Pints and poetry: the increasing soft power of the Emerald Isle

Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

Despite being amongst the poorest nations in the world throughout its 800 years of British colonisation, Ireland has miraculously managed to cultivate soft power through its rich cuisine and arts. It has accrued a positive image throughout the world, as demonstrated recently by widespread approval for the Irish Republic’s stance on Palestine. Irish artists are increasingly attracting international popularity – in March, 10,000 people packed out Federation Square in Melbourne for an impromptu performance by the Belfast Republican rap trio Kneecap. The cultural soft power of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and, more generally, ‘Irish Nationalists’, continues to grow on the world stage. 

Gastrodiplomacy

Barack and Michelle Obama in Ollie Hayes Pub (2011). Photo: White House

Irish drinks such as Guinness have long acted as ambassadors of Irish culture worldwide. Nations such as Ireland can create a ‘brand’, in order to encourage trade and cultural exchange with other nations – Ireland has done this through gastrodiplomacy, especially through alcoholic beverages such as Guinness. These beverages can contribute to what political scientist Simon Anholt calls ‘clouds of trust’ – everyday items that contribute to positive public perceptions of their nation of origin. Foreigners associate Guinness with Ireland as more than a drink, rather, a key cornerstone of Irish culture.

For instance, during former US President Obama’s visit to Ireland in 2011, photos were captured of him enjoying a pint of Guinness in his ancestral village of Moneygall. The depiction of a figure such as Obama specifically choosing to consume Guinness on an international trip suggests that Guinness is a quintessentially Irish product which ‘sells’ a positive image of Ireland to the world. This image reflects the concept of the ‘friendly Irish’ who are hospitable, wishing to share their culture with foreigners. Such cultural ideals assist Ireland in achieving its soft power goals, allowing Ireland to be perceived as a reliable trading partner or political ally.

Literature

Ireland has long been known as a ‘nation of poets’. In 2025, over 100 years since the publication of Ulysses by James Joyce, Irish literature continues to dominate literature markets around the world. In Australia, Sally Rooney’s intermezzo was the 19th best-selling book, with 73,000 copies sold. As a state, Ireland has embraced its identity as a ‘literary’ nation by hosting the prestigious Dublin Literary Award, in which the Dublin City Council awards a prize of €100,000 for outstanding international fiction. This initiative can be best described as a form of literary diplomacy, in which Ireland attempts to initiate diplomatic dialogue with other states through literature.

Photo by William Murphy on Flickr

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also promotes Irish literature to foster positive perceptions of Ireland worldwide. In 2021, the DFA hosted 30 Bloomsday events to celebrate the work of James Joyce. This included a double celebration of Midsommar and Bloomsday in Stockholm and a giveaway of copies of Ulysses in Johannesburg, among other events. Through these events, the notion of a ‘literary nation’ is promoted, enhancing Ireland’s global perception.

Music

Irish musicians continue to act as cultural ambassadors for the nation of Ireland. They assist in promoting the impression of a post-colonial, socially conscious country. In the late 20th century, groups such as The Cranberries helped foster an image of Ireland as a peace-seeking nation. They did so through anthemic hits that discussed and condemned the violent conflict in British-occupied Ireland, taking place between the British armed forces, pro-British militias and the Irish Republican Army. The Cranberries 1994 single ‘Zombie’ has since become a protest anthem around the world against armed conflict. It has been most commonly used to spread awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza – most notably, by the 2024 Eurovision entrant for Ireland, Bambie Thug, at the Download festival in England. 

More recent artists such as Kneecap, who filled Federation Square with 10,000 fans in March, have also been active in promoting the image of modern Ireland. In 2024, their biographical film of the same name premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim, blending dark comedy, Irish republican politics, and bilingual storytelling to challenge global audiences’ expectations of Irish identity. In their art, they utilise the Irish language not only to communicate, but also to resist. By participating in the revival of a language long marginalised by colonial policy, they make it culturally relevant both in Ireland and beyond. Their advocacy for the Irish language has led to Ireland being recognised as a nation embodying progressive ideals while preserving its traditions.

Looking ahead

Ireland’s soft power continues to grow through its cultural exports, which enhance its global image as a progressive and culturally rich nation. Through gastrodiplomacy, literature and music, Ireland has successfully cultivated a positive image worldwide. The global recognition of Irish artists, the appeal of Irish literature worldwide and the ubiquity of Irish heritage brands around the world all contribute to the growth of Ireland’s soft power. As Ireland seeks to embrace its rich heritage and combine it with modern progressive ideals, it fosters goodwill around the world, which solidifies its place on the world stage.