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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Irish trivia questions: how well do you know Ireland?

Quick, free Ireland quiz on culture and traditions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Sherrie MirandaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of shamrocks, leprechaun hat and book on golden yellow background for free Irish trivia quiz

This quiz helps you test your Irish trivia and learn memorable facts about Ireland. Answer quick questions, see your score right away, and warm up for tougher sets like Ireland trivia and Irish quiz questions. You will meet legends, landmarks, and everyday traditions along the way.

What is the capital of Ireland?
Belfast
Cork
Galway
Dublin
Dublin has been the capital of Ireland since medieval times and remains its largest city. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country, hosting landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle. The city was originally settled by Vikings in the 9th century. For more details see .
Which symbol is Ireland famously associated with?
Daffodil
Rose
Thistle
Shamrock
The shamrock is a young sprig of clover used as a symbol of Ireland. According to legend, St. Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity. It appears extensively in Irish culture, from logos to national sports teams. Learn more at .
Which festival celebrates Irish culture on March 17th?
St. Andrew's Day
St. Patrick's Day
St. David's Day
St. George's Day
St. Patrick's Day is held every March 17th in honor of Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick. It celebrates Irish culture with parades, music, and wearing green. The holiday is observed worldwide, reflecting the global Irish diaspora. See for more.
What color is strongly associated with St. Patrick's Day?
Green
Purple
Blue
Orange
Green is linked to St. Patrick's Day due to Ireland's nickname, 'The Emerald Isle,' and the shamrock. It also represents Irish nationalism and Catholicism in the national flag. Wearing green is said to bring good luck and prevent pinching. For further reading see .
Which traditional Irish instrument is featured on the national emblem?
Bodhrán
Harp
Flute
Fiddle
The harp is Ireland's national emblem and appears on official documents and coinage. It has been a symbol of Ireland since medieval times and represents the country's rich musical heritage. The specific design is known as the 'Brian Boru harp.' For details see .
How many provinces are there in Ireland?
4
6
2
3
Ireland is divided into four provinces: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. These historical regions date back to Gaelic kingdoms and remain cultural markers today. Each province contains several counties. More information at .
Which famous beer originates from Dublin?
Heineken
Guinness
Budweiser
Corona
Guinness, a stout beer, was first brewed at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin in 1759. It has since become one of the most iconic beers globally. The brewery offers tours highlighting its history and brewing process. Read more at .
What language is spoken alongside English as an official language in Ireland?
Breton
Welsh
Irish (Gaelic)
Scots
Irish, also known as Gaelic, is one of Ireland's two official languages, alongside English. It is a Goidelic language with roots in Old Irish and is taught in schools nationwide. Signage in many areas is bilingual. See for more.
Who is the patron saint of Ireland?
St. Columba
St. Brendan
St. George
St. Patrick
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. His feast day, March 17th, is celebrated worldwide. Legends include using the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Details at .
What are the mythical mischievous creatures from Irish folklore who hide their pot of gold called?
Púca
Selkies
Banshees
Leprechauns
Leprechauns are solitary fairy shoemakers in Irish folklore, known for hiding pots of gold at the end of rainbows. They are depicted as mischievous and protective of their treasure. Capturing one is said to grant three wishes. Learn more at .
Which famous Irish playwright wrote "Waiting for Godot"?
Oscar Wilde
W.B. Yeats
Samuel Beckett
George Bernard Shaw
Samuel Beckett, an Irish avant-garde playwright, wrote the seminal play 'Waiting for Godot', first performed in 1953. The work is a cornerstone of absurdist theatre. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969. More at .
In which year did the Republic of Ireland formally leave the British Commonwealth?
1922
1949
1973
1937
The Republic of Ireland Act 1948 took effect in April 1949, formally declaring Ireland a republic and ending its membership in the British Commonwealth. Prior to that, the 1937 constitution had created the office of President. Full details at .
What is the traditional Irish lace-making region known as?
Limerick lace
Clones lace
Carrickmacross lace
Kenmare lace
Limerick lace is a fine, embroidered lace that originated in the 19th century in Limerick city. It became famous for its combination of machine-made nets and hand-stitched embroidery. The craft played a key role in local industry. Read more at .
Which Irish city is known as the "City of the Tribes"?
Cork
Galway
Limerick
Waterford
Galway earned the nickname 'City of the Tribes' from the fourteen merchant families who dominated its political, commercial, and social life in medieval times. The term is still used today to celebrate its history and community spirit. For more see .
Which instrument is commonly used in traditional Irish music along with the fiddle and flute?
Bodhrán
Saxophone
Guitar
Piano
The bodhrán is a frame drum used widely in Irish traditional music. Played with a beater called a tipper, it provides rhythmic accompaniment in sessions. Its modern popularity dates from the mid-20th century. Learn more at .
What is the name of the ancient Celtic calendar festival marking the start of winter?
Imbolc
Samhain
Beltane
Lughnasadh
Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, marks the end of the harvest and the start of winter in the ancient Celtic calendar. It is considered one of the four major Gaelic festivals. Many modern Halloween traditions trace back to Samhain rituals. See .
Which prehistoric site is older than the pyramids of Egypt and is located in Ireland?
Carnac
Avebury
Newgrange
Stonehenge
Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb in County Meath, built around 3200 BC, predating the Egyptian pyramids. It is aligned with the winter solstice sunrise. The site is part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage area. Learn more at .
What is the Irish term for the traditional land division and rural community in Ireland?
Province
Parish
Barony
Townland
A townland is the smallest administrative land division in Ireland, with origins in Gaelic territorial systems. There are over 60,000 townlands across Ireland. They remain wa?ne for addresses and local identity. See .
Which Irish poet won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923?
W.B. Yeats
James Joyce
Seamus Heaney
Samuel Beckett
W.B. Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 for his inspired poetry, which gave expression to a whole nation. He was a leader of the Irish Literary Revival. His works include 'The Tower' and 'The Second Coming'. More at .
What major event in 1845-1849 devastated Ireland's population?
Irish War of Independence
The Great Famine
Easter Rising
Irish Civil War
The Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, occurred from 1845 to 1849 and caused mass starvation and emigration. Approximately one million people died and another million emigrated. It had lasting social and political effects. Read more at .
Which county is Ireland's largest by area?
County Galway
County Cork
County Mayo
County Donegal
County Cork, in the province of Munster, is Ireland's largest county by area, covering over 7,500 square kilometers. It is known for its diverse landscapes and coastal scenery. Its county town is Cork city. For more see .
What ancient script used for primitive Irish is found carved on stones?
Phoenician
Runic
Latin
Ogham
Ogham is an early medieval alphabet used primarily to write the early Irish language. It consists of lines and notches carved along stone edges. Over 400 Ogham stones exist, mostly in Ireland and parts of western Britain. Details at .
Which Irish uprising in 1916 was a key moment in the path to independence?
Fenian Rising
War of Independence
Civil War
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising took place in April 1916 when Irish republicans seized key locations in Dublin. Though suppressed within a week, it galvanized public opinion toward independence. It set the stage for the War of Independence. For more see .
Who was the first President of Ireland?
W.T. Cosgrave
Douglas Hyde
Mary Robinson
Éamon de Valera
Douglas Hyde served as the first President of Ireland from 1938 to 1945. He was a scholar of the Irish language and co-founder of the Gaelic League. His presidency helped establish the new office under Ireland's 1937 constitution. Read more at .
Where is the Book of Kells housed?
Dublin Castle
Trinity College Dublin
British Library
National Museum of Ireland
The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript circa 800 AD, is on permanent display at the Trinity College Library in Dublin. It is renowned for its intricate calligraphy and artwork. The manuscript represents a pinnacle of Insular art. More details at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Irish Symbols -

    Recall key facts about iconic Irish symbols such as shamrocks and their cultural significance within Irish trivia.

  2. Identify St Patrick's Day Traditions -

    Identify the historical origins and modern practices associated with St Patrick's Day trivia and celebrations.

  3. Describe Leprechaun Folklore -

    Describe the main characteristics and stories of leprechauns as part of Irish legend and leprechaun quiz content.

  4. Differentiate Irish Legends -

    Differentiate between various Irish myths and legends, including banshees, fairies, and other folk creatures.

  5. Analyze Irish Cultural Terms -

    Analyze common terms and phrases from Irish culture to deepen understanding during the irish culture quiz experience.

  6. Apply Trivia Knowledge -

    Apply your new knowledge to answer irish trivia questions confidently and challenge friends in a fun, engaging quiz format.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Shamrock Symbol -

    The iconic three-leafed shamrock is traditionally linked to St Patrick using it to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). A handy mnemonic is "3 leaves = 3 persons," making this fact a staple in many irish trivia questions. University of Dublin archives note its rise as a national emblem during the 18th century.

  2. Leprechaun Folklore -

    Leprechauns are solitary fairy shoemakers in Irish mythology, often depicted guarding a pot of gold at the rainbow's end. In a leprechaun quiz, remember the rhyme "Catch him quick, but watch your trick" to recall their elusive nature. Scholarly collections from the National Folklore Collection confirm these mischief-makers date back to medieval oral traditions.

  3. St Patrick's Day Traditions -

    Beyond parades and green attire, st patricks day trivia often highlights the original religious observance established in the 5th century. A fun fact: Chicago dyes its river green each year, a custom started in 1962 by plumbers using eco-friendly dye. The Irish Government's official site details how this holiday blends faith, folklore, and festivity.

  4. Gaelic Language Basics -

    Knowing a few Gaelic words can boost your score on any irish culture quiz - start with "Sláinte" (SAW-in-chuh) meaning "cheers" and "Dia dhuit" (DEE-ah GHWIT) for "hello." Memorize "Gael" (GAYL) to link people with Ireland's original language lineage. Academic departments at Trinity College Dublin emphasize these phrases as gateways to deeper linguistic appreciation.

  5. Famous Irish Legends -

    Legends like Cú Chulainn and the Banshee appear frequently in irish trivia, reflecting themes of heroism and mourning. Use the acronym "B-H-S" (Banshee, Hero, Sidhe-folk) to structure your recall when answering questions on mythic figures. The Royal Irish Academy preserves manuscripts that trace these tales back over a millennium.

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