Emerald Isle

It is separated from the neighbouring island of Great Britain by the Irish Sea and the North Channel, to the west is the northern Atlantic Ocean and to the south is the Celtic Sea. Ireland has a mild but changeable oceanic climate with few extremes. Ireland has a small flora for a European country because of its small size and lack of geological and ecological variation

Ireland and its division o Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. The population of Ireland is approximately 6.4 million. Just under 4.6 million live in the Republic of Ireland and just over 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland.

Religion o The island was converted to Christianity from the 5th century onward.

Irish History o In the 12th century Norman invasion, England claimed sovereignty over Ireland. English rule did not extend over the whole island until the 16th17th century Tudor conquest. In the early 20th century was followed by the partition of the island Ireland is representative of the Celtic culture

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Official Languages o o Two main languages are spoken in Ireland: Irish and English. Irish, is the official language of the Republic of Ireland. it is divided by linguists into Old Irish from the 6th to 10th century, Middle Irish from the 10th to 13th century, Early Modern Irish until the 17th century, and the Modern Irish spoken today. The main Gaeltacht (Irish spoken areas) are down the west of the country, in Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry. English was introduced as the official language with the Tudor and Cromwellian conquests.

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Irish Music o Unaccompanied vocals are called sean ns ("in the old style"). The words,

which are considered to have as much importance as the melody. o Caoineadh Songs.- a lament song, stresses sorrow and pain barndances

o Traditional dances and tunes include reels, hornpipes and jugs as well as

Traditions and supestition of Irish people: o o o o o o o o Belief in fairy folk. It brings bad luck if you cut a fairy tree. You should never call them Fairies, at least dont say it out loud, they hate that name. Its believed woman that appear to have died in childbirth are taken to live with the fairies. Red-heads are bad luck on a ship Anyone that kills a robin will have a life full of misery. Anyone that kills a robin will have a life full of misery. If your nose is itchy, you will have a fight with someone. The seventh son of a seventh son has the power over all diseases and can cure them by laying hands. If you hear a cuckoo on your right you will have good luck for a year.

Irish Weddings o o o Would you like to be buried with my people? or Would you like to hang your washing next to mine? Traditional proposals Claddagh ring: consists of three key elements: a heart for love, a pair of hands for friendship, and a crown for loyalty. When dancing at the reception, the bride should take care to always keep one foot on the ground. If she has both feet I the air simultaneously, those darn fairies might just spirit her away. The Irish do not buy into the idea than rain on the wedding day is good luck Irish five pence coin from a happy married woman for good luck Ritual of handfasting

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Irish Festivities o St Patricks Day (Patron of Ireland) Celebrated on 17 March.

nvolve public parades and festivals, cilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.

Pan Celtic Festival Better relation between the Celtic nations Celebrated on the week after Easter

Famous Irish Artists o o o o o o o o The Cranberries Two Door Cinema Club Pierce Brosnan Michael Gambon U2 Patrick Brnte Bram Stoker Oscar Wilde Marry when the year is new, Always loving, kind and true. When February birds do mate, You may wed, nor dread your fate. If you wed when March winds blow, Joy and sorrow both you'll know. Marry in April when you can, Joy for maiden and for man. Marry in the month of May, You will surely rue the day. Marry when June roses blow, Over land and sea you'll go. They who in July do wed, Must labor always for their bread.

Whoever wed in August be, Many a change are sure to see. Marry in September's shine, Your living will be rich and fine. If in October you do marry, Love will come but riches tarry. If you wed in bleak November, Only joy will come, remember. When December's showers fall fast, Marry and true love will last.