We are often asked whether Thanksgiving is celebrated in Ireland. It may surprise you to learn – especially if you think we Irish will borrow any excuse to party – the answer is NO. We’ll keep St. Patrick’s Day as the big one! Did you know that, unlike its Caribbean neighbour St. Lucia, Montserrat doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday.
Anyway, we digress. We’ve presented you with a link between Thanksgiving and Riverdance. So, bear with us while we perform the usual Irish trick of making a short story long.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual event. Up to 43 nations pit their song writing and performing talents against one another. You may never have heard of it, but it was the launch pad to global stardom of ABBA. For it was at Eurovision, watched annually by over 150 million viewers, we first heard the catchy melody of ‘Waterloo’.
Fast forward to 2008. Ireland, already in the record books with seven victories, chose its entry to that year’s contest by public vote. And we decided – kid you not – to send a ‘turkey’ to represent us at the contest.
Ireland’s Favourite Turkey
Dustin the Turkey is a rather ‘fowl’ mouthed puppet. He made his children’s TV debut in Ireland in 1989 and is still going strong, having graduated to a more mature audience. His Eurovision song, ‘Irelande Douze Pointe’ contained lyrics such as “Give us another chance – we’re sorry for Riverdance”.
p.s. never ask him if Thanksgiving is celebrated in Ireland…
Riverdance and Anam Croí Tours – 100% Irish
Yet Riverdance, like ABBA (and unlike Dustin), is a global phenomenon that owes its origins to Eurovision, which Dublin hosted in 1994. The host country is obliged to conceive and present an interval act that reflects aspects of its culture. This is where Riverdance was conceived and delivered, as a five minute intermission performance subservient to the main event. This unleashed a stunning spectacle, succinctly summed up by BBC presenter, Irishman the late Terry Wogan. His immediate comment to millions of TV viewers was “…hairs rising on the back of every Irishman’s neck”. Here’s a clip of the original performance. It’s about five minutes long but well worth watching to the end.
Dance your way to an Ireland Tour Discount
If you’re availing of one of our great Ireland Tours, you can catch Riverdance in Dublin from June to September. If you want more than simply experiencing top Ireland visitor attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway (yes we also visit Blarney), then our tours are for you. We’ll give you an immersive small-group Ireland trip ( max 13 guests) that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. But don’t take our word for it. Check out our TripAdvisor reviews – they’re all 5 stars from our wonderful clients.
Choose from our 6 day southwest Ireland, and 7 Day Northern Ireland and best of the West to our 12 day Ultimate All-Ireland tours. Our 2026 tours are selling out fast so don’t leave it too late. We also are experts in working with clients to create private custom tours of Ireland. April and October public tours enjoy 10% discount off the displayed price.
Forget the Calories
So remember, as you enjoy your ‘no calorie counting’ Thanksgiving feast, to please spare a thought for the Irish turkey, and celebrate Riverdance by dancing a wee jig around the festive table. We wish you all a very happy, safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving from us all at Anam Croí Ireland Tours. Lá an Altaithe sona daoibh go léir.
P.S. Do you think Dustin might qualify for a Presidential Pardon ( he actually ran in an Irish presidential election and, because one had to have a first and family name on the ballot, used the surname Hoffman!)
If you enjoy reading about Ireland and things Irish, imagine what it would be like listening to similar tales (some of them even true) on your dream Ireland trip. All while soaking up the scenery and atmosphere of Ireland and her people.