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Table of Contents
Ireland is an island country at the westernmost point of Europe. It is the second-largest island in the continent (after Great Britain). Eighty percent of this continent is occupied by the Republic of Ireland, but a sizable portion of the northern region, known as Northern Ireland, is a territory of the United Kingdom. Ireland’s island is divided into 32 counties in total.
See the fact file below for more information on Ireland, or you can download our 28-page Ireland worksheet pack to utilizhttps://kidskonnect.com/holidays-seasons/saint-patricks-day/e within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
INTRODUCTION
- Ireland’s Atlantic coastline boasts stunning scenery and a 2,000-mile (3,200-km) wide oceanfront, and its geographic isolation has aided in the development of a rich history of culture and tradition that was first connected to the Gaelic language.
- Ireland is also famed for its plethora of mythology, from tales of little leprechauns with hidden gold pots to those of the patron saint, Patrick, who is said to have used the three-leafed shamrock as a symbol for the Christian Trinity and is credited with ridding the island of snakes.
IRISH FLAG
- Different tricolor flags and ribbons were representative of Irish nationalism in the 19th century. The colors green (for Roman Catholics), orange (for Protestants), and white were prominently used (for peace between them)
- On December 29, 1937, the constitution officially recognized the tricolor in its current configuration (green, white, and orange). On April 18, 1949, the Republic of Ireland left the British Commonwealth, although the tricolor remained in place.
- The Northern Ireland flag, on the other hand, is the same as the UK.
GEOGRAPHY AND LANDSCAPE
- Ireland is referred to as the Emerald Isle because of its extensive tracts of lush, green landscapes. However, there are also substantial portions of rocky, arid terrain. Ireland was entirely submerged by massive glaciers some 15,000 years ago. Huge swaths of flat limestone ground were left by the migration of these enormous sheets of ice, which removed the soil.
- Ireland’s west coast and midlands are dotted with wet peat bogs, which are the soggy remains of glaciers’ dried-up old lakes. Ireland’s highlands rise primarily in the southwest and frequently end at sheer cliffs that drop thousands of feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ireland is referred to as the Emerald Isle because of its extensive tracts of lush, green landscapes. However, there are also substantial portions of rocky, arid terrain. Ireland was entirely submerged by massive glaciers some 15,000 years ago. Huge swaths of flat, limestone ground were left by the migration of these enormous sheets of ice, which removed the soil.
- Ireland’s west coast and midlands are dotted with wet peat bogs, which are the soggy remains of glaciers’ dried-up old lakes. Ireland’s highlands rise primarily in the southwest and frequently end at sheer cliffs that drop thousands of feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
WILDLIFE AND NATURE
- The Irish have a genuine appreciation of the countryside and the rest of nature. Even the first coins issued by the nation had animal images. The majority of Ireland’s open spaces have remained essentially unaltered due to the country’s low levels of development and pollution.
- Ireland is devoid of snakes living in the wild. Many animals that are found on the continent of Europe cannot get to the island because of the sea. The wood mouse and house mouse are the only two types of wild mice. The common lizard is the sole variety of lizard, and there are only three different kinds of amphibians (the natterjack toad, smooth newt, and common frog).
- Government conservation initiatives safeguard the wildlife of Ireland. The government has created hundreds of national heritage areas across the nation, along with six national parks, to protect natural habitats.
GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMY
- The president, who serves as head of state, and the elected parliament, which passes legislation, make up Ireland’s government. The Taoiseach, whose name translates as “chief” and is the title of the prime minister and leader of the political party with the most members of parliament, is in charge of the government.
- Northern Ireland’s head of government is the British prime minister, and its head of state is the current monarch because it is a part of the United Kingdom. Although the 1920 Government of Ireland Act called for separate parliaments to govern southern and northern Ireland, the partition’s planners believed that Northern Ireland would end up being too tiny to be a viable constitutional entity and would be quickly absorbed into a united Ireland.
HISTORY
- Around 6000 BCE, according to archaeologists, the first settlers arrived in Ireland. Stone tools were being used by settlers to clear cropland by 3500 BCE.
- A diversified and highly developed culture from central Europe known as the Celts started to colonize the island around 700 BCE. They would thrive there for about two thousand years.
- Viking raiders started conducting invasions in Ireland in the ninth century CE. They finally built towns, including Dublin, the nation’s capital, which later developed into some of the major cities. For 200 years, these aggressive newcomers engaged the Celts in frequent battles before the Battle of Clontarf, which took place in 1014, helped to unite the nation. However, the state of peace quickly collapsed, and Ireland was split into numerous kingdoms.
- Early in the 1600s, England adopted Protestant as its official religion, while the majority of Irish people continued to practice Roman Catholicism. As a result, tensions would rise, sparking a revolt and Ireland’s independence.
- British legislation that discriminated against Catholics in the 1820s prompted a widespread campaign for Irish independence. Many of the regulations were changed in 1829, but Ireland still desired independence. The Irish Free State was established within the British Empire in 1922 as a result of violent revolutions.
- Six predominantly Protestant counties in the northeast of Ireland remained a British dominion after the majority of Ireland gained independence in 1948.
CULTURE
- Myths and Folk Tales. Halloween arrived in America at the same time as the Irish and Scots. Samhain, a Gaelic celebration, served as its inspiration. People believed that around this time of year, the gap between this world and the one beyond was particularly thin, allowing the dead to visit the living.
- Literature. Irish is the oldest language in Europe after Greek and Latin; the country’s first poems date back to the sixth century. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney are four Irish Nobel laureates.
- Music. Traditional Irish music and the nation’s pub culture are unparalleled. You are welcome to take part in this family and community gathering. There are many music festivals, and despite the 1960s shift from Irish music to American and British rock and roll, Ireland responded as it always has to outside influences. The new was incorporated with the conventional.
- Dance. Irish step-dancing classes became quite popular after the success of Riverdance in America. The Book of Kells was used as inspiration for the embroidered motifs on the outfits. Dance was taught by dance teachers who toured Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries, drawing inspiration from French quadrilles and English country dancing. Dance developed to the point where it was crucial to Irish culture and nationalist activities.
- Art. Ancient and contemporary Irish art frequently features Celtic knots. These visuals, which have no beginning or end, symbolize the enduring character of allegiance, friendship, and faith. They have been engraved on old gravestones all around the nation, where they are now frequently worn as jewelry.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Titanic, a luxury steamship, was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
- Dublin Mean Time, which was established at Dunsink Observatory between 1880 and 1916, served as the city’s official time. Greenwich Mean Time was 25 minutes and 21 seconds ahead of this time (GMT).
- Although you might think of Ireland as having just one national symbol—the shamrock—it actually has two: the harp and the shamrock. Ireland is the only country in the world whose national emblem is a musical instrument.
- Saint Patrick, who served as Ireland’s patron, wasn’t Irish. He was from the UK. He was abducted by Irish pirates when he was a teenager and made to herd sheep as a slave. At this time, he turned to God.
- Ireland is where the renowned Guinness beer is from. It had its beginnings in the Arthur Guinness brewery in Dublin, which the company had leased for 9,000 years rather than really owning. (The business later acquired the renowned St. James’s Gate Brewery.)
- Muckanaghederdauhaulia (pronounced as muk-an-hand-ra-do-dauter-hal-i-a) is Ireland’s longest place name. It is a 470-acre townland in Ireland’s County Galway’s Kilcummin civil parish.
- Of all the nations in the world, Ireland has the highest number of people with red hair. According to estimates, the red hair population in Ireland is over 10%. For instance, in Southern Europe, that amounts to around 1%.
Ireland Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Ireland across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Ireland, an island country at the westernmost point of Europe. It is the second-largest island in the continent (after Great Britain).
COMPLETE LIST OF INCLUDED WORKSHEETS
Below is a list of all the included worksheets in this document.
- Ireland Facts
- PM is the Chief
- Irish Symbols
- Irish Trivia
- Irish Truth
- Power of Two
- Irish Time
- Famous Irish
- Flag Ceremony
- So You Think You Can Riverdance?
- My Celtic Knot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom and is located in the northeast part of the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland, also known as simply Ireland, is an independent country that covers the majority of the island of Ireland, except for Northern Ireland. While they share some cultural similarities, the two regions have distinct political and legal systems. Northern Ireland is governed by the UK government, while the Republic of Ireland has its government and legal system.
What is the landscape like in Ireland?
Ireland’s diverse landscape includes rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, mountains, and lakes. The west coast of Ireland is mainly known for its rugged beauty, with the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands being popular tourist destinations. The Wicklow Mountains and the Connemara region are famous for their scenic beauty. The countryside is dotted with ancient ruins, castles, and monasteries, adding to the overall charm of the landscape.
What is the climate like in Ireland?
Ireland has a temperate climate that the Gulf Stream influences. The weather can be changeable, with rain and wind being common. The average temperature in Ireland is around 9°C (48°F) in winter and 19°C (66°F) in summer. In some areas, particularly along the west coast, it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day.
What are some famous cultural traditions in Ireland?
Ireland is known for its rich cultural heritage, including a strong music, dance, and storytelling tradition. The use of instruments such as the fiddle, the uilleann pipes, and the bodhrán characterizes traditional Irish music. Irish dancing is also famous, with the Riverdance troupe achieving international fame. St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated on March 17th, is one of Ireland’s most famous cultural traditions and is celebrated with parades, parties, and lots of green.
What are some popular tourist destinations in Ireland?
Some of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations include Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Galway. Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and is known for its historical landmarks, museums, and nightlife. The Cliffs of Moher are a dramatic natural landmark attracting visitors from around the world, while the Ring of Kerry is a scenic driving route that offers stunning coastline views. The Giant’s Causeway is a geological wonder that features unique basalt columns, and the city of Galway is known for its lively music scene and colorful buildings.
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Link will appear as Ireland Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 26, 2023
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.