Ireland

Ireland — the Emerald Isle — is known for its lush green landscapes, literary legends, and traditional music.

Interesting facts

• Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle for its lush green landscapes and frequent rainfall.
• The capital city is Dublin, home to over a quarter of the country's population.
• The shamrock is a national symbol, associated with Saint Patrick, who is said to have used it to explain the Holy Trinity.
• Ireland has produced many famous writers, including James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.
• Traditional Irish music, featuring the fiddle and tin whistle, is famous worldwide.
• Ireland has no wild snakes — legend credits Saint Patrick, though scientists say snakes likely never reached the island after the last Ice Age.
• Stunning natural attractions include the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway.
• National sports include Gaelic football and hurling, governed by the Gaelic Athletic Association.
• Ireland is divided between the independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, part of the UK.
• The Republic uses the euro (€); Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£).

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