ireland paper
TRANSCRIPT
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IRISH CULTURE
Irish wedding traditions that you may not know
A typical Irish traditional wedding is a beautiful ceremony to see or take part in. From the stunning attire of
both the bride and groom, traditionally the later would be dressed in a kilt made from the tartan of hisclan. The bride would as is done to-day be dressed in a white dress to symbolize her purity. Read more
about Irish wedding traditions.
Irish death traditions & customs
Although death is a sad occasion a traditional wake is seldom solemn. Friends and family alike gather
and share memories and funny stories about the deceased. Food and drink is always present and
although the church tried to ban alcohol from wakes it was unsuccessful. Read more about Irish death
traditions.
St Patricks Day Traditions
March 17th marks the day of St Patrick, celebrated by millions of people around the world. In Ireland, St
Patricks Day was always held as an important religious day to celebrate the teachings of Christianity by
St Patrick.
Easter Sunday in Ireland
Many family households would prepare their homes for Easter Sunday by doing what would be better
known as spring cleaning to prepare the house for blessing by the local priest which is a religious
ceremony that dates back hundreds of years.
Halloween Traditions in Ireland
To-day Halloween is celebrated all around the globe but the Halloween Holiday has its history firmly
planted in Ireland. Halloween is also known as Samhain, All Hallows Eve, Hallowmas and Hallowtide. It is
celebrated on 31st October but the holiday of Halloween is not just celebrated on the one day any more
as the Christian holidays of All Saints Day, November 1st and All Souls Day, November 2nd is celebrated
as well.
Celebrating Christmas in Ireland
Most, if not all, Irish families decorate their homes with lights, tinsel and baubles. A Christmas tree is
usually erected in the family home on the first day of the holy advent calendar. The tree will be beautifully
decorated with an angel on top; presents will lay underneath as seen with many family homes around the
world.
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MUSIC
Irish songs tell a story through song making them even more appealing to listeners.
Irish Dancing music
Dance music in Ireland can be of two things, either for Traditional Irish dancing or nightclubbing, for the
young adults, for now we will only talk about our traditional side of things.
Irish dancing really shot into the mainstream with the River Dance and brought great popularity for Irish
dance music probably because of the fast paced songs and the difficulty the dancers faced in doing an
Irish jig.
Traditional Irish & folk music
With traditional instruments such as the Harp or the bodhrn being played the unique music is created.
Traditional Irish music is played by a variety of instruments such as the Bodhran (Irish drum), the
Fiddle, the Flute, the Tin Whistle and Uilleann Pipes and guitar among others.
A spin off from traditional music would be Irish folk music with singers like the brilliant Christy
Moore or Irish Rovers, both of whom sing songs of life stories and even the history of the Irish.Other
famous folk singers include Mary Black and Enya who both have a unique style to their own music.
Celtic / Irish Rock music
More and more famous Irish bands from Ireland are becoming increasingly popular across the world and
possibly because of the best rock band in the world U2. Other band that has contributed to the Irish rockscene include the likes of Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, The Undertones, The Boomtown Rats and the more
recent groups such as, The Cranberries or The Corrs who often mix Irish traditional music with rock.
The Irish Drinking Culture
Many people like to think of Irish people as the drunken Irish and have a stereotypical view that we simply
drink a lot.
There are various reasons why people tend to link Irish to drinking but we like to think its down to the fact
that Irish produces some of the finest stouts or whiskeys in the world. So lets look at why Ireland is
famous for its drinking but also its pub culture.
So what are the best drinks made in Ireland?
Ireland produces various drinks, some famous and some not so famous.
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Guinness Irish stout is good for you
Guinness is probably the most popular stout in the world and even when its mentioned a connection to
Ireland is automatically assumed by anyone. Although Guinness is so popular its really does take an
acquired taste for anyone to drink a full pint of the black stuff. Its a heavy drink with its thick head and
dark liquid. For those who drink several pints in one sitting only knows too well what the day after will
bring and we are not just referring to the hangover. It was first brewed in the 18th century by Arthur
Guinness.
In March 2010 Guinness announced they will no longer promote good for you and stated We no longer
want to promote alcohol as a medicine, or to imply it can be used as a treatment or a cure.
Irish whiskey at its best
Irish whiskey is probably the best and finest whiskey one
can find anywhere on earth due to the time it takes to create the spirit, its price and its overall taste. Some
of the best Irish whiskeys that are more popular would be Bushmills whiskey, Jameson whiskey and
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Tullamore Dew (personal favorite) which is found in every bar in Ireland. Learn how to make the
popularIrish Whiskey Punch (Hot Toddy) thats great for curing a common cold or flu! You can get very
creative using various whiskeys such as making Chocolate Whiskey Truffles.
Irish Poteen grow hairs on your chest!
Also a more popular drink in Ireland and almost unknown anywhere else is the spirit called poteen that
was once deemed illegal. Irish poteen is like a moonshine that would be home brewed and sold from
peoples homes. Its a very strong Irish drink that only the most hardened drinker in Ireland dares to try.
Its been said that it could cause blindness and even sometimes kill people who end up suffering from
alcohol poisoning. It is also common from elder people to rub poteen on their skin to help with arthritis or
at least thats the excuse our grans would make.
Whats so special about an Irish Pub?
There is a lot more to an Irish pub than just drink and
traditional food. Pubs in Ireland are often welcoming to any stranger with many of the locals more than
happy to spin a yarn on local folklore stories. You may also find Irish music enthusiasts having a pub
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session, this is when they play traditional Irish music and do so free of charge. Many pub owners will
return the favors by providing free drinks for the musicians. Read more about pubs in Ireland and learn
why they are so appealing for visitors that come from around the world.
SPORTS
Irelands role in world sport has in recent years been disproportionate to the size of the pop ulation. In
team sports, The Republic of Ireland football team qualified for the World Cup Finals in 1990 and 1994. In
individual sports many Irish sportsmen and women enjoy international stature. They include Darren
Clarke in golf, Pat Eddery and Michael Kinane in horseracing, John Ledingham in equestrian sports,
Steve Collins and Michael Carruth in boxing, Niall OToole in rowing, Ken ODoherty in snooker, Michelle
Smith in swimming and Sonia OSullivan and Catherina McKiernan in athletics. Stephen Roche and Sen
Kelly have excelled in cycling.
The most widely played sports; however, are not international sports. The sports with thegreatest following are Gaelic football and hurling, and these are played almost exclusively in
Ireland. Many sports are organized on an all-Ireland basis and the performance of sportsmen
and women from both parts of the island are followed with great interest throughout the country.
GaelicGames
Hurling, Gaelic football and camogie
are amateur sports, administered by An Cumann Lthchleas Gael, the Gaelic Athletic
Associationor GAA, which was established in 1884 to promote and develop national sports.
Gaelic football is a high scoring and exceptionally exciting field game, similar to rugby or soccer
except that the ball is round and can be played with the hands. There are fifteen players on
each team and scores can be either points, with the ball going between the posts and over the
bar, or goals with the ball going under the bar. One goal is equivalent to three points. Hurling
can be played on the same field as Gaelic Football and the rules are almost the same. The main
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difference is that hurling is played with stick and ball. It is recognized as one of the worlds
fastest sports. The major Gaelic competitions are the All-Ireland championships which are
contested annually by teams representing each of the 32 counties. All-Ireland finals are played
at Croke Park in Dublin, the countrys largest sports stadium, and attract attendances of
approximately 70,000 people.
Associationfootball
Association football, also known as soccer, is
popular at all levels from schoolboy to senior. The major domestic competitions are the National
League of Ireland, played in two divisions, a premier division of 12 teams and a first division of
10 teams, and the Football Association of Ireland Cup, a knock-out competition.
The senior domestic competitions, however, do not reflect the real strength of football. Like
other small European countries Ireland does not offer adequate opportunities to its best
footballers in domestic competition. Consequently many travel abroad to play, mostly to Britain.
Under the management of Jack Charlton, the Irish international team has enjoyed great successand popularity.
Football in Northern Ireland is administered by the Northern Ireland Football Association, which
fields its own international team and which has also enjoyed considerable success in
international competitions.
RugbyFootball
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Ireland is one of a limited number of
countries where rugby is a popular amateur sport. There is an extensive system of competitions
at schoolboy, junior and senior levels organized on a regional basis in the four provinces -
Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster - and also covering the whole country. The principal
competitions are the All-Ireland League, the Provincial Cups and the Inter-Provincials.
Rugby attracts its biggest attendances to international matches. The Irish Rugby Football Union,
the governing body for the sport, fields a team in the annual international championship
contested by Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland and France. It also plays in the World Cup
Competition. Series of test matches are played on an occasional basis against Australia, New
Zealand and other countries.
Athletics
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The long tradition of track and field athletics is
reflected in the many medals won in the early Olympic competitions and the number of world
records set by Irish athletes. Olympic champions include Dr. Pat OCallaghan, Bob Tisdall and
Ronnie Delany. There has been a significant increase in the numbers taking part in athletics in
recent years, particularly running. Marathon races such as the annual Dublin City Marathoncan
attract thousands of participants. Some notable achievements have been recorded by the
present generation of athletes: John Treacy has twice been world cross-country champion and
won the silver medal in the 1984 Olympic marathon, Eamonn Coughlan was world champion at5,000 meters; Marcus OSullivan and Frank OMeara have won world indoor ti tles at 1,500
meters and 3,000 meters. Catherina McKiernan is the European cross country champion and
has won 4 silver medals in the World Cross Country Championships. Sonia OSullivan won the
European 3,000 meters championship in 1994 and the World 5,000 meters in 1995.
EquestrianSports
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All forms of equestrian sport are popular.
Horse-racing attracts large attendances at the many racetracks and there is a large business in
off-course betting. Classic flat races are run at the Curragh; events such as the Irish Derby are
among the most prestigious in Europe and the Irish bloodstock industry is considered one of the
finest in the world. Hurdle racing and steeplechasing are also popular and Irish-bred horses are
very much sought after by owners and trainers abroad. The main shows are the Dublin Horse
Show, one of the premier events on the international circuit, the Millstreet International Horse
Show, and Punchestown International Horse Trials. Eddie Macken, John Ledingham and
Jessica Chesney are among the leading international showjumpers.
Irelands open green spaces offer abundant opportunities for leisure riding. Riding stables are
found in every county, many of them provide instruction and some offer residential holidays.
Pony-trekking Centres have been opened in many tourists Centres in recent years.
Golf
More than 250 golf courses offer facilities throughout the country. Major competitions are
organized on a provincial and national basis and all-Ireland teams compete in international
amateur golfing competitions. The major Irish tournament on the international professional
circuit is the Murphys Irish Open, one of the leading events on the tour. Irish golfers competing
on the international circuit include Des Smyth, Ronan Rafferty, David Feherty, Philip Walton,
Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley. The Dunhill World Cup was won by Irish teams in 1988 and
1990.
Boxing
Olympic medals have been won by Fred Tiedt (silver), Freddie Gilroy and John Caldwell
(bronze), Michael Carruth (gold) and Wayne McCullough (silver). World Professional
Champions include Steve Collins, John Caldwell, Barry McGuigan, Dave McCauley and Eamon
Loughran.
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Other Sports
Ireland has over 3,000 miles of coastline and sailing is a long-established sport. The Royal Cork
Yacht Club, founded in 1720, is the worlds oldest sailing club. A wide range of marine leisure
activities are engaged in. These include fishing, sailing, waterskiing, surfing, canoeing,
windsurfing, diving and cruising. Other popular sports include greyhound racing, swimming,tennis, shooting and fishing.
SACRED SITES OF IRLAND
MONASTERBOICE
Is an interesting monastic site near Drogheda in County Louth. The impressive ruins include a
large cemetery, two churches, one of the tallest round towers in Ireland and two of the tallest
and best high crosses.History
Monasterboice is said to have been founded by St. Buithe (d. 520), a follower of St. Patrick, in
the late 5th century AD. (There is evidence that the site had pre-Christian sacred significance as
well.) It is from St. Buithe that the Boyne River gets its name. According to legend, the saint
ascended directly into heaven via a ladder lowered from above.
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The settlement was captured by invading Vikings in 968 AD, who were then comprehensively
expelled by Donal, the Irish high king of Tara. St. Buithe's Monastery was an important center of
spirituality and scholarship until the Cistercians arrived at nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142, after
which Monasterboice declined.
ROCK OF CASHEL
In County Tipperary is home to the ruins of a great Celtic cathedral.
History
Legend associates the Rock of Cashel with St. Patrick, but the name comes from Caiseal,
meaning "stone fort," and the hill was originally the residence of the kings of Munster.
Excavations have revealed some evidence of burials and church buildings from the 9th or 10th
century, but it was in the early 12th century that the Rock began to be developed into a major
Christian center.
In 1101, Muirchertach O Briain, king of Munster, gave the Rock of Cashel to the church. A round
tower, which still stands today, was erected shortly after this. A decade later, in 1111, Cashel
became the seat of an archbishop. (At the time there was only one other archbishop in Ireland,
located in Armagh. The original cathedral was located where the choir of the present one now
stands, but nothing is known of it.
Cormac's Chapel, a magnificent little Romanesque church that still survives today, was
consecrated in 1134, probably for Benedictine monks. The town of Cashel at the foot of the rock
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was founded by the archbishop sometime before 1218 and a Dominican priory was established
in 1243. The present cathedral was erected in the 13th century as well.
The frescoes in Cormac's Chapel, which are the oldest Romanesque wall paintings in Ireland,
were covered with whitewash at the Reformation (16th century) and remained hidden until the
1980s.
MT CROAGH PATRICK
Is a mountain near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland Each year, as many as one
million pilgrims and visitors make the trek to the top to pray at the stations of the cross,
participate in Mass, do penance (in which case the rocky journey is undertaken barefoot) or just
enjoy the spectacular view.
History
Known in Irish Celtic as Cruach Phdraig and colloquially as "the Reek," Mt. Croagh Patrick has
been a sacred site since ancient times. Before the arrival of Christianity, the Celtic people
regarded the mountain as the dwelling place of the deity Crom Dubh.
The mountain was the focus of the harvest festival ofLughnasa, traditionally held around
August 1. The sacred mountain was especially important for women, who would sleep on the
summit during Lughnasa to encourage fertility.
Neolithic art can still be seen on a rock outcropping known as "St. Patrick's Chair" along the
path to the top, and a Celtic hill fort was recently uncovered at the base of the mountain.
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According to Christian tradition, St. Patrick went up the sacred mountain at festival time in 441
AD. After fasting at the summit for 40 days, he banished all the snakes and demons from
Ireland.
The site quickly became an important place of Christian pilgrimage. A stone oratory dating to
between 430 and 890 AD was recently discovered on the summit.
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, DUBLIN
Standing on high ground in the oldest part of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral is one of the
city's finest historic buildings. Part of the Anglican Church of Ireland, the cathedral is the mother
church for the diocese of Dublin and Glendalough. It is one of two Protestant cathedrals in
Dublin; the other being St. Patrick's Cathedral, just to the south.
History
The first Christianized Danish king, Sitric (Sigtryggr Silkbeard), built a wooden church at this
site in 1038. On the brow of a hill inside the city walls, it was the most commanding position in
Dublin. The present stone cathedral was begun in1172 after the conquest of Dublin
by Strongbow (a.k.a. Richard de Clare), a Norman baron. Construction continued well into the
13th century, so a transition from Norman to Early English Gothic styles can be seen in the
architecture.
The cathedral's vault collapsed in 1562, bringing down the south side of the nave with it. It was
rebuilt in the 17th century.
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Funded by the distiller Henry Roe, the cathedral was heavily restored by architect G. E. Street
in 1871-78. As with many Victorian renovations, the work was important for preserving the
ancient building but also robbed the cathedral of much of its medieval character. The exterior
was entirely refaced and the interior was fully renovated in a Victorian Neo-Gothic style. Street
also rebuilt the tower and added external buttresses.
GALLARUS ORATORY
The Gallarus Oratory, standing handsomely amid farmland on the Dingle Peninsula, was the
place of worship for early Christian farmers of the area. Shaped like an upside-down boat, the
simple dry-stone structure has remained waterproof and in near-perfect condition to the present
day.
HistoryThe Gallarus Oratory was built and used by local farmers of the area at an early date, estimates
of which generally range from the 6th century to the 9th century. But some scholars date it to
the 12th century, based on the shape of the east window. The Gallarus Vistor Centre brochure
gives a date of c.700 AD; Lonely Planet Irelandopts for c.800 AD.
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Like most of Ireland, the area suffered from attacks by successive invaders. Vikings and Anglo-
Normans burned, pillaged and destroyed the settlements around Gallarus and the oratory was
abandoned.
TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN
Founded by Queen Elizabeth I to "civilize" Dublin, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's oldest and
most famous college. The atmospheric campus is open to visitors, who walk in the footsteps of
some of the college's noted alumni - among them Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker,
and Samuel Beckett - and see the famous Book of Kellsin the beautiful Old Library.
History
Trinity College was founded after the Reformation, in 1592, on the site of the confiscated Priory
of All Hallows. For centuries, Trinity was owned by the Protestant Church and a free education
was offered to Catholics, provided that they accepted the Protestant faith.
As a legacy of this condition, until 1966 Catholics who wished to study at Trinity had to obtain adispensation from their bishop or face excommunication. Despite its 16th-century foundation,
most of the buildings standing today were constructed in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
ST. MARY'S PRO-CATHEDRAL, DUBLIN
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The two main cathedrals (Christ Church and St. Patrick's) of Dublin belong to the Protestant
Church of Ireland, so St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral (meaning "acting cathedral" and known
affectionately as "The Pro") is the closest the Catholics get to having their own.
History
St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral was built between 1815 and 1825 on the site of a 12th-century
Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary.
St. Mary's is not an official cathedral, even though it functions as one. Why? Back when Christ
Church Cathedral was built, the pope consecrated it as the Catholic cathedral of Dublin.
Although Christ Church has been Protestant for centuries, no pope has ever revoked its original
designation. Since a city can only have one Catholic cathedral, St. Mary's cannot enjoy that
status until Christ Church's is revoked.
IRISH LANDMARKS
If you are heading to Ireland and want to visit some of the many must-see attractions, consider
this list of the top seven Irish landmarks.
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kissing the Blarney Stone brings good luck, so take your chances. Be sure to get a picture while
youre there!
3. The Cliffs of Moher are another top Irish landmark destination. Travelers brave the cold and
fog all for the sake of seeing these famous cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs
are located in County Clare. These cliffs rise more than 214 meters (or about 700 feet) at their
highest point, and visitors are well advised to be careful. There are no barriers provided, which
means two things: the area has not been altered to appeal to tourists, which is a welcomedeparture from the norm, but it can be dangerous.
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4. The Four Courts are also popular with tourists. The courts that govern the whole of Ireland
are all in one place, making them an ideal stop for tourists. Visitors can see the Irish Supreme
Court, the High Court, the Circuit Court and the District courts, all grouped together in historic
buildings at this landmark. Learn more about the Four Courts on our Historical Walking Tour of
Dublin.
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5. The Oscar Wilde Statue located in Merrion Square in Dublin brings many people to the area.
Oscar Wilde was one of Irelands best-known writers. He was primarily a dramatist and
playwright. Perhaps the appeal of this landmark is the statue itself, which features Wilde laying
back on a rock, as if he hasnt a care in the world. Take ourLiterary Pub Crawl to learn more
about Wilde, Beckett and other famous Irish writers as you visit local Dublin pubs.
6. Any visitor to Ireland must visit at least one castle. There are hundreds to choose from. The
residents of Belfast enjoy Belfast Castle. This castle sits more than 400 feet above sea level on
Cave Hill, and offers visitors one of the most panoramic and exciting views of Belfast itself.
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7. Grafton Street is a popular attraction in Ireland. This unique destination is located in Dublin.
However, the street itself is a famous Irish landmark. Some consider it an institution. This
historic area is home to a major upscale shopping center. There are many nods to Grafton
Streets original early 1900s birth, including an Art Deco building that sits on the corner
welcoming shoppers and travelers.
These seven Irish landmarks are just some of the many wonderful sights offered by this
beautiful country. They represent the nations rich heritage and stunning landscape. No visit to
Ireland is complete without an outing to at least one of these attractions.
IRELAND FESTIVITIES
St. Patrick's Festival - MARCH
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St. Patrick's Festival is Ireland's official celebration for our national holiday St. Patrick's Day.
Around the globe on Saturday 17th March Ireland is celebrated with parties and parades but the
BIG party is here in Ireland where they celebrate in style with five days and nights of fantastic
celebratory events, most of which are free! From March 15th to 19th there is so much on offer -
music, street theatre, family carnivals, comedy, street performances, dance, a treasure hunt,
night spectacles ... 4000 performers and 1 million people celebrating Ireland. So whether you
are Irish or just wish you were, Dublin is the place to be this March to enjoy Ireland's biggest
party.
Pan Celtic Festival APRIL
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Pan Celtic Festival began in Killarney in 1971 when it aimed to foster better relations between
the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, the Isle of Mann, Cornwall and Wales. Today it
has grown to a fully fledged celebration of Celtic culture with parades, music, dancing and
sports.
Fleadh Nua Festival MAY
The Fleadh Nua Festival brings together concerts, cilithe, music, song and dancing workshops,
and each year thousands of people in search of traditional entertainment attend
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival AUGUST
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A festival with a long history, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is Ireland's biggest singles
event. A heady mix of music, dance, horseracing and BBQ championships, plus the chance to
meet Mr. Lisdoonvarna and Queen of the Burren.
Puck Fair AUGUST
Puck Fair is one of Ireland's oldest and most popular festivals, with hours of free family
entertainment, a traditional horse fair, open air concerts, parades and fireworks.
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Christmas DECEMBER
Ireland remembers the Christian elements of the festival particularly. However, these customs
are steeped in the mysteries of older times. Between the introduction of Christianity to Ireland in
the 5th century, and the infiltrations from the English in the late middle ages, there is little written
about Christmas in Ireland. In 1171, the English King, Henry II took Christmas festivities to
Ireland. He essentailly went there to get the Irish chiefs to swear allegiance to the English
Crown, and on finding them very agreeable, so history tells us, he had a huge hall built, in
traditional Irish style, in a village near Dublin, called Hogges. There he laid on a sumptuous
feast, introducing the Irish to the customs of tournaments, Christmas plays, mumming and
masking etc. Most of the references are in annals recording visits of Kings and nobles, and tell
us little about the people and their customs. The 19th and early 20th century writers have done
more to build a picture of Irish Christmas than anyone. Stories which invite the reader inside the
homes and farmsteads of Irish families, and share with them the preparations for |Christmas,
which have been a part of this hidden Ireland for centuries. A few of the more traditional
customs are listed below.
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INTERESTING AND FUN FACTS BY AN IRISHMAN
Once upon a time Ireland was only known as the Island of Saints and Scholars, nowadays,
fortunately, were known for so much more. We have A-list Hollywood actors, world-class pop
rock musicians, top authors, Guinness; some of the worlds most stunning s cenery and even a
claim to the White House! Read on for more
Famous symbols of Ireland
The harp, also known as the national symbol of Ireland, the Celtic cross, the shamrock and the
Irish wolfhound are all well-known Irish symbols.
Religion
The majority of the Irish populations are Roman Catholic (88%).
National language
Gaelic is Irelands national language. Only in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas of Ireland will
you find that Irish is used as the everyday language. In all other parts of Ireland, English is the
spoken language.
Music
Irelands most famous musical export would have to be U2, closely followed by The Boomtown
Rats, Thin Lizzy and more recently Boyzone and Westlife.
Hollywood factor
The cream of the crop includes Richard Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Cillian Murphy and Colin
Farrell.
The world of literature
To our credit, Ireland has produced Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler
Yeats, Maeve Binchy and Celia Aherne.
Patron SaintSaint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland in around 430. St Patricks Day is celebrated in
Ireland, and indeed all over the world, on March 17th.
Our capitalDublin
Dublin was founded by the Vikings in 988 and was originally called Dubh Linn (which means
Black Pool in Irish).
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First Saint Patricks Day parade
Boston was the proud host with an event organised by the Charitable Irish Society in 1737.
The White HouseJames Hoban, a Kilkenny born architect, won a competition to design the original White House.
Famous outlaws
Grace OMalley (Queen of the Pirates) operated off the west coast of Ireland and Ned Kelly (son
of an Irish convict) was an infamous Australian outlaw.
Highest mountain
Killarney, County Kerry is home to the highest mountain Carrantouhill, part of the mountain
range the McGillycuddy Reeks.
Longest river
The river Shannon rises in County Cavan and is approximately 240 miles long. It contains 3
lakes, Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg.
Irish delicacies
Drisheen is a type of pudding made from cows, pigs or sheeps blood. White pudding is a
mixture of pork, cereal, bread, fat and suet. Periwinkles are sea snails boiled in salted water.
Guinness
To trip to Ireland would be complete without sampling a pint of the black stuff! Its said that no
matter where you go in the world, only in Ireland will you be served the most velvety, and
creamiest pint of the black stuff.
Baileys Irish Cream
This hugely popular liquor has been around since the 70s.
Irish pubs
Stumble upon a trad night, throw in the customary singsong, a bit of Irish dancing and youre in
for a crackin evening!
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A sporting nation
Irish people are very passionate about Gaelic games football, hurling, rounders, handball and
camogie. Rugby and soccer are also very well supported in Ireland.
The great outdoors
The Cavan Way, The Dingle Way and The Kerry Way are just some of the countrys scenic
walking routes that offer a great opportunity to sample Irelands breathtaking countryside.
Sense of humor
Theres nothing like the Irish sense of humor, wit and play with words. Have a look at the below
examples:
Not backwards in coming forwards means a person is not shy.No flies on him means a person is not easily deceived.
She has a tongue that would clip a hedge means a person who gossips.
Come for a day and stay for a week means someone outstaying their welcome.
Just a few facts to ponder over for a small island we certainly have a lot going for us!
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REFERENCES
http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/#econ
http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/#cult
http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/#serv
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/sacred-sites
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http://www.slideshare.net/mireia76/ireland-festivities
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http://www.yourirish.com/culture/music/
http://www.irelandseye.com/aarticles/culture/music/index.shtm
http://blog.goireland.com/2009/02/02/20-interesting-facts-about-ireland/#axzz1q0MKu6oF
http://www.realirishfood-recipes.com/interesting-fun-facts-about-Ireland.html
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/sports/
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/drink/
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