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 his clan. 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.

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 rock scene 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.

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

Tullamore Dew (personal favorite) which is found in every bar in Ireland. Learn how to make the popular Irish 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

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 population. 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 the greatest 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.

Gaelic Games

Hurling, Gaelic football and camogie are amateur sports, administered by An Cumann Lthchleas Gael, the Gaelic Athletic Association or 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

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.

Association football

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 success and 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.

Rugby Football

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

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 at 5,000 meters; Marcus OSullivan and Frank OMeara have won world indoor titles 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.

Equestrian Sports

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.

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.

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

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 of Lughnasa, 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.

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.

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.

History The 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 Ireland opts for c.800 AD.

Like most of Ireland, the area suffered from attacks by successive invaders. Vikings and AngloNormans 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 Kells in 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 a dispensation 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

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.

1. Dublins St. Patricks Cathedral is an historic Irish institution. This famous church sees more than 300,000 visitors a year, and their offerings help their church maintain itself after more than 800 years of servings its patrons. Jonathan Swift was the dean of this church from 1713 to 1745. Those with literary leanings enjoy visiting this Irish landmark in October for the annual Symposium on Jonathan Swift. Those with devout leanings might enjoy staying for one of the daily services.

2. Many visitors to Ireland make sure they kiss the Blarney Stone, which is located at Blarney Castle near Cork. Here, you can learn about the castles history. It was originally a timber lodge built in the 10th Century, but was replaced by the stone castle in 1210. Many believe that

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 welcome departure from the norm, but it can be dangerous.

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.

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 our Literary 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 scenery 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 Saint Saint 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 capital Dublin Dublin was founded by the Vikings in 988 and was originally called Dubh Linn (which means Black Pool in Irish).

First Saint Patricks Day parade Boston was the proud host with an event organised by the Charitable Irish Society in 1737. The White House James 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!

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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