IRELAND
#1 Religion
The main religion is Christianity. Christianity is and has been the largest religion in Ireland since the 5th century. There are almost 4,000 churches in ireland. The biggest one is St-Patrick’s Cathedral.
#2 Language
While most people in Ireland speak English as their day-to-day language, we do actually have their own language called Gaeilge, pronounced (‘gay-lik’). Gaeilge is still to this day taught in schools, used on public transport, road signs and in public buildings. It is very much part of the culture.
#3 Currency
Ireland is divided into two parts and both use different currencies. The Republic of Ireland uses euro, and Northern Ireland uses pound sterling.
#4 – Irish Flag
The Irish flag it was intended to symbolize the inclusion and hoped-for union between Roman Catholics (symbolized by the green colour) and Protestants (symbolized by the orange colour). The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between orange and green.
#5- Climate
Ireland has a mild temperate oceanic climate, due to the controlling influence of the Atlantic Ocean. It is neither very hot nor very cold in Ireland. Temperatures vary between 3° C and a maximum of 28°C. In summer, the average temperatures are around 13°C and 18°C (55°F-64°F). In winter, its between 4°C and 8°C (39°F-47°F).
#6- System of Government
Democratic power in Ireland is divided between the legislature (the Oireachtas), the executive (the Government) and the judiciary. The role of each of these groups is set out clearly in the Constitution of Ireland.
Each of the three branches have certain powers which allow it to keep each of the other groups in check. This means that no one group can ever become too powerful or gain total control.
#7- National Day
The common day celebrated in Ireland is Saint Patricks day which is celebrated on March 17th. In 1903, Saint Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland due to the Bank Holiday Act 1903, an act of the United Kingdom parliament introduced by Irish MP James O’Mara. It was originally celebrated in Ireland for 1,000 years with religious services and feasts in honour of St. Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints. When Irish immigrants brought St. Patrick’s Day traditions to the United States, the day evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture.
#8 – Provinces
Ireland has only has 4 provinces, but once had 5.
They are, Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster
#9 – Traditional Foods
Irish food include dishes like:
Irish Soda Bread: This bread has the same consistency as scones; golden brown crust with a dense, tight crumb. It’s made of buttermilk, backing soda, sea salt, all purpose flour.
Irish Stew (Stobhach): made with root vegetables; potatoes, and onions with lamb or mutton, but also commonly with beef.
#10 – Traditional Clothes
The clothes above are Irish dancing dresses. In Irish dancing, they dance for social, competitive, and performance purposes. It could be in groups or solo just like any other dance.
In general, Ireland is very casual, but women commonly wear long dresses, sometimes white and green. In schools, they usually wear a collar shirt under a sweater, with a skirt, long socks, with black shoes. As in everyday, it is casual.
Men wear a button down shirt and maybe a more tailored pair of pants on a night out. They also wear flat hats and kilts which are apart of the culture.