The wit and wisdom of Northern Ireland
Having the ‘craic’ is practically a national sport in Northern Ireland! Whether it’s banter at the pub, poking fun at yourself (and others!) or wee jokes about the weather, we have a talent for turning even the most mundane situation into a comedy sketch.
‘The wit and wisdom of Northern Ireland’ by Aidan McEntee explores the unique humour of the six counties of Northern Ireland – Antrim, Armagh, Derry~Londonderry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone, with anecdotes, jokes, and a look at some of our most beloved comedians.
We chatted with Aidan to uncover why Northern Irish humour transcends borders, charming audiences far beyond our small yet vibrant corner of the world!
Tell me about yourself – where you’re from, where you live and what you do?
I’m from Armagh originally, and I currently live in Newry, Co Down. Writing has always been a part of my life, but the idea of capturing Northern Irish humour in a book felt like the perfect way to pay tribute to the place that’s shaped my sense of humour. When I’m not writing, I work in European Program Management for an IT Services company so it's on the other side of the spectrum from creative writing. In terms of free time, I love spending time with friends and family, and you’ll often find me in a local pub listening to stories or chatting with friends, always with an ear out for a good laugh.
What made you decide to write a book on Northern Irish humour? What can readers expect to find within the book?
I’ve always been fascinated by how humour is woven into the fabric of life in Northern Ireland. We have a way of looking at life’s absurdities, even in the darkest times, that feels like it deserves a proper celebration.
Growing up, my home was always full of stories and banter, especially from my dad, who was a singer in a band and from Keady, Co Armagh. Anecdotes and playful humour were how we connected as a family and, looking back, I think that shaped my appreciation for humour and storytelling.
In the book, readers can expect to find a journey through each county’s unique brand of humour—ranging from Belfast’s sharp-tongued wit to the storytelling charm of Fermanagh. There are anecdotes, jokes, and a look at some of our most beloved comedians. Ultimately, it’s a tribute to how humour brings us together, despite everything life throws our way.
How would you describe the role of humour in Northern Irish identity, especially given its complex history?
Humour in Northern Ireland is a bit of a lifeline, really. Given our complex history, humour has been a way for people to cope, to express resilience, and to navigate some really challenging times. It’s almost like a shared language—something we all understand that can cut through tension and connect people from all walks of life. In Northern Ireland, if someone can make you laugh, it’s like they’re saying, “We’re all in this together.”
During difficult times, humour allowed people to maintain their humanity and find common ground. Its also a means of expressing resilience and optimism, a way of saying “We’ve been through tough times, but we are still standing – we can still laugh!”
That ability to laugh in the face of adversity is a big part of what makes Northern Irish humour so special.
Could you share an example of how humour varies across the six counties? What makes each region’s humour unique?
Absolutely! In Belfast, humour is fast and sharp; there’s a certain grit to it, and people don’t hold back. Compare that to Down, where humour is a bit more laid-back, almost reflective, capturing the calmness of the landscape. Over in Tyrone, there’s an energy to the humour—it’s full of boldness and banter, like a friendly wrestling match in words. Fermanagh’s humour, on the other hand, is rich in storytelling; they’ll take you down a winding road, full of twists and turns, before hitting you with a punchline. Each county has its own flavour, but it’s all tied together by that distinct Northern Irish wit.
Do you think the people of Northern Ireland use humour as a coping mechanism?
Definitely. Humour is almost like a protective armour in Northern Ireland—it’s how we deal with life’s tougher moments. When things are rough, sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh. It doesn’t erase the hardships, but it helps people find some light and reminds them they’re not alone. Humour allows us to acknowledge difficulties without being consumed by them, which I think is a really powerful thing.
What sets Northern Irish humour apart from anywhere else?
Northern Irish humour has a sharpness and self-awareness to it that you don’t find just anywhere. It’s direct, and there’s no sugar-coating, but there’s also a warmth to it. It’s inclusive—if you’re being slagged, you’re practically part of the family. And of course, sarcasm is practically a second language! I think what really sets it apart is that we can find humour in almost anything, from a rainy day to political woes. It’s like a defiant optimism: no matter what’s happening, there’s always something to laugh about. One of the references in the book pertaining to Belfast is the use of the greeting “What’s wrong with ye, ye look like death warmed up!” It’s a backhanded compliment, made to poke fun but it’s also a way of saying “I care about you” and “I’ve noticed you are not yourself.” This type of humour, where the insult is wrapped in affection is quintessentially Northern Irish.
Do you have a favourite Northern Irish comedian?
There are so many great ones, but if I had to pick, I’d say Mickey Bartlett. He’s from Armagh, like me, and his humour is so grounded in the everyday experiences of growing up in Northern Ireland. He has that perfect blend of self-deprecation and sharp observation, and he’s just effortlessly funny. Whether he’s talking about family, local quirks, or social issues, he always manages to make it hilarious and relatable. I am also a fan of Ciaran Bartlett (no relation 😊) and I devote quite a few paragraphs to him in the book. I think Ciaran represents the future of NI’s comedic legacy – sharp, unafraid, and deeply connected to the realities of life here.
How does it feel to have your book published?
It’s surreal, really. To see something that’s been a passion project come to life and be out there for people to read—it’s a wonderful feeling. I think humour is such a shared experience and knowing that people might laugh or connect with these stories is incredibly rewarding. It’s like sending a love letter to Northern Ireland, written in jokes and anecdotes, out into the world.
What’s next? Have you any more books in the pipeline?
Yes, I’m already playing with a few ideas! There’s something special about capturing the humour of everyday life, and I’d love to dive deeper into the stories behind the jokes—maybe exploring humour as a window into different aspects of culture.
I’m also working on another book which is titled “The Last Laugh at Laurel Lodge.” It’s a comedy, murder mystery set in a care home outside Belfast. I have ambitious expectations to publish next year (2025), subject to the final focus it needs to get it over the line.
