Long before smartphones or streaming took over evenings, the Irish had their own way of gathering, laughing, and competing—around a deck of cards.

Whether in a smoky pub in Galway or a family kitchen in Donegal, card games have long been a thread in Ireland’s social fabric. Some are ancient, passed down through generations; others are newer, reimagined with a twist of humour and heritage. And today, many of them are finding new life online.

A pint, a pack of cards, and plenty of banter

Walk into a traditional Irish pub and you might still see an old deck on the counter. One of the most commonly played games is 25, also known as “Twenty-Five,” a fast-paced, trick-taking game considered by many to be Ireland’s national card game. It’s typically played with 3 to 9 players, where the objective is simple but addictive: be the first to reach 25 points.

In the west of Ireland, Scopone—a game introduced through Italian communities—has blended into local habits, especially around Limerick and Cork. Meanwhile, Rummy variations and home-grown hybrids have shaped casual play across generations.

But it’s not just old traditions keeping the cards on the table. One game, in particular, has crossed into both digital and international realms.

Blackjack’s Irish evolution

Though blackjack isn’t native to Ireland, it has carved out a strong presence in Irish culture through pubs, private games, and more recently, online platforms. The game’s straightforward rules and fast pace made it a favourite in casual pub competitions, especially in the '80s and '90s.

Now, thanks to platforms that offer online blackjack in Ireland, the game has moved into the digital space, letting players experience the same thrills from their phones or laptops. While the format has changed, the social thrill remains: playing against the dealer, making a split-second decision, and maybe walking away with more than just pride.

This online transition is not erasing tradition—it's transforming it, making classic games more accessible to younger generations used to screens instead of beer mats.

Happy Clan: a cultural gem disguised as a card game

Some games don’t aim to win big but to connect players with Irish culture—and one of the most charming examples is Happy Clan, a card game created by Moya, an Irish woman from County Down.

Based on the structure of Happy Families, players collect cards from different categories such as mythology, landscapes, food, cities, and more. Each card is beautifully illustrated, featuring iconic sites like the Giant’s Causeway or traditional dishes like Boxty and Barmbrack. The goal is to collect sets, but in doing so, players explore a slice of Ireland with every hand.

Originally designed for family play and ideal for travel, Happy Clan bridges generations with simple mechanics and rich storytelling. It’s as much a cultural keepsake as it is a game—and it quietly teaches, without ever trying to.

The Irish knack for reinvention

There’s something uniquely Irish about turning even the simplest social moment into something lasting. That’s what card games have always offered: an excuse to gather, to joke, to challenge each other, and to keep tradition alive—without needing much more than a table and a deck.

Today, those same traditions live on in new forms. From old-school 25 in rural pubs, to Happy Clan on family road trips, to blackjack played online during a lunch break, Ireland’s card games continue to evolve while holding on to what makes them special: their humanity, their humour, and their roots in real connection.