40 Of The Best Posts From This Online Group That Perfectly Sum Up Ireland And The Irish Sense Of Humor

In celebration of Irish culture, let’s take a moment to acknowledge some of the most beautiful parts of their country. Ireland has no shortage of scenic views and stunning landscapes, so we’ll mention a few that you can keep in your back pocket until you one day make that bucket list trip. According to the CN Traveller, one of the most famous notable spots in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher. Towering 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean for about 9 miles along the coastline, these cliffs provide breathtaking views. The best time to visit is at sunset when you may be surrounded by tourists, but you’ll definitely be provided with a fantastic view.

Next, the CN Traveller advises visitors add Connemara to their list of exciting sights. The Connemara region stretches across County Galway and is home to a wide variety of nature including lakes, bogland, mountains filled with sheep, a rugged coastline, hidden bays and charming small towns. You can also see Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord and the Alcock and Brown monument. The 40,000 acre Connemara National Park even features beautiful hiking trails for adventurous travelers.

Another exciting stop in Ireland is one of many former regional railways that have been converted into off-road walking and cycling routes for active visitors to explore. The Waterford Greenway is a 28-mile trail stretching from Waterford to Dungarvan, featuring exciting views of the countryside and old railway tunnels along the way. Lastly, the CN Traveller notes that visiting the city of Dublin is a must. With both the Dublin Bay and the River Liffey, Dublin is a gorgeous city with many views of water and Georgian architecture.

Next, let’s celebrate some of the greatest contributions Ireland has made to the world. And I would be remiss if I did not mention Guinness beer. Founded in 1759, Guinness has become one of the most beloved beers of all time, due to its signature smooth and creamy finish. In 1988, Guinness made history by introducing an innovative “rocket widget” into their cans to keep the drink nitrogenized. Three years later, Guinness was even awarded “the Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement, beating the Internet to be voted by Britons as the best invention of the previous 40 years”.

Another great contribution Ireland has made to the world is creating some wonderful artists. I don’t know what I would do at karaoke nights without being able to sing “Linger” or “Zombie” by the Cranberries. Enya, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Snow Patrol, Sinéad O’Connor, and U2 (Bono and company) are also all Irish. While it can be easy to forget their heritage when their accents are sometimes undetectable in songs, all of these artists are bonded by their culture.

Along the same lines of talented artists, the Irish have made a significant mark in the world of acting as well. Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Farrell are some of the most notable Irish film actors. But let’s not forget Michael Fassbender, Daniel Day-Lewis and Kenneth Branagh. In recent years, Saoirse Ronan has also made a huge splash in Hollywood by receiving 4 Oscar nominations (for her work in Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird and Little Women) by the age of 26. 

One of the most famous Irish people at the moment is Conor McGregor, the UFC fighter. Known as “The Notorious”, McGregor is the former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion and currently the world’s highest paid athlete. His whiskey brand, Proper No. 12, recently sold for $150 million. Though he’s also famous (or notorious) for his controversial behavior, including a bar fight in Dublin in 2019, and for having a loud mouth, McGregor continues to have millions of supporters worldwide.