Culture is defined as the customs, achievements, arts and social institutions of a group or nation of people.

So, culture really is the essence of what defines a nation and makes it different than any other…

Ireland has a rich and diverse culture of music, art, food, Literature and folklore.

A Few Famous Artists

Many famous artists call Ireland home.  One such artist was Roderic O’Conor (one of his paintings can be seen to the right of this page.)  Born in Milltown, Castleplunket, County Roscommon in 1860, he was heavily influenced by Impressionist artists. In March of 2011 one of his works sold for 337,250 pounds.

Another example is John Butler Yeats…born in 1839.  One of his best known works was a portrait of his son – William Butler Yeats which is currently hanging in the National Gallery of Ireland.  A portrait he did of John O’Leary is considered his master work.

Other early artists include William Orpen and Jack Yeats.

Well known contemporary artists include Louis le Brocquy, Brian O’Doherty, Sean Scully, Dorthy Cross, and James Coleman to name a few.

Holidays/Festivals

I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but the most famous national holiday in Ireland is Saint Patrick’s Day.  It happens on March 17th of each year and is celebrated with parades and festivals in most cities and towns.  The holiday is a celebration to remember Saint Patrick…Ireland’s patron saint.  According to folklore, Saint Patrick banished snakes from Ireland and also taught the Irish about the Trinity by using  a three leaved clover (shamrock) as an analogy for the “three divine persons in the one God”.

Foods
The early settlers of Ireland seem to have had a diet based primarily on cattle, sheep, fish,
shellfish, wild geese and poultry.  In the 16th century the potato was introduced to the island and eventually became an important staple in the Irish diet.  They relied so heavily on potatoes that during the potato blight from 1845 to 1849 the population of Ireland was decimated by famine – known as the Great Irish Famine.  Today, Ireland is much like other industrialized nations…fast-food has become a norm…common foods include pizza, Chinese Cuisine, curry as well as some dishes west Africa.

Pubs (Public Houses)

You can’t really discuss the culture of Ireland without mentioning Irish Pubs.  Traditionally, pubs were for more than simply drinking alcohol…they were a place for people to get together to socialize and relax with neighbors and friends.

Folklore

Legends and myths are plentiful in Ireland.  From stories of leprechauns who, when caught have the magical ability to grant you 3 wishes…to fairies, frightening tales of banshees, enchanted horses…etc.