Despite Valuing Laughter, 92% of Irish People Yearn for More Joyful Moments, Survey Reveals

Research carried out by One4all, Ireland’s leading gift card company, has revealed that while the Irish cherish their laughter and unique sense of humour, an astounding 92% wish for more laughter-filled moments in their daily lives. As part of the launch of ‘Shop4Giggles’ charity campaign in aid of the Children’s Health Foundation, the research highlights the depth of Ireland’s central bond with humour and emphasises the importance of face-to-face interactions in sparking genuine laughter.

Key Insights:

• 93% proudly recognise Ireland’s unique sense of humour.
• 85% believe that laughter is deeply embedded in the fabric of Irish culture.
• Personal interactions are the source of daily laughter for 29%, narrowly outpacing social media at 26%.
• An overwhelming 95% acknowledge the myriad health benefits of laughter, notably stress relief.

This introspection into the nation’s longing for more laughter coincides with One4all gearing up to roll out its ‘Shop4Giggles’ charity initiative in partnership with the Children’s Health Foundation. Since its inception, this campaign has already raised over €260,000.

From Saturday, 9 September to Sunday, 17 September, each transaction made using a One4all Gift Card or its digital counterpart in-store or online with participating retailers will see One4all contributing 50c to the Children’s Health Foundation’s Giggle Fund and play therapy departments across Children’s Health Ireland. Notably, retailers River Island, New Look, and Curry’s have generously pledged to double this, committing and additional 50c per transaction spent with their brand.

Reflecting on the heartwarming collaboration, Hugh Kane, Interim Chief Executive of Children’s Health Foundation remarked, “We are delighted to be working with One4all again this year on the hugely successful Shop4Giggles. We are so grateful for the €260,000 that has been raised to date that have provided vital funds to support sick children in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly hospitals and urgent care centres. Hospitals can be scary places for sick children, but the funds raised by One4all help to bring small moments of joy and laughter to their day. Huge thanks to One4all and all the retail partners that have participated over the years, the funds really do make a difference to so many lives.”

Delving into the nation’s humour tastes, the survey pinpoints sitcoms (35%), stand-up comedy (31%), and parodies (18%) as top favourites.

In a more jovial finding, 52% would be amused if someone from overseas tried their hand at an Irish accent impersonation.