Ireland. THE EMERALD ISLE.

 Ireland

The Emerald Isle

Ireland is an island country situated in the Northwest of Europe.

It has been a member of the European Union since 1973.

 

The population of the Republic of Ireland is 3,5 million, which is similar to the population of Los Angeles.

The Country

The country is divided into 4 provinces:

- Munster.

- Ulster.

- Leinster.

- Connacht.

It is then further divided into 32 counties: siix of Ulster´s counties are in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Dublín

The capital city is Dublin, which has a population of over one million, almost 1/3 of the entire population.

Ireland´s Flag

The national flag is the tricolour of green, white and orange.


The green is  a symbol of the acient Irish ancestry.
The white simbolices the union of all in brotherhood and common  nationality.
The orange represents the new elements that joined us later in our history.

The Currency

The Irish currency was Irish Pound, but it completely  replaced on the 
1st  of January,
2012 for the Euro

National Emblem

The official emblem of Ireland is the harp. We are the only country in the world who use a musical instrument as its national emblem.


                   The Shamrock

The Shamrock is another recognised symbol of Ireland. The national airline, Aer  Lingus, used it as its emblem.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and they celebrate him on 17th of March each year.


St. Patrick is said to have used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Blessed Trinity to the Pagan Irish in 432 A.D.

Language

Ireland has 2 official languages: English, which is spoken everywhere, and Irish which is generally confined to small areas of the West, Southwest, and Northwest as an everyday means of communication.


Slí Amach                    WAY OUT
ticcéid                         TICKETS                           Irish, however, is taught in all    
Bagaiste Treigthe        LEFTLUGGAGE                schools in the country                            Siopa                           SHOP                                  - both primary and secondary.

Ancient Past

 There were people in Ireland 9,000 years ago. 
The first farmers came in here about 3,700 B.C.
Ancient burial grounds are to be found right around the country. The most famous of these is Ate Newgrange in Co. Meath, which was constructed around 2500 B. C.

Every year, on the morning of the winter solstice, the rays of the rising sun passes through a 20 metres long passage and lights the inner chamber -an unbelievable feat of engineering and intelligence for such a long time ago.

Dunquaire Castle and St. Kevins

Norman castles and monastic ruins are to be found in many parts of the country.  

                           

                Tradicional Irish Folk Dance  

  

 

Ireland has a proud tradition in music and dancing. 

Irish dances are greatly admired by the people of the world                                                                    

                                                            Music

The traditional group, the Chieftains, have played  their music all over the world.