Ireland
By: Meagan Guest
Head Information
Capital City: Dublin, Ireland
Currency: Euro
Languages: Gaeilge (Irish) and English
National Anthem: Amhran na bhFiann
President: Michael D. Higgins
Points Of Interest
The Flag
The Ireland Flag is orange, white, and green. Each color represents something in Irish history. The orange represents the Irish Protestants. The green signifies Irish Catholics and the republican cause. The white represents the hope for peace between them.
The Religion
Christianity is the major religion in Ireland and the country has the highest percentage of regular church goers in Western Europe. Ninety two percent of the Republic's populace is Roman Catholic while 3% identify themselves as Protestant, and the remainder claim no religious beliefs, or belong to the small communities of believers such as Muslims, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Orthodox.
Saint Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, the saint's religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast--on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
Did You Know?
1
The famous ship, The Titanic, was built in Belfast, Ireland.
2
The longest state name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia.
3
Ireland has a numerous amount of castles that date back to around the 1400's. Many believe that the castles are haunted.