapel in the shape of an up-turned boat, and 70 stones scattered across the peninsula inscribed with writing in Ogham, an alphabet that dates to possibly the 4th century.

Dingle Peninsula Home to Ogham Stones, Beehive Huts, and More

The Dingle Peninsula has a rich culture and heritage, specifically Irish Ogham Stones. Meet Irish archaeologist Isabel Bennett to hear more.

Great Blasket Islands A Microcosm of Irish Culture and Heritage

The Great Blasket Islands of Ireland are a microcosm of Irish culture. Learn about ancient folk wisdom, religious fusion, "the king".

The Aran Islands

Inis Mór is the largest of the three Aran Islands and includes many ancient structures--the stone fort of Dun Aengus is a stand-out among the island's antiquities. The neighboring island of Inis Meáin, whose name translates from Gaelic as "the Middle Island," is the quietest and most traditional of the three Aran Islands, with a population of 102 people. Both islands offer rich history, friendly hospitality, and spectacular scenery with miles and miles of rambling but sturdy stone walls.

Celtic Priest on Spiritual Heritage and Traditions of Aran Islands

Fascinated by Celtic spirituality? Want to know more about Celtic Rituals? Meet Dara Molloy, a Celtic priest and author.

The Burren

The Burren is located in Clare and Galway counties on the west coast of Ireland, and is 720 square kilometer limestone landscape, which has been home to farming communities for six millennia. These inhabitants have left a rich archaeological legacy of Neolithic dolmans, portal tombs, ring forts, tar houses and Medieval churches. Despite its deceivingly barren appearance, the Burren is very much a living landscape, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Burren College of Art Provides Alternative Approaches to Fine Art

The Burren College of Art is an internationally recognized Irish non-profit college. Learn more with the President, Mary Hawkes-Greene.

The Burren in Ireland Conserving A Unique Cultural Landscape

The Burren in Ireland has a unique ecology and cultural history that is explored in this interview with conservationist Brendan Dunford.

Photo Essays | Burren College of Art

Photo essay on Mary Hawkes-Greene, President of Burren College of Art on culture, creativity, identity and power of the Burren landscape.

Planning Your Trip to Experience Irish Culture

If you're fascinated by Irish culture and ready to start planning your trip, let us help! As a first step, check out our Travel Resources guide, which recommends trusted brands in hotels, flights, car rentals and guiding services. Whatever stage of the trip-planning process you are in, these platforms can offer some cool options with a range of choices and current and best prices.

Getting There

I don't know about you, but I find booking flights to be the most anxiety-producing part of travelling. So, here are some ideas on how to make the process more user-friendly!

I like to feel I am getting a fair deal on flights. Kiwi.com is the best flight comparison website at the moment and is a very useful tool when planning your trip.

If you are looking for a best-of-class flight experience, we recommend Qatar Airways, recently voted the best airline in the world.

For peace of mind in the event your flight is delayed or cancelled, use AirHelp. This online service helps air passengers get compensation from airlines.

Finding the Perfect Vacation Digs!

I am super fussy about where I stay when I travel. For me, the ambiance of my home-away-from home is meant to be a cultural treat and so I do my homework. If you are that way too, here are some tools to help suss out the sweet spot that is exactly what you have in mind, whatever your price point or style preferences.

In my view, booking platforms are useful specifically for seeing what all the options are in a given area, and to find your price point.

I've used Booking.com many times and have sourced unique properties and excellent deals. It has the largest number of accommodations in the world and is ranked as the best hotel booking site for 2023 by TripSavvy.

If a hotel is not what you expected, it's best to take it up with them directly and not expect a booking platform to address customer satisfaction concerns.

VRBO is the most popular vacation rental website in the US and has over 2 million rentals worldwide. Their rentals are ideal for families or vacationers who don't want to stay in a hotel.

I've used VRBO on many trips and love having more space and feeling like I am experiencing a destination as a local.

Tap Into Local Expertise to Make the Most of Your Experience

PAC is a huge proponent of taking guided tours of the locations you visit, as getting the backstory of a place enhances the experience so much! Whether you choose an escorted trip or a day trip to a specific location, having the expertise of someone local means you really make the most of your trip and you just might make a friend!

G Adventures is a world-class tour company with escorted trips to the People of Ireland. The company works with superb professional local guides and is committed to investing in local communities, human rights initiatives, wildlife conservation projects and the environment. G Adventures offers small groups and a variety of travel styles ranging from trips specifically for 18 - 29-year-olds to families, and women travelers. The company also offers tailor-made trips and "local living options" which I recommend checking out!

For day trips, we recommend ToursByLocals. Founded by two friends who had an ‘Aha moment’ during a unique encounter at the Great Wall of China, ToursByLocals’ network includes 4700+ guides working in 190 countries around the world. The company is specifically for travelers who want to do unique things, and experience a place and its culture through the eyes of a local person. ToursbyLocals is for travelers who are curious, socially conscious, and value seeing their travel spending directly benefit the people who live in the communities they visit. If that’s you, then check them out!

Fun Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive

The Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park, Private Tour from Galway

Aran Islands full day tour

Traveling Independently? Get the Best Deals on Wheels

Rentalcars.com helps you find the best rental prices on luxury, economy, and family rental cars with FREE amendments in over 60,000 locations worldwide. Browse Rentalcars.com offerings here - prices start from just $35 per day.

Are you intrigued by different cultures around the world? Curious about real life examples of culture in specific countries? Looking for the definition of culture? Whether you are a globetrotter or an armchair traveler, if you enjoy learning about the different cultures of the world, then you've come to the right place! We invite you to begin your journey of cultural exploration now by discovering our stories of the human condition!