What’s good, Ireland’s next wave? If you’re 15-34, born to immigrant parents, you’re not just living in Ireland – you’re remaking it. You’re the second generation, the culture shifters, the ones blending your family’s roots with Irish swagger, and creating a new kind of Irishness that’s as bold as a mural on Moore Street. At EqualityWorx, we see you, we hear you, and we’re here to celebrate how you’re rewriting Ireland’s story, one vibe at a time.
The Remix of Being Irish: Not Either/Or – It’s Both/And
Let’s get real. Your parents came from Nigeria, India, Poland, Brazil, Pakistan, or a dozen other places, bringing dreams and a suitcase full of culture. You were born here, raised on Irish rain, Tayto crisps, and maybe some jollof or biryani on the side. But being second-gen isn’t just about balancing two worlds – it’s about creating a new one.
Research from the ESRI and UCD shows that second-generation youth develop “hybrid identities,” mixing heritage with host-country energy. In Ireland, that means you’re as likely to hit a GAA match as a Bollywood dance night, to speak Irish slang at school and your parents’ language at home. And here’s the science: embracing this bicultural identity actually boosts your mental health, resilience, and sense of belonging.
But let’s not sugarcoat it. Some of you still face “perceived exclusion”—those awkward “where are you really from?” questions, or feeling like you have to prove your Irishness. In 2023, the Irish government launched the National Action Plan Against Racism, but real change is slow. First-gen kids often hit language or education barriers. You, the second generation, are flipping the script. You’re fluent in Irish slang and your parents’ tongue, using both to carve out space in a country that’s now 12% immigrant but still learning what multicultural really means..
Culture Creators
Look at Cairde, the Irish dance crew who took trad steps to TikTok, racking up millions of views by mixing Riverdance with Drake. Or Róis, a second-gen Nigerian-Irish artist whose soulful tunes weave Yoruba rhythms with Irish folk. You’re doing the same, whether it’s cooking a fusion dish for your mates or spitting bars about growing up in Tallaght. Ireland’s festival scene, like New Music Dublin (April 2025), is buzzing with these hybrid vibes, showcasing artists who sound like your world. You’re not just fitting in – you’re leading.
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Ireland’s festival scene is buzzing with these hybrid vibes. New Music Dublin, Mother Tongues Festival, Africa Day, and Culture Night are packed with second-gen artists, dancers, and creators who sound and look like your world. You’re cooking up fusion dishes for your mates, spitting bars about growing up in Tallaght or Tralee, and remixing what it means to be Irish every single day.
The GAA and the Limits of Inclusion
Let’s talk sport. The GAA is Ireland’s heartbeat, and to its credit, it’s been reaching out, launching campaigns for inclusion, mental health, and diversity. But even the GAA can’t bridge every gap. For many second-gen Irish, especially those from migrant backgrounds or mixed heritage, belonging isn’t automatic. You might not see yourself in the classic GAA hero or the faces in the ads. The challenge is doubled: figuring out not just what it means to be a man (or woman), but what it means to be Irish, too.
Recent research shows that young men and women from second-gen backgrounds often feel boxed in by old-school stereotypes or left out of the conversation altogether. The message? It’s time for brands, sports bodies, and media to go beyond token gestures and create real space for all identities – so every young person, whatever their background, feels seen, included, and valued.
Your Turn: The Remix Is Now
So, how do you remix your roots with Irish life? Are you blending drill beats with trad, serving up pierogi at a street party, or painting murals that tell your family’s story? Maybe you’re just switching between languages on the bus, or teaching your friends how to say “hello” in Yoruba, Urdu, or Polish.
We want to hear from you. Share a pic, a story, a track, or a recipe that screams your culture. If you’re creating art, music, or dance, submit it to our platform – we’ll amplify it. Ireland’s ready for your remix. Let’s turn it up and show the world what second-gen Irish looks, sounds, and feels like. This is your Ireland. Own it. Remix it. Celebrate it. 🎤 #IrishVibes #SecondGenProud
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