Ireland Around the World: Movies, Music and Stories That Made Ireland Famous

Ireland has a pretty big cultural footprint for a country of its size. You’ll see it in films, hear it in music and come across Irish writers and stories all over the world.

If you’re coming to Ireland for an internship, it’s worth knowing a little about where some of that influence comes from. It also gives you a few good excuses to explore beyond your workplace and whatever city you’re staying in.

Movies Filmed in Ireland: Ireland on Screen

Ireland has long been a popular filming location, and it’s not hard to see why. The country, known as The Emerald Isle, has everything from dramatic coastlines and mountains to old towns, castles and plenty of countryside.

Recent films such as The Banshees of Inisherin and The Quiet Girl have put Irish locations and stories in front of international audiences. Ireland has also featured in much bigger productions, including Star Wars, Harry Potter and Braveheart.

Then there are the Irish actors. Cillian Murphy, Paul Mescal, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and many others have become familiar names internationally, helping put Irish film and acting firmly on the global stage.

If you’re interning in Ireland, checking out a few filming locations can be a good way to spend a weekend. Some are obvious tourist spots, while others are tucked away in smaller towns and rural areas.

Irish Music: From Traditional Sessions to Global Artists

Ireland’s music scene is another major part of its international reputation.

Irish traditional music has influenced musicians around the world, but Ireland has also produced plenty of modern artists who have made it onto international stages. U2, Fontaines D.C., The Cranberries, Sinéad O’Connor and Hozier are just a few examples.

One thing you’ll notice fairly quickly is that live music in Ireland isn’t limited to big venues. Depending on where you are, you might find a local band playing in a pub or musicians getting together for a traditional session.

You don’t need to know much about Irish music to enjoy it. Just find somewhere playing live music and see what happens.

Irish Writers, Mythology and the Love of Stories

Ireland’s reputation as a country of storytellers goes back a long way.

Irish mythology is full of heroes, battles, kings and strange creatures, while writers such as Oscar Wilde, Sally Rooney, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and Bram Stoker have had a lasting impact on literature around the world.

The storytelling tradition hasn’t exactly disappeared either. Spend enough time talking to Irish people and you’ll probably notice that conversations can come with a lot of detail, side stories and the occasional exaggeration.

It’s one of those things that makes more sense once you’re actually here.

Experiencing Irish Culture During Your Internship

Living in Ireland for an internship abroad gives you the chance to experience the culture behind the films, music and books you may already know.

Go to a gig. Visit somewhere you recognise from a film. Pick up a book by an Irish writer. Take a day trip outside the city and see what’s there.

You don’t have to turn every weekend into a sightseeing trip. Sometimes the best way to get a feel for life in Ireland is simply to spend some time here and see what you come across.