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Guinness, Father Ted and Terry Wogan voted Ireland's best exports

Liam Neeson, Riverdance and St Patrick’s Day also ranked high

Richard Jenkins
Monday 16 March 2020 17:48 GMT
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(Getty)

Guinness, Father Ted and Terry Wogan have been voted Ireland's best exports.

A poll asked 2,000 adults to rate a comprehensive list of people, products and traditions that Ireland has shared with the world.

Liam Neeson, Riverdance and St Patrick’s Day also made the top 10.

Hit sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys placed 15th on the list, with boyband Westlife and actor Cillian Murphy also appearing in the final 50.

A spokesperson for Lottoland, which commissioned the poll ahead of St Patrick’s Day, said: “There is much about Ireland that can and should be celebrated.

“The worlds of literature, art, music and comedy wouldn’t be the same, if it weren’t for the involvement of those from Ireland – and Northern Ireland.”

Irish mythology came sixth on the list of why people love Ireland.

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan was 19th on the list, with Gaelic names like Saoirse and Niamh also appearing.

The study also found 54 per cent of UK adults thought the rugged green landscapes were the best thing about the country.

Another 48 per cent selected the accent as their favourite part of the region.

One in five said they would like to give up their current homeland and go live in Ireland if they were given the chance.

Nearly three in 10 respondents admitted that a lot of the things they do, watch and listen to are influenced by Irish culture.

One in 10 also said they celebrate St Patrick’s Day every year without fail.

One in 20 also confess they find it almost impossible, when meeting an Irish person, not to immediately talk to them in an Irish accent.

Lottoland’s spokesperson added: “We have a lot to thank the Irish culture for, not least the excuse to celebrate St Patrick’s Day every year."

SWNS

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