Ireland is full of great destinations and pastime activities that will quench any adventurous soul. From beautiful hikes to buzzing festivals, the Irish are known to be lively and love to partake in various fun-filled quests. The beauty of the island, its history, iconic destinations, and high-spirited people attract tourists from all around the world. Tourists may find it difficult to pick a spot when traveling but the residents of the island are already familiar with all the great spots.
Depending on personal preferences and time of the years these activities can vary. However, as a whole, there are some activities that the Irish just can’t do without. Today, we will help you uncover the greatest activities that the Irish enjoy doing.
Horse Racing:
It is no secret that the Irish love horse races. Nothing gets the mood going than a bustling crowd all cheering as their favourite horses flash by. In a 2017 report by CNN, it was estimated that over 1.3 million residents go to the races. Betting is also popular during the events when the residents want to make quick money on a race. A great source of reliable information is the SBS index of top-ranking Irish bookmakers, showing just how prevalent betting is in Ireland. Irish horses can also be seen competing in National events like Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Grand National, and more.
Since Ireland enjoys a rich, rural land and decent weather throughout the year, the horses can be bred and nurtured properly. This coupled with the love for horses has allowed Ireland to create the multi-billion dollar horse racing industry.
Road Trips:
One of the most enjoyable pastimes of Irish people is road trips. When the weekend comes around, the residents pack their stuff and head out on a journey to explore the numerous scenic routes of the island. You will witness breathtaking views on every turn and small fishing villages every few miles. The possibilities are endless! That’s why the Irish love hitting the road very often. Some favourite trip routes include Causeway Coastal Route and the journey from Dublin to Belfast.
Gardening:
There is nothing more relaxing than getting your hands dirty in the mud and becoming one with nature. The beautiful weather means that the Irish can enjoy gardening at their heart’s content. People love to tend their gardens and grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables in their backyard.
You will find beautiful gardens with exquisite flowers in many households in Ireland. This is not a new hobby that the residents have picked, gardening has been a big part of the culture and history of Ireland. According to the Irish Examiner, over 340,000 people grew vegetables in their homes. It doesn’t seem like the love for agriculture in Ireland is dying out any time soon.
Music and Festivals:
The Irish have not been left behind when it comes to music. Ireland is one of the few places in the world where you will find festivals and events happening in almost every town. The people love heading out and gathering together to have a great time. People from all over the world travel to Ireland to experience the events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
Electric Picnic is one of the largest gatherings in Ireland where people come together to enjoy the arts and music festival. Another major festival that the masses enjoy is the Galway International Arts Festival which takes place annually. Keeping the big names aside, Ireland is also full of smaller events and festivals taking place all around the island.
Wild Swimming:
When you think about swimming you might imagine taking a dive in your swimming pool. However, the Irish like to do things differently. One of the most popular activities that the residents enjoy is taking a dive in wild swimming spots.
The island of Ireland is full of wild swimming spots and the Irish take full advantage of this blessing. While it is not for the faint of hearts, the people enjoy plunging into the sea into the cold, refreshing water while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding them.
Hanging Out With Friends
While most people prefer Facetiming their friends when they get bored, the Irish prefer getting together. The people of Ireland are known for their friendliness towards tourists and this is exactly how they like to live.
Irish love crowds and one of their favourite activities is hanging out with friends, socializing, and having a great time. Friends also decide to go shopping, to dinner, or even to an amusement park. This leads to some great memories and brings the people closer together.
The island of Ireland is one of the greatest places in the world and even greater are its people. Everything about the place is unique and beautiful. Their culture, traditions, cuisine, and sports are loved by people all around the world. If you have never visited Ireland before you are missing out on one of the greatest adventures of your life.
