CROSS CULTURE UNDERSTANDING

(IRELAND CULTURE DISCUSSION)

ARRANGED BY:

GROUP 6 PI. A3

 FENNI MALAU (1901030087)

 EKA RIA GINTING (2001030069)

SUPPORTING LECTURER : TIARMA INTAN MARPAUNG, S.Pd., M.Pd

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF HKBP NOMMENSEN PEMATANGSIANTAR

2022
 PREFACE

First of all we want to thank God for His blessing and grace, so that we can
finish this paper. The purpose of writing this paper is to fulfill the assignment that
is given by our lecturer for Cross Culture Understanding subject by Mrs. Tiarma
Intan Marpaung, S.Pd., M.Pd. This paper contains about Ireland Culture
Discussion. As the group discussion task of Cross Culture Understanding subject.
In preparing this paper, we encountered many challenges and obstacles, but
with help of many parties, we were able to overcome these obstacles. We also
realize that there are still many mistakes and shortcomings in the process of writing
this paper.
For that, we hope all of your criticisms and suggestions that can improve, so
that we can be even better at writing papers. We also express our gratitude to all
those who have helped us in the process of writing this paper. May God return all
favors and bless to you all. Finally, we hope this paper can be useful for all of you
and especially for us as a writer. Thank you.

Pematangsiantar, October 19th 2022,

Writer

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
PREFACE...............................................................................................................................i
TABLE OF CONTENT.........................................................................................................ii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1
1.1 Background of The Study............................................................................................1
1.2 Formulation Of The Problem...................................................................................... 2
1.3 The Purpose of Study...................................................................................................2
CHAPTER II DISCUSSION.................................................................................................2
2.1 History of Ireland.........................................................................................................3
2.2 Government of Ireland..............................................................................................2-4
2.3 National Economy.............................................................................................................. 4
2.4 Early Political History..................................................................................................... 5-6
2.5 Ethnic, Groups, Language, and Religion..................................................................... 6-7

2.6 Habits, Mentality, and The Way of Living.................................................................. 7-8

2.7 Recreation and Sports..................................................................................................... 8-9

2.8 Foods.............................................................................................................................. 9-11

2.9 Celebrations, Festivals, and Cultural Events............................................................ 11-12

2.10 Shopping........................................................................................................................... 13

2.11 Railway, Bus, Water and Other Transports............................................................. 13-14

CHAPTER III CLOSING....................................................................................................15

3.1 Conclusion..................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................16

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of The Study
Cross Culture Understanding is a way to understand the similarities and differences of
cultures in various countries so that there are no misunderstandings. Cross-cultural
understanding plays an important role in communicating with people from different
countries. Language and culture cannot be separated. If we already understand the norms
and cultures of others, it will make it easier for us to adapt and establish good relationships
with each other. Good relationships will increase the confidence of others in ourselves. In
fact, it can have a positive impact on the good name of the place where we come from.
But in this paper, the author will discuss specifically about the State of Ireland in which it
examines important things such as history, government, habituation, economics and many
more.

2.2 Formulation Of The Problem

1. What is the History of Ireland?
2. What is the Government of Ireland?
3. What is the National Economy of Ireland?
4. What is the Early Political History of Ireland?
5. What are the Ethnic Groups, Language, and Religion of Ireland?
6. What are the Habits, Mentality, and The Way of Living of Ireland?
7. What are the Recreation and Sports of Ireland?
8. What are the Foods of Ireland?
9. What are the Celebrations, Festivals and Cultural Events of Ireland?
10. What is the Shopping of Ireland?
11. What are the Railway, Bus, Water and Other Transports of Ireland?

1.3 The Purpose of Study

Based on the formulation of the problems that appears above, the purpose of the
study is to increase the knowledge of readers, especially to students so that they know and
understand about the history, government, national economy, early political history,
Ethnic, groups, language, religion, habits, mentality, the way of living, recreation, sports,
foods, celebrations, festivals, cultural events, shopping, railway, bus, water, and other
transports of Ireland.
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 CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION

2.1 History of Ireland

Ireland, lying to the west of Britain, has always been to some extent cut off by it
from direct contact with other European countries, especially those from Sweden to the
Rhine River. Readier access has been through France, Spain, and Portugal and even
Norway and Iceland. Internally, the four ecclesiastical provinces into which Ireland was
divided in the 12th century realistically denoted the main natural divisions of the country.
Of these, the north had in the earliest times been culturally connected with Scotland, the
east with Roman Britain and Wales, the south with Wales and France, and the southwest
and west with France and Spain. In later times, despite political changes, these associations
continued in greater or lesser degree.
The position of Ireland, geographically peripheral to western Europe, became
“central” and thus potentially more important once Europe’s horizons expanded in the 15th
and 16th centuries to include the New World. Paradoxically it was in the earlier period that
Ireland won particular fame as a notable and respected centre of Christianity, scholarship,
and the arts. After the Middle Ages, subjugation to Britain stultified or the struggle for
freedom absorbed much of Ireland’s native energy. But its influence was always exercised
as much through its emigrants as in its achievements as a nation. During the centuries of
British occupation the successors of the great missionaries and scholars who had fostered
Christianity and learning among the Germanic peoples of the European continent from the
7th to 9th century were those who formed a considerable element in the armies and clergy
of Roman Catholic countries and had an incalculable influence on the later development of
the United States. Throughout history innumerable people of Anglo-Irish origin or nurture
have had a constant and profound influence, as statesmen or soldiers, on the history of both
Ireland and Britain.

2.2 Government of Ireland

The Constitution of Ireland vests executive authority in a government which is

headed by the Taoiseach, the head of government. The government is composed of

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ministers, each of whom must be a member of the Oireachtas, which consists of Dáil
Éireann and Seanad Éireann. The Taoiseach must be nominated by the Dáil, the house of
representatives. Following the nomination of the Dáil, the President of Ireland appoints the
Taoiseach to their role. The President also appoints members of the government, including
the Tánaiste, the deputy head of government, on the nomination of the Taoiseach and their
approval by the Dáil. The government is dependent upon the Oireachtas to pass primary
legislation and as such, the government needs to command a majority in the Dáil in order
to ensure support and confidence for budgets and government bills to pass. The
Government is also known as the cabinet. The Constitution of Ireland vests executive
authority in a government which is headed by the Taoiseach, the head of government. The
government is composed of ministers, each of whom must be a member of the Oireachtas,
which consists of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. The Taoiseach must be nominated by
the Dáil, the house of representatives. Following the nomination of the Dáil, the President
of Ireland appoints the Taoiseach to their role.

The President also appoints members of the government, including the Tánaiste,
the deputy head of government, on the nomination of the Taoiseach and their approval by
the Dáil. The government is dependent upon the Oireachtas to pass primary legislation and
as such, the government needs to command a majority in the Dáil in order to ensure
support and confidence for budgets and government bills to pass. The Government is also
known as the cabinet. The current government took office on 27 June 2020 with Micheál
Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, as Taoiseach. The Tánaiste is Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine
Gael. It is a minority coalition government of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party.
It was formed after protracted government negotiations following a general election on 8
February 2020. Membership of the cabinet is regulated by Article 28 of the Constitution of
Ireland and by the Ministers and Secretaries Acts 1924 to 2017. The Constitution requires
the government to consist of between seven and fifteen members, all of whom must be a
member of the Oireachtas. Since the formation of the 12th Government of Ireland in 1966,
all Irish cabinets have been formed with the constitutional maximum of fifteen ministers.
The total sometimes falls below this number for brief periods following the resignation of
individual ministers or the withdrawal of a party from a coalition. No more than two
members of the cabinet may be members of Seanad Éireann. All other members of the
cabinet must be members of Dáil Éireann, the house of representatives.

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance must be members of the Dáil. In
practice, however, the members of the cabinet are invariably members of the Dáil. Since
the adoption of the 1937 constitution, only two ministers have been appointed from the
Seanad: Seán Moylan who served in 1957 as Minister for Agriculture and James Dooge
who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1981 to 1982. Joseph Connolly, a
member of the Free State Seanad, had served in the Executive Council of the Irish Free
State from 1932 to 1933 as Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, and from 1933 to 1936 as
Minister for Lands and Fisheries. A member of the government in charge of a Department
of State is designated a Minister of the Government (before 1977 this position was termed
Minister of State). For distinction, Ministers of State (known before 1977 as
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Parliamentary Secretaries) informally called junior ministers are not Ministers of the
Government, but assist those Ministers in their Departments. A minister without portfolio
may be appointed to the Government who is not the head of a Department of State; this
occurred during the period known in Ireland as the Emergency when Frank Aiken served
as Minister for the Coordination of Defensive Measures from 1939 until 1945. The
functions of government ministers are frequently transferred between departments during
cabinet reshuffles or after elections. On occasion, a department of state will cease to exist,
its functions being transferred to another department. Such defunct ministerial positions
include the Ministers for Labour, Posts and Telegraphs, Public Service and Supplies.

2.3 National Economy of Ireland

The economy of the Republic of Ireland over the past twenty years is gradually
gaining momentum. The economic system largely depends on trade. Several decades ago,
the agrarian sector played a dominant role in the economic development of the country.
However, its influence diminished over time. Now the profit from the agricultural sector is
not more than ten percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
About eight percent of the total number of working citizens is engaged in this sector. The
area of meat and dairy production has received more development in Ireland. Poultry
farming is however poorly developed. Plant cultivation in recent years is also a subsidized
activity. People usually grow various types of cereals, potatoes and sugar beet.
Nevertheless, the total number of agricultural products is not enough even for domestic
consumption, so wheat and many other items are imported from abroad. Active fishing is
conducted in coastal waters. Cod, haddock, herring, mussels and lobsters, as well as
salmon are exported.

The Industrial sector in Ireland began to develop only from the middle of the last
century. Recent survey shows that more than forty percent of the working population is
employed in this sphere. The most actively developing area in the country is the high-tech
science-intensive industry. It is represented by a huge number of directions. Computer
products, their components, and semiconductors are produced in Ireland. Active
development of various diverse software including highly specialized ones, is also being
carried out. Also experiencing great development are the pharmaceutical, electronics,
energy, chemical and glass industry, as well as sewing and textile industry. About 95
percent of the total energy consumed by the country is produced at local combined heat
and power plants. It is worth noting that it is in Ireland that the world’s largest power
plants that use droppings as their fuel operate. The others utilize coal, gas and other
petroleum products. Hydroelectric power stations in the country are not many, and they
account for less than four percent of the total electricity generated. There are no nuclear
power stations in the country and their construction as of now is not in the plans.

Telecommunications in Ireland is considered one of the most developed among all

countries of the European Union. At least 100 radio stations and four television stations
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function successfully, despite the fact that this republic is considered quite small. Tourism
in recent years also began to develop actively. It is worth noting that incredibly beautiful
natural conditions have been put in place in Ireland with the aim of attracting tourists from
all corners of the globe annually. To date, the country is visited by at least seven million
travelers yearly, and most of them come exclusively for tourism. The main part of cargo
transportation in Ireland falls on sea ports. There are 26 multi-tonnage vessels in the
country. The main ports are located in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and other major coastal
cities. Domestic transportation is mostly carried out by rail, road, air and bus services. It is
worth mentioning that in recent years, foreign businessmen have invested heavily in
Ireland. And the country itself makes some investments across its own borders. The
growth of the country’s GDP according to the data of the previous year was about five
percent. GDP in numerical form is about 340 billion dollars. GDP on purchasing power for
2014 was about 190 billion dollars. The per capita GDP is 46,000 dollars per year. The
unemployment rate for a few years has been at a stable rate of 12%. Less than four percent
of the population lives below the poverty line. Public debt as of 2014 was 60% of GDP.
Based on these indicators, Ireland is ranked 23rd in the world. It is worth noting that
Ireland is one of the first countries that managed to stop the progressive inflation after the
global crisis of 2008. However, the growth rate of salaries has not yet reached that of the
cost of goods and services.

Due to the fact that Ireland is pursuing a fairly peace-loving policy, it manages to
maintain good trade relations with almost all active importers and exporters in the world.
Commodity exports as of 2014 amounted to about 130 million Euros. For the most part,
machines, various industrial equipment, computer equipment, chemical products,
medicines, livestock products are exported. The main trading partners, of course, are the
countries of the European Union and the United States. Commodity imports for the most
part, consist of various products of the engineering industry, chemicals, petroleum and
petroleum products, light and textile products. In total, the countries of the European
Union provide Ireland with 65% of imports. There is also an active trade with the United
States and Japan.

2.4 Early Political History of Ireland

The documentary history of Ireland begins only in the 7th century, which saw the
production in both Latin and Irish of sufficiently rich and numerous records of all sorts.
For events before that time, historians rely on literary sources such as the sagas, many of
whose characters may represent only poetic imagination and in which the social or
political circumstances portrayed reflect the fantasies of their authors rather than historical
reality. Nevertheless, the traditions seem to indicate, during the early centuries AD, a
process of political cohesion in Ireland through which the tuatha ultimately became
grouped into the Five Fifths. Among these, Ulster seems at first to have been dominant;
but, by the time Niall of the Nine Hostages died early in the 5th century, hegemony had

5
passed to his midland kingdom of Meath, which was then temporarily associated with
Connaught. In the 6th century, descendants of Niall, ruling at Tara in northern Leinster,
were claiming to be overkings of three provinces, Ulster, Connaught, and Meath. Later
they claimed to be kings of all of Ireland, although their power rarely extended over
Munster or the greater part of Leinster. Two branches of Niall’s descendants, the Cenél
nEogain, of the northern Uí Néill, and the Clan Cholmáin, of the southern Uí Néill,
alternated as kings of Ireland from 734 to 1002, a fact that suggests a formal arrangement
between the two septs (i.e., descendants of a common ancestor). Inevitably, claims to a
high kingship came to be contested by the rulers of Munster, who, from their capital at
Cashel, had gradually increased their strength, depriving Connaught of the region that later
became County Clare. But not until the reign of Brian Boru in the 11th century was
Munster sufficiently strong to secure a real high kingship over all of Ireland.

Politically, Ireland was organized into a number of petty kingdoms, or clans (tuatha),
each of which was quite independent under its elected king. Groups of tuatha tended to
combine, but the king who claimed overlordship in each group had a primacy of honour
rather than of jurisdiction. Not until the 10th century AD was there a king of all Ireland
(árd rí Éireann). A division of the country into five groups of tuatha, known as the Five
Fifths (Cuíg Cuígí), occurred about the beginning of the Christian era. These were Ulster
(Ulaidh), Meath (Midhe), Leinster (Laighin), Munster (Mumhain), and Connaught
(Connacht). Surrounding a king was an aristocracy (airi aicme, the upper class), whose
land and property rights were clearly defined by law and whose main wealth was in cattle.
Greater landowners were supported by céilí, or clients. These and other grades of society,
minutely classified and described by legal writers, tilled the soil and tended the cattle.
Individual families were the real units of society and collectively exercised powers of
ownership over their farms and territory. At law the family (fine) did not merely act
corporately but was, by one of the oldest customs, held responsible for the observance of
the law by its kindred, serfs, and slaves

2.5 Ethnic Groups, Language, and Religion of Ireland

Ethnic and racial minorities make up about 12 percent of the population of Ireland a
proportion that doubled in the first decade of the 21st century. Immigration from the rest of
Europe, Africa, and Asia has been significant since the last two decades of the 20th
century. The key factors in increased immigration have been the more-open labour market
provided by the European Union and the globalized nature of the contemporary Irish
economy, both of which have attracted a wave of new residents. Today Poles constitute the
largest minority population in Ireland. Although they are small in number, the nomadic
Travellers (“Tinkers”) are an indigenous ethnic minority group defined by their shared
customs, traditions, and language who have lived in Ireland for centuries. The constitution
provides that Irish be the first official language and English the second. All official
documents are published in both Irish and English. The modern Irish language, which is

6
very similar to Scottish Gaelic, was widely spoken up to the time of the Irish Potato
Famine of the 1840s and the subsequent emigrations. The use of Irish continued to decline
even after 1922, when the language was introduced into schools; despite its decline, Irish
never ceased to exert a strong influence on Irish consciousness. Although its use as a
vernacular has decreased and is concentrated in several small Gaeltacht (i.e., Irish-
speaking) areas, Irish is more widely read, spoken, and understood today than it had been
during most of the 20th century. English is universally spoken. Compulsory Irish in
schools has come under some criticism from the business sector, which would prefer to see
students develop more-diverse language skills. While modern society might question the
utility of the language, however, it remains an important element of the Irish identity. The
Celtic religion had a major influence on Ireland long before the adoption of Christianity in
the 5th century. Its precise rituals and beliefs remain somewhat obscure, but the names of
hundreds of Celtic gods have survived, and elements of the religion particularly the cults
of Mary (an echo of Danu, the Earth Mother goddess whom the Celts worshiped) and St.
Brigid (one of Ireland’s patron saints) and several seasonal festivals carried into the
Christian period. Since the conversion to Christianity, Roman Catholicism, with its
ecclesiastical seat at Armagh in Northern Ireland, has been the island’s principal religion.
After the Reformation, Catholicism became closely associated with Irish nationalism and
resistance to British rule. However, church support for nationalism both then and now has
been ambivalent. After the devastating Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, there was a
remarkable surge in devotional support of the Catholic church, and over the next century
the number of Irish priests, nuns, and missionaries grew dramatically. Today nearly four-
fifths of the republic’s population is Roman Catholic, with small numbers of other
religious groups (including Church of Ireland Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists,
Muslims, and Jews).

There is no officially established church in Ireland, and the freedoms of conscience

and religion are constitutionally guaranteed. Since the last decades of the 20th century,
Ireland has seen a significant decline in the number of regular churchgoers. That decline
corresponded with the heyday of the so-called Celtic Tiger economy when, during the
1990s in particular, robust economic growth made the country significantly wealthier and
also with the revelations of child abuse by Catholic clergy that came to light in the first
decade of the 21st century. The Roman Catholic Church nevertheless continues to play a
prominent role in the country, including maintaining responsibility for most schools and
many hospitals

2.6 Habits, Mentality, and The Way of Living

The people of Ireland are famous for their friendliness and courtesy. They treat guests
of their country with hospitality, regardless of a nationality. The only exception is the
English. In this case, the Irish show some caution and mistrust. A distinctive feature of the
local population is diligence. Locals always strive to provide all possible assistance to the

7
needy ones. Irish people do not accept unnecessary tactile contacts. Men embrace only at
large events, for example, on football. The main greeting in Ireland is a raised index finger.
In cafes, cinemas, and hotels, smoking is prohibited. Visitors to bars traditionally treat
their acquaintances with drinks. However, on birthday, not a birthday boy treats friends
with a drink, but vice versa. Sweets and flowers are considered a good gift in this country.
Even the flowers sent the next day after interaction will be appreciated. Official
communication takes place at a long lunch. Locals are very non-punctual, so they rarely
come to meetings on time. The Irish prefer dark-colored costumes for negotiations. People
often take umbrellas to business meetings. The main topics for conversation are politics,
sports, and family. It is not necessary to touch upon the themes of religion and relations
between Ireland and Great Britain. Indigenous Irishmen are immensely proud of their
cultural values. Travelers who are interested in the local customs and traditions will be
treated with a great respect. The customs of the ancestors continue to be venerated today;
the people proudly tell about them.

The Irish are friendly to tourists, and, unlike residents of other countries, are trustful
and hospitable. All the unfamiliar people are, actually, future friends, whom Irishmen just
do not know yet. Any local will gladly tell you how to find a street, landmark or hotel. The
Irish also answer all the questions of interest. On holidays, each guest of the country will
feel himself a welcome guest. The cheerful Irish treat foreigners like family members.
During festivals, thousands of people go to the streets dressed in green, which is the
national color of Ireland. This hue is fully associated with the country and its endless
forests. Green T-shirts, various hats of the most bizarre forms, and other amazing attributes
accompany each event. Such clothes, as well as other symbols of green color, can be easily
bought in crowded places. These will help immerse in celebration. The obligatory
entertainment on any holiday is dancing. All the residents gladly dance accompanied by
incendiary melodies. Locals consider dance to be a work of art. On the eve of the New
Year, it is customary not to close the entrance doors, so anyone who comes to the feast will
feel welcome. During holidays, people become more trustful. The number of crimes is
reduced. Festive traditions are sacredly honored by all the Irish.

The main symbol in Ireland is the shamrock. It is used as an emblem by sports teams,
troops, universities, and other organizations. It is also portrayed in official images of the
country, including stamps, seals, and insignia of both state and military. Do not confuse
the trefoil with a four-leaf clover that brings good luck. In Ireland, locals prefer to relax
not in numerous cafes and restaurants, but in pubs. They believe that there is no such
homelike atmosphere and hospitality anywhere else. In local pubs, it is worth trying the
dark Guinness beer. That’s one of the main treasures of the country. It has been produced
by locals for many centuries. Smoking is prohibited in pubs. The rule is strictly observed
by the Irish. Therefore, in order not to break the friendly atmosphere, one should not
smoke in public places. These places are not just for drinking. Pubs represent a huge layer
of local culture. People get acquainted, communicate, discuss important business issues,
and make decisions about their personal lives. Both men and women meet there. It is
normal for girls to have a glass of beer in the pub. The Irish are incredibly curious. They
8
like to talk. After knowing each other for a few minutes, they begin to find out the smallest
details of the life of their new acquaintance.

2.7 Recreation and Sport of Ireland

Among Ireland's numerous ancient and prehistoric sights are a restored Bronze Age
lake dwelling (crannog) near Quin in County Clare, burial mounds at Newgrange and
Knowth along the Boyne, and the palace at the Hill of Tara, the seat of government up to
the Middle Ages. Numerous castles may be visited, including Blarney Castle in County
Cork, where visitors kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Some, such as Bunratty Castle and
Knappogue Castle, County Clare, and Dungaire Castle, County Galway, offer medieval-
style banquets, and some rent rooms to tourists. Among Dublin's tourist attractions are the
Trinity College Library, with its 8th-century illuminated Book of Kells; Phoenix Park, the
largest enclosed park in Western Europe and home of the Dublin Zoo; and literary
landmarks associated with such writers as William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, Jonathan
Swift, and Oscar Wilde. Dublin has long been noted for its theaters, foremost among them
the Abbey Theatre, Ireland's national theater, which was founded in 1904 by Yeats and
Lady Gregory. Dublin was the EC's Cultural Capital of Europe for 1991, during which
time the National Gallery, Civic Museum, and Municipal Gallery were all refurbished and
several new museums opened, including the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Traditional musical events are held frequently, one of the best known being the All-
Ireland Fleadh at Ennis in County Clare. Numerous parades, concerts, and other festivities
occur on and around St. Patrick's Day holiday of 17 March. Ireland has numerous golf
courses, some of worldwide reputation. Fishing, sailing, horseback riding, hunting, horse
racing, and greyhound racing are other popular sports. The traditional sports of Gaelic
football, hurling, and camogie (the women's version of hurling) were revived in the 19th
century and have become increasingly popular. The All-Ireland Hurling Final and the All-
Ireland Football Final are held in September

2.8 Foods of Ireland

Popular foods available in Ireland are as follows :

1. Soda Bread

Every family in Ireland has its own recipe for soda bread, hand-written on flour-
crusted note paper and wedged in among the cookery books. Some like it sweet with a
spoonful of honey, sugar or dried fruits. Others prefer sprinkled-in seeds, bran and oats for
a health boost, or treacle and Guinness for the opposite effect. However, the basic
ingredients don’t change (bicarbonate of soda and buttermilk form the raising agent, which
is mixed in with flour) and nor does the way it’s eaten: sliced and spread liberally with
butter.

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2. Shellfish

Visit Ireland outside of summer and your chances of seeing the sun may be slim.
On the plus side, you'll be able to feast on the west coast’s plump native oysters (Ostrea
edulis), which come into season in September, and pay a visit to the Galway Oyster
Festival (28-30 September). Shellfish abound in Irish cuisine, from clams in Connemara to
Molly Malone’s famed cockles and mussels, and Dublin Bay prawns, which have their
own festival held in Howth every year in May.

3. Irish Stew

One-pot cooking doesn’t get much simpler than Irish stew, traditionally made with
mutton, onions and potatoes (the addition of carrots can be a divisive issue). To avoid the
stew being watery (a childhood horror for many of us), some recipes recommend adding
pearl barley, a spoonful of roux or sliced potatoes, while others reduce the liquid by
leaving the stew to simmer. These days, you’re more likely to find Irish stew made with
lamb (as the more flavourful mutton is harder to come by), with stock and herbs – such as
thyme, parsley and bay leaves – adding depth of flavour.

4. Colcannon and Champ

Potatoes transformed the Irish diet when they were introduced from the New World
in the late 16th century. Ireland’s population boomed with this cheap and plentiful food
source, but was later decimated when potato harvests were hit by blight in the 19th
century. Potatoes are still a staple at most mealtimes, with traditional dishes remaining
popular. Colcannon is a classic, comforting mash of potatoes, cabbage (or kale) and butter
(or cream), flavoured with spring onions. Champ is a similar, mashed potato favourite,
flavoured with spring onions, milk and butter.

5. Boxty

Potato dumpling, potato pancake and potato bread are all descriptors for boxty;
some say the name originates from the Irish phrase arán bocht tí, meaning 'poor-house
bread'. The recipe calls for grated raw potato to be mixed with mashed potato and then
either: mixed with flour and salt and boiled before being sliced and fried in butter ('boxty
dumplings'); added to a pancake-like batter before being fried ('boxty on the pan'); or
added to a pancake-like batter before being baked in a loaf tin and then sliced and fried
('boxty in the oven'). Whichever way you choose, your boxty can be teamed with just
about anything. Try it alongside bacon and eggs or smoked salmon and crème fraîche.

6. Boiled Bacon and Cabbage

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 Boiled bacon, boiled cabbage and boiled potatoes might not sound all that
appetising but it remains a firm family favourite. Traditionally, salted pork – a cut from the
shoulder or back of the pig – would have been soaked overnight (depending on how much
desalting was needed) before being boiled, with the cabbage added to the cooking pot in
the last 10 minutes. A silky parsley sauce is the classic accompaniment.

7. Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is another must-try – the oak-smoked salmon from the Burren
Smokehouse, the beechwood-smoked salmon from the Connemara Smokehouse, and the
unusual turf-smoked salmon from The Haven Smokehouse are all worth looking out for.

8. Black and White Pudding

The Irish weren’t the only ones to discover the delights of black pudding (pork meat,
fat and blood mixed with barley, suet and oatmeal in an intensely flavoured sausage).
White pudding (similar, but minus the blood) may be less common around the globe, but
no full Irish breakfast would be complete without a slice of each. Beyond breakfast, black
pudding is just as likely to appear on the menu of smart Irish restaurants nowadays, served
with sautéed scallops, in croquettes, under poached eggs, in salads and risottos and as a
garnish to soups.

9. Coddle

With roots as a working-class Dublin dish, the name coddle comes from the slow
simmering or 'coddling' of ingredients in a one-pot stew. The leftovers at the end of the
week would be slowly stewed in the oven for hours, with slices of pork sausage packed in
alongside bacon rashers or leftover boiled bacon and sliced potatoes and onions. To make
a superior version, use top-quality pork sausages and bacon, and serve the coddle with
slices of soda bread to mop up the juices

10. Barmbrack

Enthusiasts make this fruity tea loaf all year round, serving it smothered in butter
with a cup of tea in the afternoon. It’s at Halloween, however, that you’d find a charm in
your slice foretelling the future: a rag foreshadowed bad luck or poverty; a ring meant
you'd be wed within a year; a pea that you wouldn't be wed in the coming year; a coin
brought wealth; and a stick foretold quarrels. Raisins, candied peel (sometimes steeped
overnight in black tea and whiskey) and mixed spice all go into the mix.

2.9 Celebrations, Festivals and Cultural Events

The most famous holiday of Ireland is St. Patrick's Day. It is celebrated every year on
March 17 not only in Ireland but all over the world. St. Patrick is the heavenly patron of
the country. Officially the day began to be celebrated only from the 18th century.

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However, the Irish worshiped this saint and held feasts in his honor in the 8-9th century.
The main symbol of the holiday is a shamrock. On this day, the streets of Dublin are filled
with green scenery, the water in the fountains is tinted in green, and city dwellers wear
holiday suits with large green hats. As part of the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, there are
musical and creative festivals, performances, competitions, grandiose processions, and
parades. The festival ends with mass festivities with the local dark beer, Guinness. Irish are
descendants of the Celts. Therefore, despite religiousness and adherence to Christianity,
some pagan holidays have preserved. One of them is Beltane celebrated on May 1. This
holiday symbolizes the beginning of summer. The Celts worshiped the fertility god on this
day. The tradition of breeding large fires in the hills, planting a bush of rowan in the
garden near the house and decorating it in the manner of the New Year tree has survived to
this day. Another amazing neo-pagan festival is celebrated on the day of the autumn
equinox. Mabon is associated with harvesting. It was originally dedicated to mother earth.
Over time, the holiday became a symbol of everything, which no longer exists. On this
day, it is customary to remember the deceased women. Families on the Mabon go out for
walks in the forest or for picnics. They collect leaves, branches, which are later used to
decorate the house.

Ireland is home to one of the most popular holidays in the world - Halloween. The
original Night of Horror was brought from the Irish and Scottish Celts, who believed that
the spirits could come down from heaven to see the living one day. There are lots of
traditions associated with Halloween. One of the symbols of the holiday is the Jack
Lantern that is made of a pumpkin. Such lamps are installed near houses to drive evil
spirits away. Children dress up in carnival costumes and go to their neighbors to beg for
sweets. The most popular costumes are evil spirits, including zombies, witches, and
vampires. According to the legend, children in such clothes will remain unrecognized and
will be lost among the real evil. Special activities are arranged on this day. The main
purpose is to frighten visitors as much as possible. The next day after Halloween comes
another Celtic festival, Samhain. Locals cook special horns of dough. As so, they try to
appease the god of winter. The day was timed to the end of the harvesting. It was believed
that those who break their promises on this day would die. So, the festival was
alternatively called the day of the dead. People used to kindle fires and hop through them,
believing that it would help to purify the souls and drive away evil spirits. On December
26, after Christmas, local residents celebrate St. Stephen's Day. That's a commemoration of
a martyr's death. He was stoned after his refusal to abandon Christianity. Children on this
day dress up in the chimney sweep, smear their faces with soot and go to the streets, where
they sing different holiday songs. Passers-by and neighbors give them presents and sweets.

In addition to St. Patrick's Day, there are many other fascinating festivals in Ireland;
many of them devoted to art. The Irish Language Week is dedicated to the maintenance of
interest and language development among the local population, which is increasingly
switching to English. Tralee in Kerry County annually hosts the festival of Rosa Tralee.
Representatives of Irish diasporas from all over the world come to the city. They perform
national songs and ballads, competing with each other. Only people of Irish origin are
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allowed to participate. However, everyone who wants to become a spectator of this grand
celebration of Irish culture can take part. Galway, welcomes an oyster festival for more
than 50 years. That's one of the best gastronomic festivals in the world.

2.10 Shopping in Ireland

Ireland offers its guests wide opportunities for shopping. You can buy items by
traditional European brands, and local authentic things. Ireland is famous for high-quality
woolen things. You can find hand-tied sweaters and ponchos there. Tourists who came to
this country for shopping must necessarily visit the local markets and stalls to buy such an
exclusive item. Such things are very much appreciated. Pure cashmere clothes are worth
attention. In Ireland, there is Blarney wool factory, where you can buy unique cashmere
things at affordable prices. The Aran Islands became popular due to sweaters with an
unusual knitting. Another incredibly colorful Irish product is whiskey. Irish whiskey is
incredibly popular all over the world. That’s not only because of a large number of Irish
outside of Ireland but also because of the exclusive taste. The most popular manufacturers
are Tullamore Dew, Jameson, and Bushmills. Whiskey can be single malt, clean, blended,
and single-grained. The name depends on beverage body. Try this elite alcohol only in the
pubs. In this case, its taste will be even more saturated and intense. A relaxed atmosphere
will allow you to enjoy the incredible flavor. You can buy whiskey in any supermarket or
shopping center.

Local unique goods include crystal, glass, clay, and ceramics. Ireland is famous
throughout the country for its glassware of world famous brands. These items are unique in
their simplicity and inimitable elegance. Products made of clay are also popular, as items
made of crystal or glass are. In Dublin, you can visit the Kilkenny designer store and
choose something traditional in the Irish style. Waterford County is famous due to crystal
manufacture. All items go through a severe quality check. It is necessary to look for
jewelry in Ireland. The most popular products feature Celtic motifs, which are successfully
used by local designers. These are earrings, brooches, and various kinds of necklaces. The
rings in the form of palms that hold the heart are very popular. Such a ring symbolizes
boundless love. Young people give it to their girls only when they want to propose a
marriage. The Irish are considered the most reading nation, so you couldn’t leave the
country without a souvenir book. In Dublin, there is the store, Eason and Son, which
features numerous books and the international press. There you can buy interesting books
in English or Irish, or just read the latest news in world-famous newspapers. A very
popular souvenir is a shamrock and a four-leaf clover. The green color is traditional for
most of the symbolic souvenirs that tourists take away from the country. Another notable
souvenir is the Irish leprechaun. Clothes, toys, sweets, figurines, books, and shoes
resembling this fairy-tale hero are sold here at every step. They are in great demand. It is
probably the most popular souvenir among tourists. Kildare Village is the main outlet of
Ireland. This open-air facility embraces more than 60 stores. Tourists can and should
bargain in them. There are only authentic European brands. The tax is returned. Discounts
all year round make up to 60%. There are cozy cafes, restaurants, playrooms for children,
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and parking lots. The center works without days off. Its style resembles a medieval stable,
which attracts residents of large cities.

2.11 Railway, Bus, Water and Other Transport

Transport infrastructure in Ireland is developed at a high level. Buses are the most
popular type of public transportation. As a rule, comfortable green colored double-decker
buses run around the city. The insides of the salons are always very clean. Please note that
all trips are always in strict accordance with the schedule. Due to the fact that the fleets of
all companies are in excellent condition, unanticipated situations are extremely rare during
the journey. It should be noted that the bus routes are very well organized and the buses act
as the main means of transportation in those cities where there are no railway networks.
Tickets for suburban trips can be bought directly from the driver and they cost at least six
euros. There is also the opportunity to buy a single ticket with validity of three or five
days. This way, you can save a lot. Tickets for long distance buses can be ordered via the
internet by visiting the site of a particular passenger carrier. The air transportation in
Ireland is also at a high level. There are 10 international airports operating here which also
accept charter flights. There are as well about thirty small airfields. Therefore, if there is a
need to quickly move around the country, air transportation will be the best solution. In
addition, local tour operators offer their clients a pretty good price for domestic air traffic.
Due to the fact that Ireland has access to the sea, water transportation is also developed.
There are ferries and barges not only along the coastal line. Some flights connect Ireland
with England and France, as well as some islands. All year round, excursion liners, ships
and boats cruise the whole coastline. You can rent a boat for yourself if you so desire.

Also, taxi services are popular in cities. Nonetheless, their fare is quite expensive. For
pick up, you will have to pay at least four euros. In many cities, tourists can rent
motorcycles or bicycles. There are even special bike tours. The territory of Ireland is
comfortable enough to move on two-wheeled transport, and there are even specially
equipped bike paths. Nevertheless, most locals and tourists prefer to walk around the city
on foot and enjoy the delightful scenery and historical sites. Outside the city, locals give
tourists even horses for hire. For most, it is more fun than a vehicle.

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 CHAPTER III

CLOSING
3.1 Conclusion
Cross Culture Understanding is a way to understand the similarities and differences of
cultures in various countries so that there are no misunderstandings.Cross-Cultural
Understanding plays an important role in communicating with people from different
countries. Language and culture cannot be separated. If we already understand the norms
and cultures of others, it will make it easier for us to adapt and establish good relationships
with each other. Good relationships will increase the confidence of others in ourselves.
Cross Culture Understanding for Ireland really needs to be studied so that we know the
history, government, national economy, early political history, ethnic, groups, language,
religion, habits, mentality, the way of living, recreation, sports, foods, celebrations,
festivals, cultural events, shopping, railway, bus, water, and other transports of Ireland. If
we had known about Ireland we will feel interest because of many the unique of Ireland.

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 REFERENCES

 https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland/Sports-and-recreation
 http://www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/ireland/shopping.htm

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