19-05-2025
Here's why Irish history is having a moment on TikTok
It's fair to say that Ireland is having "a moment", and in my opinion, it's easy to see why curiosity about our small but mighty island has peaked.
Lately, celebrities like Kneecap have brought their grá for the Irish language to the world stage; an ever-extending crew of internationally acclaimed Irish film stars are now familiar faces across the globe; countless Irish creatives have taken senior roles in legacy fashion houses; and industry-leading Irish business owners are showing the rest how it's done.
I would want to know what made us who we are, too.
Now it seems that TikTok, a social media platform with approximately 1.6 billion monthly active users worldwide, has taken note.
In Ireland alone, 2.2 million people turn to TikTok for entertainment, discovery and learning on a monthly basis. Over the last twelve months, content surrounding #Irishlanguage has grown 116%, #IrishLiterature has grown 126%, #IrishTikTok has grown 150%, and #IrishCulture has grown a staggering 200%.
In response to this unprecedented increase in demand for Irish cultural and historical content, TikTok is officially launching the #IrishHistory Hub - a dedicated and curated space where users can go to learn more about the stories, people, places and legends that have shaped Ireland throughout history.
We spoke to some Irish creators to find out more.
Storyteller Mark O'Géaráin
@beardedbadger
What does Irish history mean to you?
Our history is our identity, it informs us on who we are and what our place is in the wider world. As an Irish person, I believe I am a product of all those Irish people who have come before me. It's a huge honour, but one that also comes with great responsibility.
How do you feel about social media being an educational platform?
I think it needs to be accepted that its social media shapes opinions. It's also why media literally should be seen as one of the core pillars of education. I think having an Irish History Hub is a great step. It allows us to share our experience, or history, it's the world. Many people have a very shallow understanding of Ireland and the people in terms of how we've been represented in the media.
How do you feel about social media being an educational platform?
I think it's more important now than ever before. It is for some (rather disconcertingly) their only source of information. A few of my fellow content creators left various platforms, but I chose to stay. I want to be a voice to break down myths, reiterate parts of history and, even more importantly, show how understanding our past can help us make sense of our present, especially now.
What are your thoughts on having an Irish history hub?
It's a wonderful idea, as long as the information is correct and told in a way that benefits the viewer. I think it could be a great opportunity to collaborate with other creators (like in fashion and sport, for example), and to create a community of not just historians, but archaeologists, folklorists, artists, designers, craftspeople, and writers.
There is a difference, though, between getting your information from the internet and getting information from people on the internet. By creating a community of experts, not only can the quality of information but so too can the space for discussion - the core of history and its study.
It's hard to find space for that on social media, so my hope is such a hub will foster a demand for more in-person talks, lectures and events to do so.
Journalist Édaein O Connell
@edaeinoc
What does Irish history mean to you?
Irish history to me is such an important vessel because it holds the stories not only of our nation but of our ancestors and our families. To me, history is such an important subject to not only learn about, but to keep returning to – we learn our lessons from history; by looking back we move forward.
For example, a few years ago, when it was proposed to remove history from the junior certificate curriculum, I was firmly against it. National and international history should be mandatory for students in Ireland and around the world. It's the only way we can grow, create better societies and learn from our mistakes.
Why do you think this area is booming now?
I think there's been an increase in those interests because as the world becomes a lot more unsteady and volatile, we're looking more inward. We're realising we must have solid foundations in our own country, and the way that we can achieve that is by studying our history and becoming more in tune with our culture and the places we have been and the hurt we've experienced.
I think more people are becoming prouder to be Irish, because I know in the past it was something to be ashamed of – "no blacks, no Irish, no dogs".
For such a small country, we have done so much for the world in terms of art and literature – look at all the Irish actors right now doing amazing things. We're great businesspeople, and we have an incredible economy. I think the prouder we become, the more we want to learn about our ancestry. I think as well when you see things happening, like what is occurring right now in Gaza, where people are being oppressed – we know what that looks like.
We're being called on to preserve our music, our stories and our language now more than ever because we are reminded how easily it can be taken away, and we know what it's like to have it taken away from us. We want to hold onto it really tightly.
Local historians, educators and everyday storytellers have found their voice on TikTok, collectively generating a vast digital archive of Ireland's past. Through their content, creators are preserving forgotten folklore and showcasing hidden gems across the country.
Their bite-sized, locally rooted storytelling invites users to explore Ireland's heritage in fresh and engaging ways, appealing to both dedicated history buffs and casual scrollers alike.
Katie Charlwood, host of the history podcast, Who Did What Now?
@whodidwhatnowpod
What does being Irish mean to you?
As someone who is a dual citizen of Ireland and the UK, having a greater understanding of Irish history is incredibly important to my identity. We have such a deep and fascinating history, not just within Ireland but with the diaspora – we've spread all over the world and we are connected by our history.
There's been an unprecedented increase in searches for Irish history and culture. Why do you think that is?
The Irish diaspora spread across continents and nations – many of whom are looking for connections, roots. We are also constantly bombarded with international news and information, so there is some solace in looking internally at our own history and culture.
