Donegal ranked in the top five most superstitious counties

Donegal has been ranked in the top five most superstitious counties according to The Superstition Index. 

Kilkenny ranks as Ireland’s most superstitious county, followed by Galway, Waterford, Donegal and Down. The results show Tipperary, Laois and Sligo are the least superstitious 

The  data sources produced a 0-100 score for every county. The results are Kilkenny - 57.9 / 100; Galway - 49.5; Waterford - 49.4; Donegal - 47.1; Down - 46.33; Roscommon - 46.2; Westmeath - 45.3; Cavan - 42.9; Kerry - 42.0; and Offaly - 41.4 

The least superstitious counties were: Tipperary - 29.9; Laois 32.9; and Sligo - 33.6. The index blends A nationwide survey of over 1,000 Irish adults, Google search trend analysis of traditional superstitions, And research into folklore festivals, ghost tours & heritage events Together, the findings show that 52% of Irish people say they’re superstitious - rising to 63% of women and 64% of 18–24s and 89% of those who stated they weren't superstitious still follow at least one superstition.

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Ireland’s most common superstitions have also been ranked by the percentage of people who believe them, according to the results. Fairy forts should never be disturbed - 69.90%; Would avoid buying a haunted or cursed home - 69.30%; Roads should be rerouted to avoid fairy forts - 66.60%; Avoid putting new shoes on the table - 63.00%; Knock or touch wood to avoid bad luck - 60.80%;  Throw salt over your shoulder to ward off bad luck - 47.90%; Believe that burning ears mean someone’s talking about you - 46.10%; Would refuse to cut a St Brigid’s Cross - 43.40%; Salute or wave at a lone magpie - 38.00%; Itchy nose means a fight or unexpected news - 36.40%; Believe the Banshee exists - 29.50%; Have heard what they believe was a Banshee - 23.80%; Believe Jack O’Lanterns protect homes from spirits - 19.60%;  Have seen a ghost or experienced a haunting - 19.60%; Taken part in Halloween bonfire “love” rituals - 13.60%; Believe what’s in the Barnbrack predicts your future - 12.30%; and Believe in changelings (fairy replacements) - 8.70%.