Top5 Amazing Facts About Ireland That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about Ireland. Ireland has unique customs and taboos that may surprise visitors. For example, bird poop is viewed as good luck, and saying “sorry” is extremely common. There are strict unwritten rules, and Ireland banned divorce in the past. Additionally, it hosts Europe’s largest matchmaking festival. Let’s know about this friendly island.

5) Divorce

One of the amazing facts about Ireland is that Ireland is a country where, until 1995, divorce was banned for nearly 60 years. This meant that even if couples separated or lived apart, they remained legally married unless they went abroad to get divorced. In a close referendum, divorce was legalized with only a slight margin of 50.3% in favor. Today, Ireland still has a complicated divorce process that requires couples to live apart for at least two years and provide extensive documentation. Many couples avoid divorce to avoid disappointing family or facing societal judgment.

4) Bird Poop

One of the amazing facts about Ireland is that in Ireland, getting hit by bird poop is considered lucky. While most people find it annoying, many Irish view it as a sign of good fortune or even a blessing. This belief stems from a tradition of turning bad luck into good luck, with bird droppings signaling money, new opportunities, or positive changes ahead.

The abundance of over 450 bird species in Ireland contributes to this idea. In some rural areas, people delay wiping off the poop, believing that doing so too soon will wash away the luck. You might even see older people smiling with bird droppings on their clothes, thinking they might win the lottery.

3) Matchmaking Festival

One of the amazing facts about Ireland is that every fall, the small town of Lisdoonvarna in Western Ireland hosts the Matchmaking Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most unique matchmaking events. This festival, which has been running for over 160 years, attracts thousands of singles seeking love without the use of modern dating apps like Tinder, which is seen as taboo.

Around 40,000 mostly middle-aged attendees, from countries such as Ireland, the UK, the US, and Australia, believe in Willie Daly, a traditional matchmaker with a family heirloom notebook that promises soulmates within six months. The festival encourages face-to-face interactions and handwritten letters, and attendees who focus on technology or entertainment are viewed with suspicion. Participants are reminded to turn off their phones and embrace traditional matchmaking.

2) TV License

One of the amazing facts about Ireland is that in Ireland, watching services like Netflix, YouTube, or TikTok without paying for a TV license could lead to legal trouble. The TV license fee is a mandatory charge of up to €160 (about $170) for anyone with a device that can receive TV broadcasts, regardless of TV usage.

Over 10,000 people are taken to court each year for not paying this fee. There are undercover inspectors who can conduct surprise checks without a warrant if they suspect someone has a TV device. Many people, even those who only use laptops or smart TVs for other purposes, have faced fines. The government collects over $215 million annually from this fee.

1) St. Patrick’s Day

One of the amazing facts about Ireland is that on March 17th, Ireland celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, an unofficial national holiday filled with parades, green beer, and people dressing as leprechauns. Wearing green is important; those in other colors like white, red, or black may be pinched by others as a playful reminder of the tradition that only those in green can avoid leprechaun tricks.

This custom is taught in Irish schools, and even foreigners are not exempt. Over 85% of Irish people view this day as key to their national identity, with a significant increase in green fabric sales leading up to the holiday as stores prepare for the demand.