The Google Year in Search results reveal the moments that captured Ireland’s attention in 2023

As the year comes to a close, the annual Google Year in Search results reveal the questions we turned to Google for answers for, the people who inspired us and the daily searches the country had in common.

In a year where Ireland competed in two World Cups it’s no surprise that the two top spots on the most searched sports list were the Rugby World Cup in pole position followed by the Women’s Football World Cup. The nation’s interest in the Rugby World Cup is also clear in the How to list as How to Watch the Rugby World Cup was one of the most searched questions people turned to Google for help with.

The simultaneous release of blockbuster movies Oppenheimer and Barbie caught the world’s attention, and in Ireland, Oppenheimer topped the most searched movies list with Barbie in second place. People also turned to Google to find out what the most searched movie is about as ‘What is Oppenheimer about?’ was one of the most popular ‘What is’ questions people asked Google this year. In a bumper box office year people also searched for Mission Impossible 7, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 and Cocaine Bear.

The Top 10 Most Googled recipe list gives us a glimpse into what Ireland has been cooking this year. TikTok viral recipes took over the list with Viking Toast topping the list and Marry Me Chicken, Adobo and Smash Burgers all featuring in the Top Ten. 2023 was the year of the Pornstar Martini, not only was it the second most searched recipe but How to drink a Pornstar Martini was the fourth most popular question people asked Google this year.

Google Search has long been the location people head to when in search of finding entertainment, in particular for help on what to watch on television. The Last of Us was the most searched TV programme of the year and other shows that got people searching were Welcome to Wrexham, the White Lotus and Kin. The world of Irish TV also featured on the Most Searched People list as both the current and former host of The Late Late Show appear on the list following the show’s host change for only its fourth time in history. Ryan Tubridy is the fourth most searched person while Patrick Kielty is the seventh most searched person on the list.

In a year where many Irish music legends sadly passed away it’s no surprise that several featured on the Losses list including Sinead O’Connor, Shane McGowan and Christy Dignam. Ireland also searched for other notable losses from around the world, Matthew Perry, Tina Turner and Lisa Marie Presley all feature on the list.

Turning to Google to ask questions is an everyday occurrence for most people and while How to claim rent tax credit was the most searched question of the year in Ireland, other important questions on the list included How to solve a Rubik’s cube and How to use chopsticks.