Facts about Ireland
Ireland is the westernmost of the British Isles. The Irish call their country The Emerald Island which refers to the fertility and greenness of the nature. The Republic of Ireland is the Southern part of the island. It consists of 26 counties. The remaining 6 counties build Northern Ireland, known for its long-lasting conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Ireland has about 3.6 million inhabitants. More than a third of the population live in the capital Dublin.
The Flag
The Irish flag dates from the 1800's. The colours have symbolic meanings. Green represents the Roman Catholics of Ireland, Orange the Protestants of Ulster and White peace..
The National Anthem
Go to this site to read the lyrics of the Irish National Anthem in English and Irish. If you want to listen to the music click here.
Climate
Ireland has a mild moist climate because of the Gulf Stream. No part of Ireland is further from the sea than 112 km, and this keeps the gives mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in January is 6°C and in July it is 15°C. The mild climate gives good conditions for farming in Ireland. In addition to farming Ireland is famous for its beer- and whiskey industry.
Language
The Republic of Ireland has two official languages, English and Irish. Not many people speak Irish as an everyday language, but it is more common in the western parts of Ireland. Towns in Ireland are named both in English and Irish. Dublin's Irish name is Baile Átha Cliath, "the Town of the Hurdle Ford" from a river crossing the town in ancient times.
The Shamrock
The shamrock is Ireland's national symbol. It is said to be connected to Ireland's patron saint St. Patrick. Irish people wear this symbol on the National Day on the 17th of March. This celebration is called St. Patrick's Day, because St. Patrick is supposed to have died on this date.
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick is most famous for bringing Christianity to Ireland. He was kidnapped as a child and sold as a slave in Ireland. He escaped to France where he studied to be a priest and later a bishop. He returned to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity. He travelled a lot and a great number of places all over the British Isles are named after him or has a street or church bearing his name. The legend says that he used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (The father, the Son and the Holy Ghost) to the people. St. Patrick is also supposed to have driven the snakes from England. Tales tell about him standing upon a hill, using a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea. The snake is often a symbol of something evil and this legend is perhaps one way to show how St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. However; there are still no snakes in Ireland...
Facts about Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and Ireland's biggest city. In Gaelic it is called Baile Átha Cliath. More than a quarter of Ireland's population lives in Dublin. The city has an interesting history and was founded by Vikings for more than a thousand years ago. The city is situated on the east coast of Ireland, and has many connections to Great Britain and the European continent. The river Liffey runs through the city and divides it in "north of the Liffey" and "south of the Liffey". The Vikings came to Ireland in the middle of the 9th century. They settled on the south bank of River Liffey and called the settlement Dubh Linn, or Dylin as they prnounced it. More than half of Ireland's visitors come to Dublin. There are many good reason for visiting this city. Firstly; it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has many lovely buildings from different eras in history. Dublin is a great place for shopping, with the famous shopping area Grafton Street. The city has an interesting history you can learn more about by visiting museums like Dublin Castle or Dublinia. There are also a great variety of interesting places to visit and things to see in Dublin. Last but not least; the people of Dublin are warm and friendly people who likes a nice chat with a foreigner.
Places of interest
St. Stephen's Green A park in the city centre where you can see statues of famous dubliners like James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.
Phoenix Park One of the largest city parks in the world. The home of the President of Ireland is in this park. Here you can find Dublin Zoo which was opened in 1830.
Trinity College The oldest college in Ireland. Here you can study the beautiful Book of Kells.
Dublin Castle The castle has played an important role in Irish history, serving as a fortress, prison and now housing most state functions.
Dublinia Shows Dublin's development throughout the centuries.
Temple Bar One of the oldest areas in the city, but now it is the cultural centre in Dublin. Here you can find restaurants, modern shops and galleries.
James Joyce Centre Information on Joyce's life and works.
Christ Church Cathedral Dublin's oldest building, built in 1038.
St.Patrick's Cathedral Ireland's largest church
Guinness Brewery Guinness Brewery was established in 1876 and Guinness is the most famous Irish brand.
O'Connell Street The main street of Dublin.
Grafton Street The best shopping area in Ireland. People come from the UK and even from Iceland to to shop in Dublin.