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 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
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.
