Ireland

Desiree Anderson

Basic Information
Joined the EU in 1973 Capital City - Dublin Currency - euro Population - 4.5 million

History
The "Golden Age" o St. Patrick came to Ireland. St. Patrick is Ireland's patron saint. The ninth and tenth centuries. o Vikings raided Ireland. o Norse tyranny was destroyed in the Battle of Clontarf. o Normans visited and created castles, which startled King Henry the second. o King Henry the second when to Ireland and started an 800 year battle. Next three centuries, Normans intermarried o Many of the country's castles were built. o King Henry the eighth's daughter fought four wars. Seventeenth century was the bloodiest. o 11 years of war.

 Sports o Gaelic Football o Golf, handball, boxing, greyhound racing, and horse racing. Arts o Literature James Joyce Most famous author. Most famous book is Ulysses. First great Irish work was the Uliad Cycle o Music The rock band U2 originated in Ireland. Van Morrison was born and grew up in Ireland. Traditional music falls into two categories Instrumental Song

Culture

Tourist Attractions
Castles o Over 300 castles Blarney Castle The Blarney Stone is located here. Dublin Castle Kilkenny Castle

Dublin o The Chimney o Dublinia and the Viking World o Kilmainham Gaol

Weddings
Ceremony o Bride carries horseshoe o Bride carries magic hanky o Chime of bells is thought to keep evil spirits away Veil with garland and lavenders o Bad luck for a bride to put veil on by herself Ring o Claddagh ring Toasts o A male, typically from the groom's family, has to give the first toast as it is bad luck for a female to go first. o "Slainte!" is a traditional toast for any occasion. Bride travel o Must travel a different way to the reception to symbolize the start of a new life.

St. Patrick's Day

March 17th Celebrates how St. Patrick taught Christianity to the people. Wearing of green o Not usual in Ireland, but they wear shamrocks to symbolize the teaching of the Holy Trinity. Drinking of green beer

Myth and Truth

Myth: Kissing the Blarney Stone will give you the gift of "fluent, forcible, elegant or persuasive speaking." Truth: It's a stone....it doesn't posses magical powers. Myth: There are leprechauns in Ireland. Truth: Seriously? Palm-sized people? Myth: Pookas (shape-shifter, most evil and feared fairies) and Banshees (screeching woman ghosts) Truth: Nonexistent.

Bibliography
http://www.yourirish.com http://www.europa.eu Insight Guides. Ireland. New York City: Langenscheight's, 2005. Lonely Planet. Ireland. Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. Joseph Dunn and John Lennox. The Glories of Ireland. New York: Phoenix, Limited, 1914.