Irish predictions for 2026 have been going very well for Ireland’s oldest and most famous annual of forecasts, Old Moore’s Almanac. The publication has once more left readers wondering whether its pages are guided by pure luck or something more uncanny. Published late in 2025, the 2026 edition (see their bonus forecasts) contained a series of predictions for Ireland that have played out with startling accuracy. From a mid-air drama that gripped the nation to political upheaval, cultural milestones and personal headlines, here is how the almanac’s forecasts have materialised so far.
Ryanair flight in the news
Old Moore’s predicted a Ryanair flight would dominate the news in 2026. It did so in spectacular and frightening fashion.
On 10 July 2026, Ryanair flight FR1879 (operated by subsidiary Malta Air), a Boeing 737-800 flying from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, suffered an uncontained engine failure. Debris from a fan blade in the right CFM56 engine struck the fuselage, completely shattering a cabin window at row 11 while the aircraft was climbing through approximately 16,000 feet.
The sudden decompression partially sucked a 61-year-old passenger out of the aircraft. His head and shoulders were outside the broken window. His wife and nearby passengers held onto his legs until he could be pulled back inside. The crew declared an emergency, descended rapidly, and returned safely to Thessaloniki. The passenger survived with serious injuries including friction burns.
@theinformant.com 🚨✈️ PASSENGERS SAVE MAN DURING RYANAIR MID-AIR EMERGENCY A Ryanair flight returned safely to Thessaloniki after a passenger window became dislodged shortly after takeoff, causing rapid cabin decompression. Reports say a 61-year-old passenger was partially pulled through the opening before his seat belt and nearby travelers helped bring him back inside. He was hospitalized after landing and was reported in stable condition. The exact cause remains under investigation. #Ryanair #AviationNews #FlightEmergency #BreakingNews #Greece
Immigration debate still rages – and new parties emerge
The Almanac forecast that the immigration debate would continue to dominate Irish politics and that a new political party (or parties) would form around the issue. Both have proven accurate.
Immigration has remained a central and highly contentious topic in Dáil debates throughout 2026. The government has advanced the International Protection Act 2026 and proposed increasing the standard residency requirement for citizenship from five to eight years, alongside language and civics tests. Mainstream parties including Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have faced pressure to toughen their positions on border control and deportations.
Newer or growing forces have capitalised on public concern. Independent Ireland, which registered as a party and has seen rising poll numbers (reaching around 9% in some surveys), has pushed for stricter enforcement. Other groups and alliances focused on immigration and “house the Irish” messaging have also gained visibility.
Conor McGregor is in the news, everywhere
Old Moore’s said Conor McGregor would be “in the news, everywhere.” The prediction has been hard to dispute.
McGregor has remained a constant media presence through a combination of UFC comeback talk, high-profile political commentary and links to the unprecedented UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn in June 2026 as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. He maintained a high-profile anti-immigration stance, drawing both massive attention and condemnation from Irish political leaders.
Irish predictions for 2026: Tayto in the news
The almanac correctly flagged that the beloved crisp brand would generate headlines. In 2026 Tayto celebrated its 70th anniversary with special “TAY7O” and “I Heart Tayto” packaging, launched a polarising limited-edition Candy Floss flavour that sold out quickly.
@kylemorecars Wouldn’t be great on a Tayto sandwich #foodreview#crisps#tayto#candyfloss#candy
And once again Tayto topped the RED C Brand Reaction Index as Ireland’s most emotionally connected brand. The company also appointed a new CEO and signed a major multi-year distribution deal.
Irish predictions for 2026: Hospital waiting lists drama
Old Moore’s anticipated hospital drama. In 2026 public hospital waiting lists surpassed the one-million mark for the first time, reaching over 1,000,000 patients (with nearly 700,000 awaiting a first outpatient consultation). The milestone triggered intense political and public criticism.
Large migration out of Ireland
The Almanac predicted significant emigration. Official CSO figures for the year to April 2026 showed 62,500 people left Ireland, including 35,400 Irish citizens. Young adults aged 25–44 formed the largest group of leavers. While overall population still grew thanks to higher immigration, the net outflow of Irish citizens continued a multi-year trend.
Dublin housing market gets worse
The capital’s housing crisis continued to deepen throughout 2026. Median residential property prices climbed toward and beyond the €500,000 mark, with annual growth rates of roughly 4.6–5.3%. Rental vacancy rates remained critically low at around 1%, while average asking rents for city-centre apartments pushed higher still. One-bedroom units regularly exceeding €2,000 a month and two-bedroom units often surpassing €2,600. The combination of limited supply and persistent demand kept the market under intense pressure.
Irish predictions for 2026: RTÉ under fire
Ireland’s national broadcaster faced sustained public and political criticism throughout the year. A major flashpoint came when RTÉ was allocated significantly less funding than expected in the national budget (around €20 million short of what had been anticipated), sparking sharp clashes between media executives and government ministers over both money and governance. The rows kept RTÉ firmly in the headlines for months.
Cillian Murphy personal/community drama
Cillian Murphy and his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, took on the restoration of a dilapidated cinema in Dingle that Murphy had visited since childhood. Local film-festival figures described the move as a brave financial risk, noting that mismanaging such a visible local landmark could easily attract intense scrutiny or criticism.
Colin Farrell – family challenges alongside professional success
On screen, Farrell enjoyed a strong year. His Apple TV+ series Sugar returned for a second season, while he also starred in major film projects including the Netflix period thriller Bad Bridgets and Edward Berger’s The Ballad of a Small Player. Off screen, the challenges noted by Old Moore centred on the ongoing care of his eldest son, James, who has Angelman Syndrome. Farrell has spoken openly about the difficulties families face when a child with additional needs turns 21 and ages out of standard state supports, and about the emotionally heavy decision to secure long-term care arrangements.
The 2026 predictions have once again given the Irish public plenty to talk about!
