These are the top trending topics on Google in Ireland for 2018

It has been a mad year. Not one person in this world would disagree. From Trump to Brexit to A Star is Born, we have had a substantial amount to contend with over the last 12 months. Acutely, our little country has had its fair share of ups and downs too, but looking back, we have had a pretty great year. Repealing the Eighth Amendment was our crowning glory, our rugby team are what sporting dreams are made of and our national hockey team are queens.

So in light of all this, what exactly were us Irish searching for when we put our fingers near a keyboard?

Google has released its annual history worldwide and country-specific, meaning we can see precisely what was crossing the minds of our great nation.

Overall searches

The World Cup was the most searched topic on Irish Google pages this year, following a summer of the beautiful game. Sadly, Avicii was second in the list following his untimely death earlier this year. The Royal wedding played on the minds of many and the newest addition to the Windsor fold, Meghan Markle, came in at third. Rounding up the top five are searches for Paddy Jackson in wake of the Belfast rape trial and finally, singer Dolores O’ Riordan who sadly passed away in January.

How to?

“How to register to vote” places at number one in this category, following both a presidential election and referendum this year, followed by “how to build an igloo” and “how to lose weight”. Also appearing in the top five are “how to make eggs” and most importantly, “how to get the old Snapchat back”

Movies

A Star is Born fever overtook the country this year, topping the list of most searched movies. The critically acclaimed Black Panther followed behind, Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody captured the imagination of many and Black 47 and Deadpool completed a stellar top five.

What is?

“What is blasphemy” tops the list following the vote to remove it from our constitution with this year’s referendum. People’s curiosity regarding bitcoin means it came in at second place. Brexit, although not on our shores, still affects this country directly and this is evident by “what is the backstop” coming in at third place. Finally, “what is the Met Gala” and “what is the 8th amendment” round up the list of questions.

Sport events

The World Cup once again takes centre stage for the most searched sports event for 2018. It has been a superb year for Irish sport and particularly for Irish rugby following their Six Nations triumph and their historic victory over the All Blacks which means the latter takes second place on the list, followed by Cheltenham, the Ryder Cup and the Masters.