IT’S BEEN A tough week here in Ireland.

Our sixth austerity Budget brought us a property tax and expensive wine for Christmas, and even 100-year-olds aren’t getting a break.

But we’re still one of the world’s happiest countries, according to science.

So why would that be? Well, plenty of things:

1. Anne Doyle is a revered national figure

Photocall Ireland

Is there one among us that hasn’t dreamed of this?

YouTube/Gerard O’Connor

2. The TV3 Santa Baby

YouTube/movire

3. This

via Facebook

4. Obama’s limo not being able for Ireland

YouTube/rte

5. Socky

YouTube/fodder1980

And Ray D’Arcy with hair. Let’s not forget that.

6. Maniac 2000

YouTube/playthatbeat

YEAH YEAH FUNKY YEAH. This was number one for 10 weeks. Thanks to us.

7. The guy falling on the ice

YouTube/greanmhar3

8. The Mary Robinson Tapestry Rug

via Facebook

Now gone from its rightful place looking out over Dame Street. Much missed.

9. Jean Byrne

YouTube/whatweretheywearing

Er, best weather woman in the world? Right over here.

10. Our President gives great hugs

Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

11. The Rubberbandits

YouTube/rte

Keep your Jay-Z. Pah.

12. This man is one of our best-known TV stars

13. That Twink voicemail (NSFW)

YouTube/irishsparkys

Couldn’t have happened anywhere else. Because Twink wouldn’t exist anywhere else.

14. Even Harry Potter parties when he’s here

Pic: Darren Cleary

Context here.

15. This

YouTube/KamilFilms

If your heart is not now warmed, it is made of stone. Check yourself into hospital immediately.

16. Will Ferrell loves us

(Twitter/Art Observed)

And we love him right back.

17. The Reeling In The Years Italia ’90 Montage

YouTube/markhallen

We may be rubbish now. We may never do anything like this again. But we will ALWAYS have this montage.

18. Any craic? Níl.

YouTube/rte

And the Late Late Toy Show in general. Hundreds of thousands of adults sitting down to watch a show about toys in total seriousness. That’s Ireland.

19. Zig and Zag’s Christmas Rap

YouTube/tuwoa

Still fresh after all these years.

20. This

And the many other places just as beautiful.

Shutterstock

21. Fairytale of New York

Because it makes Irish people happy in the best possible way. By making us sad. Enjoy!

YouTube/RhinoUK

More: 12 classic TV moments that make Ireland… unique>