Ireland Fun Facts - Interesting Facts About Ireland

Ireland, the third largest island in Europe, and the twenty-sixth largest island in the world, covers an area of 70,273 sq km. It is politically separated into two sections: The Republic of Ireland (26 counties), and Northern Ireland (6 counties). Ireland has only 26 land mammal species native to it. The country is home to only three amphibians: the frog, newt and the toad. There are no snakes in the land, and the only reptile present, is the lizard. However, they have around 400 species of birds. It's a land adorned with many rivers and lakes, and is called the Emerald Isle for its beauty and lush greenery.

Interesting Facts About Ireland

• Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland is where the famous ship, the Titanic was built. From the time the ship's keel was laid in 1909, till its launch in 1911, the glorious ship dominated the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast.
• A Dublin theater owner, Richard Daly, is credited with the invention of the word 'quiz', in the 1830s. Richard made a bet, according to which he claimed within a period of 48 hours he would make a nonsense word well known throughout the city. It is believed that Richard distributed cards to his employees with the word quiz written on them. He ordered his employees to write this word across the city walls. Quite a few historians, however, disagree with this fact. According to them, the word 'quiz' already existed during that time. Majority agree that even if the word existed, it did not acquire the meaning it has today: to interrogate or question.
• Irish people greet each other with the expression, "How are you? or "How ye keeping?". By this expression they mean to be polite and expect a brief "Can't complain now, thanks." in reply. They are not looking for the details of one's medical history.
• Gaelic football and hurling are two unique Irish sports popular across the country. Gaelic football is a mix of rugby and soccer, whereas hurling is similar to hockey or lacrosse. Hurling is an ancient Irish game, while Gaelic football is old, but not as old as hurling.
• One of the fun facts about Ireland is the peculiar birthday tradition followed by the people. They hold the birthday child upside down and bump the head slightly on the floor. The bumps correspond to the age of the child and this tradition is done for good luck.
• The Irish census revealed that the most popular boy's name in Ireland is Sean and the most popular girl's name is Emma. Irish people are also known for their sense of humor with respect to death, religion and relationships. The country's first divorce took place in 1997.
• Road signs in this country are bilingual, in English as well as Irish. Most of the signs are in km, however, many are still in miles. People are quite techno-savvy, especially with respect to mobile phones. Ireland houses more mobile phones as compared to people.
• One of the Ireland facts is quite remarkable and is a record holder! The first female president of Ireland was Mary Robinson. Another woman, Mary McAleese succeeded Robinson, and this is the only instance in the world where one female president has been replaced by another.
• Ireland possesses the second longest place name in Europe. The Irish village is called Muckanaghederdauhaulia, meaning 'pig-marsh between two seas'.
• Over 5% of the Irish population are Polish. Moreover, today there are more Polish speakers as compared to the native Irish speakers in the country. There exists around 34 million US residents with Irish ancestry. This is why it's popularly said 'There are more Americans of Irish descent in America than there are Irishmen in Ireland'.
• One of the unusual facts about Ireland is the time when a doctor was buried upright in the coffin. Reason being, he had arthritis in the hips and desired a quick departure when the resurrection came. What a confused soul!
• The constitution of Ireland guarantees freedom of worship. About 88% of the Irish population is Roman Catholic. Irish people celebrate St Patrick's Day (National day) and believe St. Patrick is the one who will judge them on judgment day. Ireland is responsible for the introduction of the rosary and its use.
• A pig living indoors was referred to as a 'gentleman that pays rent' in the olden days.
• Castles in Ireland feature something called a 'murder hole'. This hole was situated close to the entrance, on the roof. The hole comprised daggers, hot liquids, arrows and other dangerous instruments which would be dumped on people who entered, if needed.

What's sad about Ireland is that the country features organized criminal networks that are specialized in trafficking of refugees. Trafficking and prostitution is something of concern that has to be dealt with by the government of Ireland.