Irish Culture By: A. Student

Food Many fresh vegetables, fresh dairy products, breads, and seafood are widely available in Ireland. Potatoes are a main food. Irish stew, Irish lamb, and smoked salmon are considered Irish specialties. Pig feet and colcannon, a cooked mixture of potatoes and cabbage, are other delicacies. The main dinner meats are chicken, pork, beef, and lamb.

Shelter Bungalows are one-storey structures that can be built relatively cheaply. They have started to replace more traditional and fancier looking houses. The Irish have realized that bungalows provide an opportunity for people to buy their own homes. Bungalows are a middle-class Irish living. Housing estates are a recent trend. They provide a more affordable option to city living. Many of these newly built housing estates remain unoccupied and have become a symbol of Ireland’s recent economic troubles. Thatched-roof cottages can still be found in some rural areas but are no longer built today. Many families have resort homes for vacations.

Religion Religion Roman Catholic takes up about 87% of the populations religion. About 3% belongs to the Anglican church in Ireland. The other 10% is made up of many other beliefs or they do not have any religion at all. Freedom of religion is guaranteed. Attendance at religious services has been dropping.

Family/Community Structures In Ireland, the average family has 2 children. In recent years the number of single-parent families has increased. Family bonding is very important in Ireland. Extended families usually live close by each other. Sunday dinners are a common tradition with extended family members. It is becoming more popular for both parents to work in order to provide for the family with the rising cost of living. Irish women stay at home so they are able to care for their children more often then in other European countries. Many younger women are still becoming more career oriented.

Language The Irish-Gaelic language, also just Irish, is the official first language. It is related to the Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton. Irish-Gaelic is spoken on a daily basis in Irish-speaking communities. English is recognized as Ireland’s second language. It is the language of instruction in schools. Road signs are written in both languages.

Education Education is necessary for students between 5 and 15 years old. Primary school goes from age 5 through 12. Secondary school is divided into two cycles. The junior cycle is age and the senior cycle is age The percentage of students who complete secondary school is nearly 90%. The government provides free education in primary and secondary schools while the students pay for textbooks and uniforms. English, Irish, and math are required classes in secondary school. The remaining 4-5 classes are based on their interests.

Security/Protection Security/Protection Irish defense forces: Army, Naval Services, Air Corps. Males available for military service between the age 16-49: 1,179,125 Females available: 1,163,728 Males fit for military service between the age 16-49: 977,631 Females fit: 965,900

Political & Social Organization They have a seven year term President and a Prime Minister called a Taoiseach. Their legislature has 166 House of Representatives (Dail) and 60 Senate (Seanad) members. They have a Supreme Court. Political parties must have at least 40% women and 40% men candidates.

Creative Expressions Literature is a major part of the Irish culture. The country has produced many well-known writers, such as George Bernard Shaw and William Butler Yeats. Irish literature is written in Gaelic and English. Much of the traditional folklore records genealogy or tells stories of ghosts and fairies. The writers have been inspired by the country’s mythology and history.

Creative Expressions Ireland’s musical traditions are thousands of years old. History was passed on by songs with historical and patriotic themes. Traditional Irish music that are often blended with modern forms is popular all around the world. Flutes, bagpipes, fiddles, harps, and penny whistles are common instruments. Some successful modern musicians include U2, Sinead O’Connor, and the Cranberries.

Creative Expressions Many Irish enjoy handicrafts such as knitting and embroidery. Irish craftsmen are creating modern designs with an Irish twist to it.