The harp, also known as the national symbol of Ireland, the Celtic cross, the shamrock and the Irish wolfhound are all well known Irish symbols.

Religion...

The majority of the Irish population are Roman Catholic (88%).

National language...

Gaelic is Ireland's national language. Only in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas of Ireland will you find that Irish is used as the everyday language. In all other parts of Ireland, English is the spoken language.

Music...

Ireland's most famous musical export would have to be U2, closely followed by The Boomtown Rats, Thin Lizzy and more recently Boyzone and Westlife.

Hollywood factor...

The cream of the crop includes Richard Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell.

The world of literature...

To our credit, Ireland has produced Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, Maeve Binchy and Celia Aherne.

Patron Saint...

Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland in around 430. St Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland, and indeed all over the world, on March 17th.

Our capital - Dublin...

Dublin was founded by the Vikings in 988 and was originally called Dubh Linn (which means Black Pool in Irish).

First Saint Patrick's Day parade...

Boston was the proud host with an event organised by the Charitable Irish Society in 1737.

The White House...

James Hoban, a Kilkenny born architect, won a competition to design the original White House.

Famous outlaws...

Grace O'Malley (Queen of the Pirates) operated off the west coast of Ireland and Ned Kelly (son of an Irish convict) was an infamous Australian outlaw.

Highest mountain...

Killarney, County Kerry is home to the highest mountain - Carrantouhill, part of the mountain range the McGillycuddy Reeks.

Longest river...

The river Shannon rises in County Cavan and is approximately 240 miles long. It contains 3 lakes, Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg.

Irish delicacies...

Drisheen is a type of pudding made from cow's, pigs or sheeps blood. White pudding is a mixture of pork, cereal, bread, fat and suet. Periwinkles are sea snails boiled in salted water.

Guinness...

To trip to Ireland would be complete without sampling a pint of the black stuff! It's said that no matter where you go in the world, only in Ireland will you be served the most velvety, and creamiest pint of the "black stuff".

Bailey's Irish Cream...

This hugely popular liquor has been around since the '70's.

Irish pubs...

Stumble upon a "trad night", throw in the customary singsong, a bit of Irish dancing and you're in for a crackin' evening!

A sporting nation...

Irish people are very passionate about Gaelic games - football, hurling, rounders, handball and camogie. Rugby and soccer are also very well supported in Ireland.

The great outdoors...

The Cavan Way, The Dingle Way and The Kerry Way are just some of the country's scenic walking routes that offer a great opportunity to sample Ireland's breathtaking countryside.

Sense of humour...

There's nothing like the Irish sense of humour, wit and play with words. Have a look at the below examples:

"not backwards in coming forwards" - means a person is not shy.

"no flies on him" - means a person is not easily deceived.

"she has a tongue that would clip a hedge" - means a person who gossips.

"come for a day and stay for a week" - means someone outstaying their welcome.

Just a few facts to ponder over - for a small island we certainly have a lot going for us!

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

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