What springs to mind when you think about Ireland? Maybe it’s the Emerald Isle, leprechauns or the “craic”?
Five fascinating facts about Irish culture
The first language of Ireland is Irish (Gaelic). It is a compulsory subject in all schools and must be studied up to secondary level, along with English and Maths. Irish is an official language of the European Union. Many Irish speakers wear a special badge.
The Titanic, probably the world’s most famous ship, was built in the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The luxury liner sank in 1912 with the loss of approximately 1,500 souls. The tragic story is so popular that there is now a tourist attraction in Belfast dedicated to the ship.
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but he wasn’t Irish. He was British, kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a teenager. Patrick escaped to Britain, where he studied Christianity before later returning to Ireland as a Christian missionary. St Patrick’s Day is a religious and cultural holiday in Ireland but is also celebrated all around the world. St Patricks Day gifts from Shamrock Gift can be a great way to celebrate the day.
The colour green is closely associated with Irish culture, with the green shamrock being one of the most obvious Irish symbols that you will see everywhere on St Patrick’s Day. A three-leafed plant used by St Patrick in his teachings of the Holy Trinity, the shamrock is considered one of the most popular St Patricks Day gifts – from shamrock socks to shamrock hats or key rings. Around the world, you will see green costumes, green buildings, green beer and even green rivers on the Irish holiday.
The right decorations will add colour to your celebrations. Shamrock Gift (https://www.shamrockgift.com/st-patricks-day) have an eclectic collection of gift ideas.
Pubs are a major part of Irish culture
Traditionally, the church, the pub and the local football club were the three main meeting places in rural Ireland. In most cases, the pub usually followed church or football. The pub is still the place many go to meet up for the “craic” (fun).
Ireland has an incredible history and culture celebrated around the world. How will you join in the celebrations on St Patrick’s Day this year?