Ireland Ireland Is an island off Western Europe

Ireland

Ireland • Is an island off Western Europe. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean. • There are 32 counties in Ireland. Twenty-six of them are located in the Republic of Ireland. The other six counties are in Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom.

Northern Ireland Irish Sea Republic of Ireland Atlantic Ocean Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle or Eire.

The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin. • Dublin is a city with many famous attractions. Dublin Castle Trinity College

The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast Today Belfast is a thriving city, known for shipbuilding.

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Northern Ireland Antrim Armagh Down Fermanagh Londonderry Tyrone Dublin Meath Kildare Offaly Kilkenny Laois Wicklow Wexford Carlow Louth Westmeath Longford Mayo Cavan Donegal Monaghan Cork Kerry Waterford Clare Limerick Tipperary Galway Roscommon Sligo Leitrim

Flag • The Irish Flag consists of three colors green, white and orange • Green- closest to the hoist –represents the society of Irishmen • White- middle-represents peace • Orange- outside-represents those who supported the King of England.

Language • Ireland has two official languages Gaelic and English. • Throughout the years Ireland has taken action to preserve Gaelic. • The people of Ireland speak with a brogue. • Depending on where you are in Ireland an Irish brogue can sound very different.

Why is it called a brogue? A brogue is a type of shoe Historically, a brogue was associated with the lower class in Ireland. English speakers from England said the Irish spoke like they had shoes in their mouths.

Let’s Learn Gaelic ! Slán leat - Goodbye Sláinte - Cheers Slán go fóill -See you later Céad Míle Fáilte -A hundred thousand welcomes

Traditional Dishes Irish Stew- Traditionally made with lamb and vegetables Irish Breakfast- Eggs, Bacon, black and white pudding, sausage and tomato Colcannon- Mixture of mashed potatoes and cabbage Ireland is also known for their fresh seafood Oysters Cockles Salmon Various white fish

Food Scones Potatoes Soda Bread Boxty Black and White Pudding Nettle Soup Irish Stew

Dance Irish step dance • Irish step dancing is know for quick and intricate footwork. • It can be performed solo or in a troupe. • Dancer’s bodies are often stiff with their hands to their sides. Shoes Hard Shoes- Soft Shoes

Irish step dancing dresses Dancing dresses are beautifully designed. Some designs date back to the Ancient Celts

Music has always been an important part of the Irish culture Instruments of Irish music Fiddle Flute Tin Whistle Harp Bodhrán Bagpipes

Songs • Irish songs and ballads have been passed down through generations • They are about the history of Ireland troubled times that the people endured. Irish Ballads • Stories of Irish Freedom • Voiced Irish struggles • Potato Famine

Sports Hurling Players use a wooden stick called a hurly. They hit a small between the opponents goal post or between the crossbars Teams have 15 players on the field

Gaelic Football • Teams consist of 15 players • Played on a field. • Object of the game is to score by kicking the ball into the net for 3 points or between the crossbars for one point. • A Gaelic football is round and made of leather.

Other Popular Sports • Golf • Boxing • Cricket • Horse Racing

Folklore and Myths The Irish are great story tellers. Stories have been handed down from one generation to the next. Popular Topics Faerie Folk Banshee Selchies Leprechauns

The Irish are also well known for their sayings and blessings. An Old Celtic Blessing May the blessing of light be on you— light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire.

Irish Sayings You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was. -Irish Proverb Everyone is nice till the cow gets into the garden -Irish Proverb A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle -Irish Proverb A friend's eye is a good mirror -Irish Proverb

St. Patrick • Patron saint of Ireland • St. Patrick was born in Britain • He was taken prisoner by Irish raiders • He escaped Ireland became a bishop • He later returned to Ireland to convert pagans to Christianity • The Shamrock is a symbol of St. Patrick. It represents the Trinity • It is believed he died on March 17 th

The Potato Famine • Many Irish relied solely on the potato for nourishment especially the poorest in the country. • The famine began 1845 • Lasted for six years • The famine killed over one million people and caused millions to flee the country

Continued-Potato Famine • Under British rule Irish Catholics were not allowed to own land, lease land, vote, obtain an education and enter into certain professions. • Many families rented. An entire family survived on their potato crop. • When the potato famine struck they could not afford to pay the rent • Many families were evicted. • Britain adopted measures to deal with the famine by setting up soup houses and workhouses. It was not enough and Irish families starved.

The Potato famine is still a controversial event in history The Potato famine is remembered and memorialized throughout the world. Philadelphia New York City Dublin

What caused the Potato Famine? An airborne fungus known as phytophthora infestans It is believed that it came from North America to England Travelled on the winds from England to Ireland then spread throughout the country. Rotten Potato

Scenic Pictures of Ireland