Fun Facts about Ireland

Ireland, an island located to the northwest of Europe, is one of the largest islands in the world. Known for its picturesque beauty, lush green scenery and peculiar culture, Ireland is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Apart from rugby and golf, the stout is one of the trademarks of Ireland. The Celts are also believed to have lived in Ireland in ancient times. There are several other interesting and fun facts about Ireland. Let us take a look at them in detail.

Interesting Ireland Facts

• Ireland is known as the Emerald Island, thanks to its lush greenery.
• In Ireland, lakes are called loughs (pronounced as locks) e.g. Lough Mourne.
• The Gaelic is the commonly spoken language in Ireland, next to Irish and English.
• St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in around 430 BC.
• The St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland on March 17th which is a national holiday and a feast day.
• The St. Patrick's Day Parade also takes place on march 17th where people gather together in Dublin to witness it.
• The Irish believe that on Judgment day, Jesus Christ will be the judge of all people, but, St. Patrick will be the judge of the Irish.
• The introduction and use of rosary was first made in Ireland.
• Majority of the Irish population are Roman Catholics.
• The Constitution of Ireland grants freedom of worship to all the citizens in the country.
• There are nearly 8 times more Polish speakers in Ireland than Gaelic speakers.
• Many castles in Ireland have 'murder hole' in the roof close to the entrance of the castle. This hole was used to dump daggers or hot liquids on enemies.
• Not a single snake is found in Ireland. On the other hand, the only reptile found is the lizard.
• One of the best Ireland facts is that in old times, a pig that lived indoors was referred to as, 'the gentleman that pays the rent'!
• The Irish Police force, are unarmed, but, the detectives always carry firearms.
• According to the Irish laws, there is no death penalty found in Ireland.
• George Bernard Shaw, Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W. B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, Richard Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Alec Baldwin, Cillian Murphy, Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Harrison Ford and Colin Farrell are some of the famous Irish.
• Ireland is also very popular as the home of pop music with Westlife, Horslips, Boyzone, Thin Lizzy, Clannad, Boomtown Rats, The Corrs, The Cranberries, Ronan Keating, Gilbert O'Sullivan, etc. as some of the famous bands.
• James Hoban, an Irish, designed the White House in Washington.
• According to the Irish birthday traditions, people hold the birthday child upside down and bump the head slightly on the floor. The bumps correspond to the age of the child. It is believed that this tradition brings good luck.
• The number of cell phones in Ireland is more than the number of people.
• Most of the Irish family names start with 'Mac' or 'O'...", which literally means 'son of ...' and 'grandson of ...' respectively in Gaelic.
• The rugby, hurling and soccer are the most loved sports in Ireland.
• The Celtic knot is one of the most famous Irish symbols that stands for continuity of life. Apart from this, the harp, the Shamrock, and the Irish wolfhound are some other famous symbols that belong typically to Ireland.
• The Blarney Stone, which according to the legend, when kissed, gives the person ability of eloquence. Every year, millions of visitors visit and kiss this legendary stone.
• Titanic, the Unsinkable ship, which sunk in its maiden voyage, was made in Ireland.

Reading these Ireland fun facts will make you want to visit this country. If you wish to know more about this beautiful nation, it is only wise to visit it once and explore many interesting aspects about it. Ciao!