Ireland Austin Halowell

Colors of the Irish flag Green The green stripe on the left of the flag is a traditional Celtic color, signifying Ireland's Celtic history. Orange The orange stripe on the right represents William of Orange, the Dutch prince who became King William III of England after the Catholic James II was deposed in the 17th century. A protestant who also ruled over Ireland, he still was viewed with tolerance by most of Ireland. White The white stripe in the middle of the Irish flag represents the cooperation, or truce, between the historic Celtic tradition of Ireland and the English, protestant William of Orange.

Irish facts Nationality: Noun--Irishman, Irishwoman. Population (April 2009): 4,459,300. Cities: Capital--Dublin (pop. 506,211). Other cities--Cork (119,418), Galway (72,414), Limerick (52,539), Waterford (45,748). Population breakdown: 0-14 years (20%), 15-24 years (15%), 25-44 years (32%), 45-64 years (22%), 65 years and over (11%). Population growth rate (2009 est.): 0.8%. Ethnic groups: Irish, with English minority. Religions: Roman Catholic 86.8%; Church of Ireland 3%; Presbyterian 0.5%; Methodist 0.25%; Muslim 1%; Jewish 0.1%; other 8.35%. Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic). Education: Compulsory up to age 16. Enrollment rates--first (primary) level 498,914; second (high school and vocational) level 341,312; third (university and college) level 139,134. Literacy--99%. Health: Infant mortality rate--3.71/1,000. Life expectancy at birth--male 76.8 yrs., female 81.6 yrs. Work force: Services--74%, industry--21%, agriculture--5%

Irish Sayings An Irishman has an abiding sense of tragedy which sustains him through temporary periods of joy. The Irish forgive their great men when they are safely buried. If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at who He gives it to!

Drinking quote Frank Sinatra said, "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy." Well, the Irish certainly love their drink. Is it any wonder then that even their coffee has alcohol? You can see the Irish fondness for alcohol in Irish drinking quotes and toasts. To know how much an Irishman loves his drink, you can read any Irish drinking song. It is tough not to be intoxicated with these Irish drinking quotes.

Ireland Map

Irish Phrases English Phrases Irish Phrases English Greetings   English Greetings Irish Greetings: Hi! Hóigh! Good morning! Dia duit ar maidin! Good evening! Tráthnóna maith duit! Welcome! (to greet someone) Fáilte romhat! How are you? Cad é mar atá tú? / Conas atá tú? I'm fine, thanks! Tá mé go maith, go raibh maith agat! And you? Agus tú féin? Good/ So-So. Go maith / measartha. Thank you (very much)! Go raibh (míle) maith agat! You're welcome! (for "thank you") Níl a bhuiochas ort! Hey! Friend! Hóigh! Cara! I missed you so much! Chronaigh mé thú an oiread sin! What's new? Céard atá nuacht? Nothing much Dada mórán. Good night! Oíche mhaith duit! See you later! Feicfidh mé roimh i bhfad thú! Good bye! Slán! / Slán agat! Irish Phrases

Irish holiday, June holiday Lá Saoire i mí Mheitheamh The first Monday in June. Previously observed as Whit Monday until 1973.

Beer Braised Irish Stew and Colcannon St. Patrick's Day dinner doesn't have to feature corned beef. An Irish beef stew, richly flavored with dark beer, braises to tenderness with carrots and onions. The stew is served with a scoop of traditional potato and cabbage colcannon.  

Blarney Castle Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are eighteen feet thick in places. The famous Blarney Stone is embedded in the Battlements. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing. Open from June to September and located in Cork.

Currency/dress/symbols 1 Euro = 1.4492 U.S. dollars