51 riddles about Ireland with answers

Ireland is a country rich in history, culture, and intrigue. From ancient legends to modern mysteries, the Emerald Isle offers plenty of fascinating topics to ponder. Let’s explore some brainteasers and riddles inspired by the people, places, and lore of Ireland.

Riddles about Irish Cities and Towns

Many Irish cities and towns have intriguing names or claims to fame that make perfect fodder for riddles!

Riddle 1

I’m a Dublin neighborhood that shares its name with a hearty winter vegetable. What am I?

Answer: Cabbage Town

Riddle 2

I’m an Irish city that also names a type of terrier dog. What am I?

Answer: Kerry

Riddle 3

I’m a city in County Limerick best known for my well-preserved medieval architecture. What am I?

Answer: Adare

Riddle 4

I’m an Irish town whose name means “church of the yew tree.” What am I?

Answer: Youghal

Riddle 5

I’m a Northern Irish city named after the river that runs through me. What am I?

Answer: Londonderry

Riddles about Irish Surnames and Names

From O’Briens to Murphys, Ireland’s surnames and first names tell stories all their own.

Riddle 6

I’m a common Irish surname that comes from Ó Broin meaning “descendant of Bran.” What am I?

Answer: O’Brien

Riddle 7

I’m an Irish first name meaning “little king” in Gaelic. What am I?

Answer: Ryan

Riddle 8

I’m an Irish last name referring to a devotee of Saint Patrick. What am I?

Answer: Fitzpatrick

Riddle 9

I’m a popular Irish surname meaning “lover of hounds” in Gaelic. What am I?

Answer: Doyle

Riddle 10

I’m a common Irish surname that comes from O’Murchadha meaning “descendant of the sea warrior.” What am I?

Answer: Murphy

Riddles about Irish Symbols

From the shamrock to the Celtic cross, Irish symbols are full of meaning.

Riddle 11

I’m a three-leaved plant used as a symbol for St. Patrick’s Day. What am I?

Answer: Shamrock

Riddle 12

I’m a musical instrument and national symbol of Ireland made from wood and goatskin. What am I?

Answer: Harp

Riddle 13

I’m a Celtic symbol that combines a cross with a ring. What am I?

Answer: Celtic cross

Riddle 14

I’m a stone tower built by early Christians in Ireland and Scotland. What am I?

Answer: Round tower

Riddle 15

I’m a decorative knotwork design that originated in the Celtic Christian era. What am I?

Answer: Celtic knot

Riddles about Irish Landmarks

From stunning cliffs to historic castles, Ireland’s landmarks have fascinating stories behind them.

Riddle 16

I’m a prehistoric stone monument outside Dublin older than the pyramids of Egypt. What am I?

Answer: Newgrange

Riddle 17

I’m a castle located near Cork that was burned down by the IRA in 1922. What am I?

Answer: Ballymaloe House

Riddle 18

I’m a beautiful coastal trail along the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland. What am I?

Answer: Giant’s Causeway

Riddle 19

I’m a medieval monastery located off the west coast that was founded by St. Féchín. What am I?

Answer: Fore Abbey

Riddle 20

I’m a historic prison in Dublin that held many Irish rebels over the centuries. What am I?

Answer: Kilmainham Gaol

Riddles about Irish History

From St. Patrick to the potato famine, Irish history offers many fascinating topics for riddles.

Riddle 21

I’m the patron saint of Ireland known for using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Who am I?

Answer: St. Patrick

Riddle 22

I’m a 7th century Irish monk known as the Apostle of Germany for spreading Christianity in Europe. Who am I?

Answer: St. Columbanus

Riddle 23

I’m a 16th century Irish chieftain best known for leading a rebellion against English rule. Who am I?

Answer: Hugh O’Neill

Riddle 24

I’m an 18th century agrarian protest movement aimed at overthrowing British landlords in Ireland. What am I?

Answer: Whiteboys

Riddle 25

I’m a 19th century period of mass starvation in Ireland caused by a potato blight. What am I?

Answer: The Great Famine

Riddles about Irish Literature and Storytelling

From ancient myths to modern masters like James Joyce, Irish literature offers abundant riddle inspiration.

Riddle 26

I’m an ancient Irish alphabet originally used to write Primitive Irish. What am I?

Answer: Ogham

Riddle 27

I’m a mythological site in County Meath where the Irish gods were said to meet. What am I?

Answer: Hill of Tara

Riddle 28

I’m a mythological warrior hero who appears in the Irish legend The Cattle Raid of Cooley. Who am I?

Answer: Cú Chulainn

Riddle 29

I’m a mischievous fairy creature in Irish folklore that can cause trouble if not appeased. What am I?

Answer: Leprechaun

Riddle 30

I’m an early Irish alphabet of 20 letters used for writing Primitive Irish. What am I?

Answer: Old Irish

Riddles about Irish Music and Dance

From lively jigs to melancholy ballads, Irish music and dance make for great riddle topics.

Riddle 31

I’m a traditional Irish dance characterized by fast footwork and a stiff upper body. What am I?

Answer: Step dancing

Riddle 32

I’m a traditional Irish dance where partners hold hands and make a series of figures. What am I?

Answer: Céilí dancing

Riddle 33

I’m a traditional Irish musical ensemble centered around the accordion and fiddle. What am I?

Answer: Céilí band

Riddle 34

I’m a traditional Irish dance where partners dance in two facing lines. What am I?

Answer: Set dancing

Riddle 35

I’m a traditional Irish dance characterized by leaping and kicking moves originating from western Ireland. What am I?

Answer: Sean-nós dance

Riddles about Irish Holidays and Events

From St. Patrick’s Day to Halloween, Ireland’s calendar offers plenty of festive riddle inspiration.

Riddle 36

I’m a February holiday named after the patron saint of Ireland. What am I?

Answer: St. Patrick’s Day

Riddle 37

I’m an October holiday with Celtic origins where people light bonfires and wear costumes. What am I?

Answer: Halloween

Riddle 38

I’m an annual arts festival held in Dublin in June featuring theatre, dance, film, and music. What am I?

Answer: Bloomsday

Riddle 39

I’m an annual matchmaking event held in Lisdoonvarna in September. What am I?

Answer: Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Riddle 40

I’m a traditional May Day festival celebrated in Galway with parades and dancing. What am I?

Answer: Galway May Day Festival

Riddles about Irish Food and Drink

From hearty stews to dark beer, Ireland’s distinctive cuisine offers lots of tasty riddle fodder.

Riddle 41

I’m a traditional Irish bread made with buttermilk and baking soda. What am I?

Answer: Soda bread

Riddle 42

I’m a traditional Irish dish of bacon, cabbage, and potatoes. What am I?

Answer: Colcannon

Riddle 43

I’m a creamy Irish soup made from potatoes and leeks. What am I?

Answer: Potato leek soup

Riddle 44

I’m an Irish stout beer brewed in Dublin since 1759. What am I?

Answer: Guinness

Riddle 45

I’m a whisky produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working distillery. What am I?

Answer: Bushmills whiskey

Riddles about Irish Language

Though English is the official language today, exploring Irish Gaelic offers riddle opportunities galore.

Riddle 46

In Irish, “Dia duit” is a common greeting meaning what in English?

Answer: “God be with you”

Riddle 47

What does the Irish phrase “Go raibh maith agat” mean in English?

Answer: Thank you

Riddle 48

Translate the Irish phrase “Conas atá tú?” into English.

Answer: How are you?

Riddle 49

In Irish, what does “Sláinte” mean in a toast?

Answer: Health

Riddle 50

What is the Irish term for “cheers” when making a toast?

Answer: Sláinte

Riddle 51

I’m a mythical creature in Irish folklore known for my mischievous tricks. Who am I?