The Irish people are legendary for their optimism in the face of hardship, and their unmatched hospitality. Irish culture is joyful - expressed through numerous cultural festivals, including an international film festival, a jazz festival, and a folk music festival in Cork; and theatre festivals in Dublin. Wexford has an opera festival, concentrating on the lesser-known operas. Many towns have annual arts festivals, including visual art, music, poetry, and prose writing, including the awarding of prizes and the sharing of artistic efforts. Dozens of other festivals and holidays are celebrated each year throughout the country, including of course, St. Patrick's Day.

Many contemporary Irish celebrations have their origins in elaborate pagan Celtic ceremonies. Through the years, Christian influences changed the meanings and practices of these early customs, but many of the dates and core traditions remain.