From Kneecap to Claddagh rings, how pride in Irish culture became cool again

Being Irish has never been more in vogue. Ciara Byrne asks, what’s behind our renewed pride in Irish culture?

Megan Walsh wearing one of her popular Claddagh scarves. Picture: Moya Nolan

From Claddagh rings to trad music, Guinness selling out internationally and designers adapting sports clothing (think Lauren Hope’s reworked GAA jerseys and Pellador’s new take on football attire), there’s no escaping it. Ireland is cool.

The last number of years has brought about a surge in the ceiliúradh of Irish culture, especially amongst a cohort of twenty-somethings who are pushing the cultural revival.