IN RECENT YEARS, commentators, particularly in the entertainment and arts sphere, have spoken about an Irish renaissance: creative talent and ideas with an Irish connection gaining attention on red carpets, catwalks and music festival stages worldwide.

From music to film, fashion to social activism, Irishness has carried a new confidence on the global stage.

We only need to consider Jessie Buckley’s award season success this year, which has brought so much joy and pride to our island on the edge of Europe.

In March 2023, the New York Times asked, “What’s Driving a Fresh Wave of Irish Music?”

The answer they offered was “Tradition”.

That holds true for many acts such as Lisa O’Neill, Lankum and Ye Vagabonds. But Ireland’s history and heritage are also providing creators with rich territory and depth to develop new work for contemporary Ireland – evolving sounds, sights and scenes that look firmly to the future.

This is not unprecedented. Ireland has experienced cycles of revival before, most notably in the 1970s; a period of cultural re-evaluation marked by a surge in traditional music, the rise of folk-rock and a renewed focus on national identity amid political, economic and social upheaval.

The 2020s bring their own instability: new levels of geopolitical uncertainty, global economic disruption, and overlapping social and climate crises. It is within this context that the current wave of Irish identity is being explored through music, art and culture, but also through social activism, solidarity and a reframing of what nationalism can mean.

In February 2026, Core Research conducted interviews with 1,000 adults, representative of the national population, to explore Irishness in relation to heritage, contemporary Ireland, identity and our engagement with culture, arts and entertainment.

The Evolving Irishness Report suggests that looking backwards does not necessarily produce exclusionary or defensive outcomes.

It sets out to examine not only how people are engaging with Irish culture but what Irish identity means to the public today, particularly the generation coming of age alongside this cultural output.

At a time when political systems across Europe, the UK and the US have seen a rise in more extreme forms of nationalism – ideologies rooted in protectionism, purification or a return to a perceived “true” identity – Ireland appears to be charting a different course.

The current engagement with Irish identity is nuanced and, at times, paradoxical: preserving tradition while evolving it. In many ways, the richness of Ireland’s heritage provides a broad canvas for artists to work from. As a result, this revival feels less about restoring the past and more about reimagining the future.

This is evident in the attitudes of audiences and wider society. People in Ireland, from all backgrounds, agree on some core points – 83% say “It’s important that traditions and cultural practices don’t fade away,” and 82% say “It’s good to see ancient Irish traditions and stories being brought back.”

While these retrospective or heritage values have often been exploited by forces in other parts of the world, the research shows that most people also believe Irish identity can evolve for the future – respecting tradition, but evolving with the current contributors to society and culture.

Seven in ten people say “Irish identity today should be open to everyone who lives here and plays a part in Irish life.” Six in ten say “Ireland is going through a bit of a cultural moment, and I think we should be open to new ideas of what being Irish can look like.”

While there is clearly some uncertainty or disagreement with these views, only 15% of the population would hold attitudes that could be viewed as preserving identity, or not wanting it to evolve.

Manifested through art & language

While we can see this inclusive approach to an evolving identity come to life in our local communities and in our sports, it is often art and culture that lead the way, not just at home but also abroad.

In an era of often shallow or inauthentic output – AI-generated content and relentless news cycles – much of Ireland’s cultural work feels grounded in inherited values, while open to influence and exchange, delivered with a distinct sense of charm and character.

The research report shows that 37% of adults can be considered Cultural Progressives – holding views that Irishness can evolve over time, are proud of the global attention of Irish creativity, and they themselves engage with Irish art, music, film and fashion.

The level of engagement with these areas is significant. Around two-thirds of adults in Ireland (66%) already choose to listen to songs by Irish artists, while just over half (53%) enjoy watching films or series that tell Irish stories, and 52% follow a film or series featuring Irish talent. These forms of participation are accessible and widely shared across the general population.

Alongside current participation, there is clear evidence of appetite for deeper involvement. A further three in ten (30%) who are not currently watching say they plan to do more. Similarly, around three in ten (31%) people are planning to follow Irish screen talent more. For music, around one in four (27%) who are not listening to Irish artists say they plan to start.

Language is also having a moment. The research shows that just over one in four adults (28%) learn or practise the Irish language, and 29% consume Irish-language content through watching, listening or reading.

Around one in five (22%) who are not currently learning say they plan to start. A similar pattern appears for Irish‑language content, such as listening to podcasts, watching Irish video or reading TheJournal.ie as Gaeilge.

The impact of this moment

Most people in Ireland say they are not only proud of Irishness (half of all adults), but that it brings them joy and optimism about what lies ahead (30-40% of all adults).

Despite limited resources and ongoing challenges, the arts and creative sector may represent one of Ireland’s greatest returns.

This is a moment to invest in the evolving expression of Irishness – something valued not only at home, but increasingly around the world.

As we navigate the complexities and often the darkness of global challenges, Irishness is providing a sense of hope and light for people at home and abroad.

Finian Murphy is a researcher and strategist focused on public sentiment, culture and communities. 

© TheJournal