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Interesting Facts about Ireland

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Interesting Facts about Ireland

Interesting Facts about Ireland

Interesting Facts about Ireland – Ireland is a small country with an immense amount of history and culture. It is known for its rolling hills, gorgeous coastline and beautiful countryside views. There are many interesting facts about this great nation that you may not know. For example, the Irish Flag consists of three colors – green, white and orange – representing peace between Catholic and Protestant religions. The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland, representing the nation’s patron saint Patrick and his use of a three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity. Gaelic is an official language of Ireland and has been spoken in the country since pre-Christian times. Last but not least, Guinness beer was invented in Dublin, Ireland and is still a popular beverage today. With so much to offer, Ireland is truly a unique and interesting country!

Here are some more interesting facts and statistics about Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is an island located in Western Europe,  in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain bordering Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom.

Capital: Dublin

Population: 4.8 million (est. 2019)

Religions: Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2% ( according to the 2006 census)

Government & Economy

The beer industry in Ireland is big with Guinness, one of the most successful beer brands worldwide and  Guinness was once the largest brewery in the world and remains the largest brewer of stout in the world.

American technology  companies have been investing massively in Ireland and about  25% of Europe’s computers are now made in Ireland. The European (or regional) headquarters and/or customer service operations of Google, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Dell, Intel, Motorola, Oracle, Lotus, UBER and Boeing Computer Services are all located in Ireland. Ireland is also currently the world’s largest exporter of software.

The Republic of Ireland has experienced a dramatic economic boom since the late 20th century and up until the 2009 financial crisis, Ireland had the 2nd highest GDP per capita in the EU (after Luxembourg), the 4th highest Human Development Index in the world, the 3rd highest economic freedom worldwide.  Ireland had a great economic shock after the crisis of 2009 but the economy has recovered since then.

Landscape

Ireland’s landscape  is made up of lush greenery and rolling hills which are mostly forested, which is why it’s called the Emerald Isle. Ireland also has some rugged mountains and dramatic cliffs which is a must visit to the tourist. The plants, trees and grass remain green because of the tremendous amount of rain that Ireland receives every year.

Ireland is a snake-free island.

Phoenix Park in Dublin is the third largest walled city park in Europe.

History of Humans

The earliest evidence of human life in Irelands is around 12,000 BC. A bear bone that was found in a cave had clear cut marks from stone tools and it was dates around this era.

Irish Heritage

If any of your grandparents are Irish, you can claim Irish citizenship. If you can prove it, then you most definitely can and should apply for Irish citizenship.

People & Culture

One of the most famous Irish drinks is Guiness and the average Irish consumption of beer is 131.1 liters of beer per year. 

Halloween Origins can be  traced back   to the Gaelic festival of Samhain, a harvest festival held on 31 October to mark the end of summer.  Halloween is now one of the most well known festivals celebrated in the United States of America.

1.6 Million people claim to be able to speak Irish Gaelic, the ancestral language of the Irish people.

The Irish love music and singing, proof of this is that Ireland has won the Eurovision Song Contest seven times.  (in 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1996), more than any other country. 

Did you know that Count Dracula originated in Ireland?  The story of the world-famous vampire Count Dracula was written in 1897 by Bram Stoker, from Dublin.  

Scientific and other Achievements

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was founded in 1824 by Richard Martin one of the first animal rights activists. 

The first person to prove the Greenhouse effect was an Irish physicist, John Tyndall. He was also the first to discover why the sky is blue (the Tyndall effect)

Hook Lighthouse located at Hook Head, in County Wexford, tis thought to be the oldest working lighthouses in Europe, or possibly in the world.  The present structure was completed either in 1172 or in 1245, although the first lighthouse in that location dates back to the 5th century.

The first submarine was invented by an Irishman, John Philip Holland (1840-1914)   in 1877. He later developed the first submarines used by the U.S. Navy (1900), the Royal Navy (1901), and the Japanese Imperial Navy (1904).  

 In 1907, Irish-Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi set up the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station in Derrigimlagh Bog near Clifden, in County Galway.This station operated until 1918. 

The main reason why potato was the stable food in Ireland from the early 17th century onwards is because most of the land in Ireland was not suitable for grain agriculture .

Even though Ireland is now a fervent Catholic country, it was the last Western European country to adopt Catholicism.

The Irish Houses of Parliament, erected in 1729 was the world’s first purpose built, two-chamber parliament building. The building is now the headquarters of the Bankof Ireland.

The term ‘boycott’ comes from Captain Charles Boycott (1832-1897). In 1880, after refusing to reduce the rents of his employer’s tenants, the Irish Land League decided to stop dealing with him. Everyone  began to ostracise him to the point where even shops refused to serve him.  The word entered the English language when it was used regularly by The Times of London.

Cork was once the largest exporter of butter in the whole world. Most if its exports went to the British Empire.

The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, is the world’s oldest continuously operating maternity hospital.

Oldest places in Ireland

Founded 900 years ago, IIreland’s oldest pub is Sean’s Bar in Athlone.  

The oldest hotel in Ireland opened its doors in 1608. It is the Woodenbridge Hotel, County Wicklow.

Kilbrittain Castle, County Cork, is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. It is thought to have been built around 1035.

Trim Castle was the largest ever built, originally covering an area of 30,000 m².

Kilkea Castle, in County Kildare, is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Ireland. 

Shipping

The world’s first recorded open yacht race was held in Dublin Bay in 1663 and in Cork, 

The Royal Cork Yacht Club was founded in 1720. It is the world’s oldest yacht club

Irish people around the world

It is estimated that over 80 million people of Irish descent live outside Ireland which is 14 times more than the population of Ireland. 3 million of these emigrants still hold Irish passports.

In the United States about 34 million Americans reported Irish ancestry in the 2000 US Census, which makes it the second largest ethnic group after the German Americans.  

23 American Presidents including the current President, Joe Biden claim Irish ancestry.

Ready for that trip to Ireland? Start planning here!

Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!

Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.

Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.

Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!

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GI Bride

Tuesday 22nd of August 2023

My grandmother Born in Bray just outside of Dublin Ireland A middle child of 9 & married an English Army Soldier stationed at Camp Curragh in Aug 1911, immigrated to England. Had 9 children. My father was the oldest Child. I am the oldest grandchild, married an American Air Force Serviceman Immigrated to the USA. Have visited the Emerald Isles as a child & since I have been married, we both fell in love the True Irish & their culture.

Karen

Sunday 9th of July 2023

I am really looking forward to a trip to Ireland within two years. So plenty of time to plan. My mother's family is all from Ireland, and we have records of my grandfather and other family that are still there. Would love to connect!

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