Ireland is an island west of the United Kingdom. It has a mostly green landscape due to frequent rain. Northern Ireland is part of the UK while the Republic of Ireland is independent. The Irish flag represents Catholics, Protestants, and peace between the two. St. Patrick's Day is Ireland's national holiday on March 17th. While English is mainly spoken, some speak Gaelic as well. Common Irish symbols include the harp, shamrock, and Celtic designs that represent traditional Irish culture, music, dance and history.

2. (Photos from http://www.worldatlas.com)
Ireland is west of the United Kingdom (England,
Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland is part of
the United Kingdom. Ireland is across the
Atlantic Ocean from the U.S.

3. It rains a lot in
Ireland, making
everything very
green. It is often
called “The
Emerald Isle.”
Photo by David Holmes: http://www.charm.net

4. The flag of Ireland is green, white and
orange. The green represents Catholics,
the orange is for Protestants, and the white
symbolizes the hope for peace between the
two groups.

5. The National Holiday is March 17, St.
Patrick’s Day, named after the Patron
Saint of Ireland.
(Photo from:http://www.irishhungermartyrs.org/)

6. Most people in Ireland speak
English, but a few still speak
Gaelic. You might hear
someone say “Erin go bragh”
on St. Patrick’s Day, which is
Gaelic for “Ireland forever.”
(Sound file from: http://www.irish-sayings.com/)

7. (Photo from: http://www.publicmuseum.oshkosh.net/Exhibits/Communities/communities.html) (Photos from: http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/ireland.html)
The harp is a symbol of Ireland. It can be seen
on the presidential flag and on the back of the
Irish Euro coin. A Euro is worth about $1.32.

8. The shamrock is another
symbol of Ireland. It is
always worn on St. Patrick’s
Day.

9. Castles and ruins are found all over
Ireland.

10. (Photo from: http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant01.htm)
The Giant’s Causeway is a mass of
stone columns that extend from a cliff
in Northern Ireland and disappear
under the sea towards Scotland. They
were formed by a volcanic eruption 60
million years ago. However, the
ancients believed it to be the work of a
giant named Fin M’Coul.

11. The Celts, warriors from
western Europe, controlled
Ireland for 1000 years. Today
the term “celtic” is often used to
refer to anything traditionally
Irish, such as celtic music and
celtic dance. Dance, music,
holidays, and traditions are all
part of a people’s culture.

12. Celtic music uses
traditional instruments
such as the fiddle, tin
whistle, and bodhran
(Irish drum).
(Animated photo from: http://www.drumdojo.com/world/ireland/bodhranintro.htm)

13. Why do we celebrate
St. Patrick’s Day ?
•It’s fun to celebrate
holidays from around the
world. Even if you’re not
Irish, you can enjoy
celebrating the holiday by
wearing green, which is
also a sign of spring.

14. HAPPY S. PATRICK´S DAY