Kilkenny Named Superstition Capital of Ireland in New Survey

UPDATE: A groundbreaking nationwide survey has just identified Kilkenny as the superstition capital of Ireland, sending shockwaves through the country. The study, conducted by Casino.org IE, combines survey data, Google search trends, and local folklore to create Ireland’s inaugural ‘Superstition Index’, ranking each county based on their superstitious beliefs.

The results reveal that Kilkenny scored an impressive 57.9 out of 100, far surpassing the nearest competitor, Galway, which scored 49.5. Following closely behind are Waterford at 49.4, Donegal at 47.1, and Down at 46.33. In stark contrast, Tipperary ranked lowest with a score of just 29.9.

Thousands of individuals across Ireland were surveyed about their beliefs in various superstitions including piseogs, fairy forts, and even itchy noses. The findings underscore a deep-rooted connection to superstition that persists in modern Irish life. Notably, 52% of the population identifies as superstitious, with the number rising to 63% among women.

The survey uncovered the most common superstitions held by the Irish. Key beliefs include:
– 69.9% believe fairy forts should never be disturbed.
– 69.3% would avoid buying a haunted or cursed home.
– 66.6% think roads should be rerouted to avoid fairy forts.
– 63% avoid placing new shoes on the table.
– 60.8% knock or touch wood to avert bad luck.

Other intriguing beliefs include throwing salt over the shoulder (47.9%) and saluting lone magpies (38%). Alarmingly, nearly one in five participants (19.6%) reported having seen a ghost or experienced a haunting.

A spokesperson for Casino.org IE remarked, “Ireland’s folklore runs far deeper than most people realize, especially around this time of year. Even skeptics follow these rules without thinking.” This highlights how ingrained these beliefs are in daily life, with an astonishing 89% of individuals who claim not to be superstitious still adhering to at least one superstition, often out of habit.

The study also reveals a significant demographic trend: those living in rural areas are roughly 20% more likely to be superstitious compared to their urban counterparts, with 18-24 year-olds emerging as the most superstitious age group.

As Halloween approaches, the relevance of these findings grows. The public’s fascination with superstition is likely to intensify, making this a critical time for both believers and skeptics alike.

Stay tuned for further updates on this fascinating cultural phenomenon and how it shapes modern Irish identity.