Immigration has long empowered local and national economies across Europe and enabled an enriching cultural exchange. As a part of the European Union, Ireland has welcomed people from across the continent for decades, but one of its largest immigrant contingents comes from another part of the world entirely.
Back in 2024, it was reported that Indians made up the third-biggest immigrant group in IE. Over the eight years prior, their numbers had risen by nearly 300 per cent, amounting to over 10,000 Indian nationals calling Ireland home. As the number continues to grow, increasingly, we reap the benefits of a cultural exchange.
Grandiose Celebrations for All to Enjoy
One of India’s most famous celebrations has brought its dazzling array of lights and colours to Ireland, creating a must-see spectacle each year. Ireland’s Biggest Diwali Celebration 2025 took place in the capital, spearheaded by Dublin Celebrations. The festival welcomed people from all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the fun.
Hailed as “a testament to the richness of cultures co-existing harmoniously,” the organisers succeeded in their goal of connecting everyone living in Ireland in Diwali’s unique festivities. One of the highlights was the IGT showcase, which featured an array of performing talents, a fair, and authentic Indian food.
As well as the Diwali celebrations, Ireland also plays host to an annual India Day. Celebrated at the Farmleigh House and Estate since 2015, the event is put on by the Ireland India Council to combine the cultural workings of both nations. Irish and Indian music feature side by side, with the craft market a particular draw.
Indian Entertainment Making its Mark
The Diwali and India Day celebrations each year set an exact point at which people across Ireland can come together to experience the mix of cultures. Beyond these occasions, we can see some other aspects of Indian culture breaking into the mainstream and becoming popular outside of these distinct events.
One of the first and most notable occurrences of this form in the last handful of years came in 2022 with RRR. The Telugu-language epic drama surged up the Netflix charts. For 15 weeks, it remained in the top ten most-watched non-English films, collecting audiences around the world, including in India.
Back in 2016, a sort of precursor to RRR’s success was reported in Ireland. This time, it was Tamil-language film 2.0 soaring up the Irish box-office charts. The 3D sci-fi thriller only opened to 19 screens but collected over €27,000 in its first week. It ended as the ninth-most popular film that week.
Beyond film, other famed staples of the Indian entertainment scene are picking up steam here. The classic card game Andar Bahar continues to grow its audience in Ireland and just across the sea. Live casino UK games include Andar Bahar Live, which features a live croupier ready and players in the chat.
Andar Bahar is a popular play among friends during Diwali celebrations, and so is another card game. Teen Patti is also a gambling card game that’s simple to grasp but has a strong level of skill and variation involved in each round. Given the historic connections between Ireland and lucky charms, it makes sense that the new card games have become popular here.
As the Indian diaspora in Ireland grows, we can expect even more pieces of each culture to crossover, enrich more lives, and create even bigger and better events each year.
