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The top 10 Irish pop culture moments of 2024

Updated / Thursday, 19 Dec 2024 07:00
Bright sparks! The Kabin Crew went viral this year
Bright sparks! The Kabin Crew went viral this year

Slowly but surely, the end of the year is here, and it's time to take stock of all of the craziness of 2024.

It’s easy to look overseas to get your pop culture fix, but for such a small nation, we’ve certainly had our fill of iconic events.

Without further ado, we give you the top 10 Irish pop culture moments of 2024...

1. Kneecap breaking records as the most popular Irish language film of all time

It’s hard to debate that this year hasn’t belonged to the Belfast/Derry rap trio. A killer album, a huge tour, a legal victory over the UK government and a movie that’s in contention to be Oscar nominated? Maith sibh, leaids.

2. The Wolfe Tones' not-quite-retirement tour

I wrote about the "final" Wolfe Tones concert in October, and wondered if their appeal would last past the final note. I guess that question will have to wait until next year, as they've announced another final concert in Thomond Park. I’ll believe they’re retired when I see them relaxing by the beach in Tenerife.

We still can't believe they didn't get that Oasis support slot...

3. Taylor Swift fever taking over the country in June

The Eras Tour has finally come to an end this month, but let's not forget the absolute madness that took over Ireland in the lead up to the Aviva dates. Not since the arrival of the Pope has such a fervor taken over nationwide, and to be honest, some would describe the experience as religious too.

4. The Paul Mescal lookalike competition

Kildare's second favourite son (Christy Moore occupies top billing, obviously) has had an amazing year, but surely his biggest honor was being the subject of a lookalike competition while he was promoting Gladiator II. If I had to say one thing to the winner, it would be "you look really well".

5. Saoirse Ronan on Graham Norton

Sticking with Paul, he was part of a powerful moment courtesy of another Irish legend, Saoirse Ronan. The Outrun star cut through the noise on the UK's top chat show, sparking off an important conversation about women’s safety.

6. The whole Oasis ticket thing (and ensuing outrage)

There wasn't a group chat quiet in the country when Oasis announced their reunion dates at Croke Park next year, and there was even more chatter when half the country couldn’t get a ticket. If you want to set your dad off this year at the Christmas table, ask him what he thinks of dynamic pricing.

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7. Joe Duffy talking about Guess by Charli XCX

Sticking with Liveline, even Joe Duffy fell under the spell of Brat Summer, with an incredible conversation surrounding the, er, "ins and outs" of Charli XCX's and Billie Eilish’s smash hit. Ah, nothing unites the country quite like public indignation.

8. The portal fiasco

Where to even begin with the year's funniest social experiment? Flashing, offensive imagery, a curfew; a worthwhile lesson in just how far the Irish public is willing to take a joke.

9. The Spark bringing back drum and bass

Irish music is experiencing a global renaissance at the moment, and the pre-teen Kabin and Lisdoonvarna crew made a huge splash online. 55 million listens on Spotify (and counting!) means that this energetic gang of young wans are going to be one to keep an eye out in 2025 - if you have the stamina to keep up.

10. American woman finds herself in the middle of an Orange Order parade

If only poor LizWizdom knew what she would unleash when she uploaded a video of her enjoying an "Irish parade"... Sometimes, there is no better education than having an entire country explain why you invoked the funniest faux pas of the year.

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