2. GEOGRAPHY
The capital and largest city is Dublin, which is located on the eastern part
of the island. Its metropolitan area is around a third of the country's (4.6
million inhabitants).
The geology of Ireland is diverse. Different regions contain rocks
belonging to different geologic periods, dating as far back almost 2 billion
years. The oldest known Irish rock is about 1.7 billion years old and is
found on Inishtrahull Island
3. THE FLAG
The national flag of Ireland, frequently referred to as the Irish tricolour is
a vertical tricolour of green, white, and orange.
Green represents the Gaelic tradition of Ireland.
Orange represents the followwers of William of Orange.
And white symbolizes the aspiration for peace between them
4. TYPICAL FOOD
Irish cuisine is a style of cooking originating from Ireland or developed by
Irish people. It evolved from centuries of social and political change and
mixing between the different cultures on the island, predominantly English
and Irish. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals
farmed in its temperate climate.
This is beef with roast and mashed potatoes
5. Colcannon is traditionally made from mashed potatoes and kale (or
cabbage), with milk (or cream), butter, salt and pepper added. It can
contain other ingredients such as spring onions, leeks, onions and chives.
There are many regional variations of this dish.
6. TYPICAL FESTIVALS
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and
religious celebration held on 17th of March, the traditional death date of
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals and the
wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
7. TYPICAL FESTIVALS
2nd - 6th June 2016Irelands favourite festival, The Cat Laughs Festival is
an acclaimed comedy festival in the atmospheric setting of the charming
and intimate medieval city of Kilkenny. The festival takes place on the June
bank holiday weekend and was founded in 1994 in response to the
burgeoning wealth of Irish comic talent.
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival attracts in excess of
30,000 visitors to Kilkenny and guarantees five days of fun
and laughter!,
8. WEATHER
Temperatures differ regionally, with central and eastern areas tending to
be more extreme. However, due to a temperate oceanic climate,
temperatures are seldom lower than −5 °C in winter or higher than 26 °C in
summer. The highest temperature recorded in Ireland was 33.3 °C on 26
June 1887 at Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny, while the lowest temperature
recorded was −19.1 °C at Markree Castle in Sligo. Rainfall is more
prevalent during winter months and less so during the early months of
summer. Southwestern areas experience the most rainfall as a result of
south westerly winds, while Dublin receives the least. Sunshine duration
is highest in the southeast of the country. The far north and west are two of
the windiest regions in Europe, with great potential for wind energy
generation
10. THE LANGUAGES
There are a number of languages used in
Ireland. Since the late nineteenth century,
English has been the predominant first
language, displacing Irish. A large minority
claims some ability to use Irish, and it is the
first language for a small percentage of the
population.
In the Republic of Ireland, under the
Constitution of Ireland, both languages have
official status, with Irish being the national
and first official language.
11. HISTORICAL EVENTS
December 1922: the Republic of Ireland became independent.
Ireland became a member of the United Nations in December 1955.
A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday
Agreement, was approved in 1998.
12. THE CURRENCY
The currency for the Republic of Ireland is
the Euro.
The harp, symbol of Ireland appears in all
Euro coins.
