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.

Aran Islands of Inishmore and Inishmaan

The culture and history of the Aran Islands of Inishmore and Inishman are revealed by locals in our guide. Get the Celtic backstory to these islands off Galway

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.