IRELAND FROM A-Z

A IS FOR AGRICULTURE, ARCHEOLOGY, & ART

• AGRICULTURE is a major industry in Ireland and there are thousands of farms. The main products are cattle, dairy products, non-cereal crops, pigs, sheep, and lambs. The Department of Agriculture & Food leads the country in development and competitive, of agri-food, and contributes to the rural economy and society.

• ARCHAEOLOGY is of great interest in Ireland. The country has a wealth of Archaeological sites. Prehistoric discoveries include burial sites and carved stones. There are remains of forts and monasteries dating back to the sixth century. The foundation of a house made of logs was found at Ballynagill and is at least 5,000 years old.

• Ireland has a great appreciation of ancient and modern ART. Both Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland have art galleries. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has seven objectives including increasing opportunities for artists. The Arts Council of the Republic of Ireland promotes interest, knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts. The Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin has exhibitions, collections and special programs.

• Ireland has many BEACHES and a coastline of 3,500 miles. The Ring of Kerry has some of the finest beaches in Europe. Surfing is popular at many of the beaches.

• There are over 400 species of BIRDS in Ireland. It also has some of the largest breeding seabird colonies in the world. Ospreys nest in the area of Southern Ireland called Eagle Rock. A wildlife preserve in County Wexford is the winter home of 3/4 of the world Greenland white fronted goose. Nearly 100 birds are endangered.

• Ireland has many BRIDGES. There are 16 bridges across the River Liffey in dublin.

• Dublin is the CAPITAL of the Republic of Ireland and is the largest city in the country. A landmark is a castle originally built in 1204. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland.

• Ireland has many CASTLES ranging from stone tower houses to fortified manor homes. Castles have been a part of Ireland since 1170 and were built primarily for defensive purposes. Many are open to the public. Carrickfergus in Antrim is one of the best preserved castles in the country. Blarney Castle is one of the most famous castles in the country. A legend says that if you "kiss the Blarney Stone" you get the gift of eloquent persuasion.

• Ireland has many forms of COMMUNICATIONS including radio, television, telephone (Code 353), and internet (code ie). There are several Internet Service Providers for Telephone code 353. Webcams are located throughout the country. Many newspapers and magazines are published.

• In 2002 the Euro became the only legal CURRENCY in the Republic of Ireland. The pound is the currency of Northern Ireland.

• DAMS are located throughout Ireland and the Irish Hydropower Association promotes hydropower in the country. Wind power is also used in the country. Sustainable Energy Ireland is the national energy authority in the country.

• Evidence of DINOSARS has been found in Ireland. Fossilized footprints have been found on Valentia Island that date back 385 million years ago.

• Several DOGS are native to Ireland. The Irish Water Spaniel has been known since the 1100s. The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dogs in the world. The country has Irish Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers.

• Evidence indicates that an earthquake millions of years ago affected a vast area of Ireland. Giant's Causeway is thought to have been the result of activity of a nearby volcano during the Tertiary age.

• EDUCATION in Ireland is free and the law requires children from ages 6 to 15 to attend school. The government funds schools but nearly all of them are operated by religious organizations.

• The FLAGThe Republic of Ireland dates from the 1800's. Green represents Roman Catholics; orange, Protestants; and white, unity. These are also the national colors. Northern Ireland has several The Union Jack is the official flag, but the wellknown redhand flag has been used since 1973.

• Ireland has a wide variety of FOOD. Cabbage is the most popular green vegetable and potato is a basic part of the diet. Lamb or mutton is more popular than beef. The Irish drink more tea than any other European people. There is a Food Festival in Skibbereen. Galway and Clarenbridge each have an Oyster Festival. By law, food must be correctly labeled.

• FORTS are the most plentiful of Irish field monuments (over 40,000 throughout the country) and can be of earth or stone, depending on the region. Forts have been traditionally divided into three classes: Ring forts with a circular space surrounded by a bank, and possibly a ditch outside the bank; Hill forts with walls or banks that enclose the summit; and Promontory forts that were either cliff-top by the sea or on a steep mountain spur.

• The GEOLOGY in Northern Ireland is one of a journey through space and time. The Geological Survey of Ireland provides advice and information on minerals in the country. The Irish Association for Geologists provides information about geology in Ireland with a clickable map.

• The GLOBAL POSITION of Ireland is approximately 53 degrees north latitude and 8 degrees west longitude. By tradition Ireland is divided into 4 regions that were once ruled by separate kings - Ulster, Connacht, Leinster, and Munster. Carrantuohill in the Republic of Ireland is the highest elevation. The lowest elevation is below sea level at The March near Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Lowlands cover most of the center of Ireland, mountains rise near the coast, and inlets and bays cut deeply into the west coast. Geocaching is an adventure game using a Global Postioning System and Ireland has many geocaches.

• Ireland has many HISTORIC SITES and centres. County Kilkenny has churches, round towers, and castles. Inch Abbey at Strangford Lough was built in 1180. There are many historic sites throughout Kildare County. Historic sites at North Clare include a cathedral and Abbey. Dublin has many Historic Sites including St. Patrick's Cathedral.

• The HISTORY of Ireland dates back to 10,000 B.C. While much of Europe was going through the period called the Dark Ages, learning was being preseved in Ireland. Monasteries were the center of community, social, and religious lie.

• Horseracing is very popular in Ireland. The most famous horse races in the country are the Irish Derby. There are also many horse shows. The Steeplechase originated in Ireland, and Connemera ponies are native to the country. The Irish Draught Horse is considered endangered.

• Ireland has several major INDUSTRIES. Because it has so many visitors, tourism is an important industry. Computers, software, china, and linen are leading manufactured goods. One of the largest employers is the computer industry, and Ireland manufactures more computers than any other country in the world. Shipbuilding and aircraft building are also leading industries. The food industry makes a considerable contribution to the national wealth and employment.

• Ireland has an estimated 12,000 species of INSECTS. There a many species of dragonflies and 9 are found hovering over bogs. There are several species of butterflies in the country, and 2 rare forms are associtated with bogs. There are 2 Butterfly Farms.

• Ireland is an ISLAND surrounded by many small islands. The most famous islands are the Aran Islands. The Blasket Islands are probably going to be protected as a National Park. Achill Island is the largest island in the country. Clare Island is best known as the home of a pirate.

• JAZZ is popular in Ireland and a Jazz Festival is held in Cork. There are jazz clubs in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

• Ireland has KARST and caves. The Burren in County Clare has the largest KARST area in Europe. The country has several Show Caves and Crag Cave is one of the best known. Aillwee Cave features beautiful formations and an underground waterfall. The Buren in County Clare has a number of caves. The Speleological Union of Ireland represents the interests of speleologists and sporting cavers.

• The Book of KELLS is kept in the Library Colonnade of Trinity College in Dublin. It is an illuminated manuscript dating from around 800 A.D. and is one of the oldest books in the world. The town of Kells is asking for it back and has built a visitors center that shows the monastic life of Kells.

• Many aspects of life in Ireland focus on KIDS, and there are many special attractions for kids. The National Museum of Ireland has fun events for kids in Dublin. Kool Kids of Ireland is a resource about the country. Kids Party has entertainment and party ideas for Northern Ireland. The Sugradh promotes the rights of kids to play. Kids Helping Kids offers kids in Ireland the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other kids.

• Ireland has several lakes. The largest lake is Lough Neagh. Lough Leane is a popular for sailing.

• English is the official LANGUAGE of Ireland and is spoken with a soft accent called a brogue. Irish or Gaelic is the native language. The country has declared itself to be bilingual and many documents and road signs are in both languages. Irish schools teach both Gaelic and English.

• The National Library was established in 1877 in Dublin. It is a research library not a lending library. The library collection is a record of the history and culture of Ireland. Famous authors include Jonathan Swift, and C. S. Lewis. Ireland has many myths and legends.

• Ireland has nearly a hundred LIGHTHOUSES. The oldest lighthouse is Hook Head. It was built in 1172 and is still in use. There is a lighthouse at Skellig Michael. The country also has many other types of navigational lights and buoys. Ireland is becoming a global lighthouse for information technology and is second in the world in the export of computer software.

• Ireland has several MOUNTAINS. Mount Brandon On the Dingle Peninsula is the second highest mountain. Wicklow mountains are south of Dublin. The Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland are a group of low, rounded hills.

• MUSEUMS are located throughout Ireland. The National Museum of Ireland emphasizes art, culture, and natural history of Ireland. The Museum of Kerry has prehistoric and celtic displays. The Northern Ireland Museum Council supports museums in North Ireland. The Ulster Museum has galleries and a large variety of collections.

• Irish MUSIC is popular throughout the world. Many traditional musical instruments are used, and the Irish Coat of Arms pictures a harp which dates back to the time of the celtics. Irish harpers told stories in song and were known throughout Europe as early as the 12th century. The Folk Music Society of Ireland features traditional music, song, and dance. Popular dances include the Irish jig reels, hornpipes, sets, polka, and step dances. There are dance competitions throughout the country. River Dance is performed worldwide. There are many variations of traditional Irish music. The Irish National Anthem is "The Soldiers Song". Over 100 groups or solo artists have recorded the song Danny boy.

• People in Ireland often identify themselves by the NAME of their native county. Irish first names have a number of origins influenced by historical events. Ireland was one of the first European countries in which a system of hereditary surnames developed, and there are many Coat of Arms for Irish surnames.

• NORTHERN IRELAND occupies 1/6 of Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom. There are 3 counties and the largest city is Belfast. Ulster is the traditional name for Northern Ireland and protestants are called Orangemen after King William of Orange.

• Ireland has several OBSERVATORIES. Dunsink Observatory is the oldest observatory in the country. The Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790 and is a leading scientific research establishment. The Crawford Observatory at the University College, Cork, has a telescope that follows the stars. There are several Astronomy Clubs in Ireland.

• The Atlantic OCEAN is west, northwest, and southwest of Ireland. The North Channel is to the northeast. The Irish Sea and St. George's Channel are to the east and separate the country from Great Britain. The Celtic Sea is south of Ireland.

• Ireland has National Parks and National Reserves.
• Ireland has an evenly distributed population with most people living in cities and towns. Most Irish people trace their ancestry to people who arrived in Ireland during the past 7,000 years including Celts, Vikings, Normans, and British. About 10,000 gypsies live in Ireland and are known as the Traveler community. County Derry is the longest inhabited place in Ireland.

• There are several large PORTS in Ireland. The Port of Belfast is the principle maritime gateway in Northern Ireland. The Port of Cork in the Republic of Ireland is a natural harbor and the major seaport of Southern Ireland. The port of Cobh was the last port of call of the Titanic.

• Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and the QUEEN of England is head of state.

• Take a quiz about Ireland.

• Ireland has a variety of REPTILES and amphibians including viparous lizard, common frog, leatherback turtle, and smooth newt. Two species of amphibians occur in peatlands. There are 2 clubs in Ireland that help people learn about reptliles and amphibians

• The REPUBLIC OF IRELAND is known as Eire. It occupies most of Ireland and has 26 counties. The government is based on the Irish Constitution with a president, Prime Minister, and parliament.

• Ireland has several RIVERS. The River Shannon is the principle river in Ireland. The River Liffey is the main river in Dublin. The River Suir is the main artery of County Tipperrary. Much of the salmon in the rivers and streams are hatched in fish hatcheries and then released.

• A variety of SEA LIFE lives off the coast of Ireland including seals and sea lions. Some whales and sharks feed off the coast on their way north for the summer. Eels swim across the North Atlantic ocean heading for rivers and streams in Ireland. Strangford Lough has been designated the first Marine Nature Reserve in the country. Lough Neah in particular is known for its eel fishing.

• The shamrock is a 3-leafed plant of the clover family and is the National Emblem of Ireland. According to tradition, St. Patrick used the shamrock to talk about the Holy Trinity, the 3-part concept of the Christian faith.

• Ireland has many SPORTS activities including fishing, golfing, hiking, hunting, and cycling. Water sports and team sports are also popular and hurling is unique to the country.

• Ireland has a National TARTAN. There are some Irish Family Tartans, but most people wear the tartan of the county or province where they live.

• TRANSPORTATION in Ireland includes automobile, bus, Rail Services, and 4 International and 6 Regional Airports. Driving is on the left side. Bicycles are often used. Irish Rail runs trains that go out into the countryside.

• Ireland has several native TREES including the alder. The Tree Council of Ireland sponsors National Tree Week. Since ancient times certain trees ha been regarded as sacred in Ireland including the mountain ash and holly. Most important was the oak. Gnarled branches of the hawthorn are called shillelaghs. Areas of natural woodlands around Killarney include the Strawberry Tree.

• Ireland has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of Boye is the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megolith in Europe. Skellig Michael is a well-preserved monastery.

• Ireland has been a member of the United Nations since 1955 and plays an active roll in UN activities.

• Ireland has several universities including Dublin CityUniversity, University College in Cork, University of Dublin Trinity College, University College in Dublin, National University of Ireland in Galway, and University College of Limerick. There are also regional and technical colleges.

• Lush VEGETATION has given Ireland the nickname "The Emerald Isle". Peat bogs cover 1/7 of the country, and several community power plants burn peat to produce electciticy. Some of the flatlands have become peat bogs. The largest garden in the world is St. Anne's Park in Dublin.

• Ireland does not have any active volcanoes, but there are traces of them.

• Ireland has many WATERFALLS. Powerscourt is the highest waterfall in the country. Torc Waterfall is one of the finest in Ireland. Beesula Falls is one of the last to be discovered. The Glens of Antrim has waterfalls and some of the most spectacular are in Glenariff Forest Park

• The WEATHER in Ireland is influenced by the North Atlantic Drift Current. In winter winds blow the current and bring warmth to the country. In summer, westerly winds blowing across the water help keep temperatures mild. The greatest annual precipitation is in the southwest.

• Ireland has a variety of WILDLIFE. Several species of animals are native to the country, and foxes and badgers are the most common. Fota Wildlife Park has animals in a natural setting. The Connemara pony is the only pony native to Ireland. The Irish Seal Sanctuary is Ireland's professionally run Wildlife Hospital, Rescue and Rehabilitation Facility.

• Xmas is the abbreviation for Christmas and it is celebrated in Ireland much as it is around the world. There are several Public Holidays. Other holidays include St. Briget's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Bloomsday, and Boxing Day. There are also many fairs and festivals throughout the country some of ancient origin.

• The YMCA has communities in Ireland.

• Ireland has nearly a hundred Youth Hostels that provide inexpensive accommodations for individuals, families and groups. There are 24 Youth Hostels in Dublin. Ireland also has Elderhostels

• Ireland is in the 0 timezone and generally follows Greenwich Meantime. In the summer Irland goes on daylights savings time, and time is put forward one hour.

• The Dublin Zoo is located in the country's capitol. The National Museum of Ireland is in Collins Barracks and maintains a zoology collection.