Donegal ranks Top 5 most superstitious counties in Ireland, according to new research.
New national research uncovers how Ireland’s fairies, banshees and ghosts still haunt daily life – and names Kilkenny as the nation’s superstition capital.
A nationwide investigation by the analysts at Casino.org IE has uncovered the true state of superstition in Ireland – and the findings prove that the old beliefs are far from dead.
The Superstition Index combines: A nationwide survey of 1000+ residents; Google search trend analysis of traditional Irish superstitions; A cultural audit of folklore festivals, ghost tours and heritage events.
Together, these data sources produced a 0-100 score for every county.
Ireland’s Most Superstitious Counties: Ranked
Kilkenny – 57.9 / 100
Galway – 49.5
Waterford – 49.4
Donegal – 47.1
Down – 46.33
Roscommon – 46.2
Westmeath – 45.3
Cavan – 42.9
Kerry – 42.0
Offaly – 41.4
Least superstitious counties:
Tipperary (29.9)
Laois (32.9)
Sligo (33.6)
Ireland’s Biggest Superstitions (Ranked by % Belief)
Fairy forts should never be disturbed – 69.90%
Would avoid buying a haunted or cursed home – 69.30%
Roads should be rerouted to avoid fairy forts – 66.60%
Avoid putting new shoes on the table – 63.00%
Knock or touch wood to avoid bad luck – 60.80%
Throw salt over your shoulder to ward off bad luck – 47.90%
Believe that burning ears mean someone’s talking about you – 46.10%
Would refuse to cut a St Brigid’s Cross – 43.40%
Salute or wave at a lone magpie – 38.00%
Itchy nose means a fight or unexpected news – 36.40%
Believe the Banshee exists – 29.50%
Have heard what they believe was a Banshee – 23.80%
Believe Jack O’Lanterns protect homes from spirits – 19.60%
Have seen a ghost or experienced a haunting – 19.60%
Taken part in Halloween bonfire “love” rituals – 13.60%
Believe what’s in the Barnbrack predicts your future – 12.30%
Believe in changelings (fairy replacements) – 8.70%
Who’s The Most Superstitious?
Gender gap: 63% of women vs around 32% of men say they’re superstitious
Age: 18-24 year-olds are the most superstitious generation (64%), with belief dropping steadily with age, with the exception of the 55-64 bracket, who are around 59% superstitious.
Location: Rural residents (61%) outscore suburban (53%) and urban (38%) dwellers
Even among those who claim not to be superstitious, 89% still follow at least one ritual, from knocking wood to avoiding fairy forts.
