Ireland’s top Google searches for 2023 have been revealed, with all the expected cultural milestones across the year represented.
Barbie and Oppenheimer were credited with salvaging a languishing cinema industry during the summer.
Both films in the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon were heavily searched, with the Cillian Murphy-led science biopic coming in first place and Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, following close in second.
The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin McDonagh’s critically lauded black-comedy starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, came third in film searches.
In the world of sport, the Rugby World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup placed in the top two sports searches.
“How to watch the Rugby World Cup” was one of the most-searched questions.
The most-searched person was the controversy-stricken media personality, Russell Brand.
Also on that list is former host of The Late Late Show, Ryan Tubridy and his successor, Patrick Kielty.
In the “What is” category, “What is Botulism” took first place followed by “What is a barter account.”
Beloved Irish musicians who died this year were also represented in Ireland’s Google search lists.
Sinéad O’Connor, The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan and Aslan frontman Christy Dignam were all heavily searched by grieving Irish music fans.
Friends actor Matthew Perry, Tina Turner and Lisa Marie Presley also featured in the “losses” list.
In entertainment, The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic tale based on a mega-popular video game, was the most searched for.
Disney+ hit reality show, Welcome to Wrexham, which follows Wrexham FC under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was also among the top searches.
The most searched-for music act was Coldplay, followed by Sam Smith and Taylor Swift.
Unsurprisingly, amid the cost of living crisis, “How to claim rent tax credit” was the top “How to” search.
“How to solve a Rubik’s cube” and “How to use chopsticks” also featured.
Irish foodies took an interest in online cooking trends this year. Viking Toast, Marry Me Chicken, Adobo and Smash Burgers were all popular searches, many of which were viral hits on TikTok.
