The Culture Files
Ireland is famous for its storytellers, musicians and a wicked (and sometimes dark) sense of humour. To help our new international students get settled in and accustomed to Ireland’s cultural scene, we thought it would be fun to reach out to our student ambassadors, colleagues and social followers for some of their recommendations.
Read on to see what they had to say…
“My favourite Irish TV show is Derry Girls. I honestly think I love everything about it, but particularly the all-too-relatable teenage angst that I remember so well! I can't count how many times I've rewatched it, and it just gets funnier every time - almost every line has a joke, and almost every single joke makes me laugh!”
Maisie Hall
Uachtarán/President, Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
“The Lost Bookshop from Evie Woods is an amazing read. I discovered it by pure coincidence in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, and it's the perfect place, as it resembles the Bookshop from the book. While reading, you have a feeling of cuddling a fluffy blanket and drinking a cup of tea as it's raining outside. Evie creates characters that have so many layers that they could be your real neighbours. A combination of past and present keeps your head spinning, and I would love to be able to reread it for the first time.”
Veronika
Global Student Ambassador, BA Arts
FROM OUR FOLLOWERS: MUSIC
Kingfishr – three-piece indie folk group from Wexford
Inhaler – Irish rock, say no more
“One by One” by Enya – a classic by Ireland’s reclusive queen
“What’s in a Kiss” by Gilbert O’Sullivan – sleeper hit from the singer-songwriter famous for "Alone Again (Naturally)"
My Bloody Valentine – Alt/Indie rock band, formed in Dublin
“Favourite Irish TV show: Bad Sisters
Reason: It has typical Irish humour and my sister and I laughed our heads off.”
Rachel Áine Ní Mharscáil
Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge/Vice President for the Irish Language, Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
“If you’re interested in getting to know Ireland a bit better, I’d really recommend The Almanac of Ireland podcast by Manchán Magan. He's very curious and knowledgeable, and explores really interesting stories about Irish culture and history. It’s a really great way to connect with Ireland and our culture and folklore while you’re here.”
Louise Kelly
Global Student Officer, Global Galway
FROM OUR FOLLOWERS: MOVIES
Christy – 2025 drama set in Cork
Sing Street – coming-of-age musical comedy-drama film, say no more
The Guard – a rogue Irish Police officer and a US FBI agent pair up against international drug smugglers, with hilarious results
The Watchers – mystery horror filmed on campus at University of Galway!
"My favourite book is At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien. It's so beautifully written and wonderfully weird. It can be appropriately described as fantastically fantastical. No other book has made me go from furrowing my eyebrows in confusion to having to put the book down to laugh only seconds later."
Find in the Main Library Open Access 828.993 OBR
Seán de Búrca
VP Education, Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
“I’d recommend Normal People. I discovered it a long time ago but only got around to watching it recently, after spending the summer in Dublin. I really enjoyed it because so many of the places I saw every day showed up on screen, like the Luas I took every day and Trinity College, which I passed on my way through the city, and so many other stunning places in Ireland I’ve seen in real life. It’s not technically an Irish TV show, but most of it was filmed in Ireland, which made it feel really familiar and special to watch.”
Find the book in the Main Library Open Access 828.993 ROO
Randeeni
Global Student Ambassador, BA Digital Arts and Technology
FROM OUR FOLLOWERS: TV SHOWS
Derry Girls – see above
Traitors Ireland – a competition show that has hooked the nation
Normal People (book and series!) – again!
“Normal People for sure” – OK, we get it :)
What would you add? Tag or message us @globalgalway