The flag of Ireland represents Catholics, Protestants, and peace between the two groups. The shamrock symbolizes the Trinity and was used by St. Patrick to explain Christianity. St. Patrick incorporated Celtic symbols and converted many Irish to Christianity in the 5th century. St. Patrick's Day has evolved from a religious holiday to an international celebration held on March 17th.

1. Ireland

2. By Alice White Ireland The Shamrock

3. 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 .

4. Shamrock The shamrock, a green clover, is the unofficial symbol of Ireland. St Patrick used the shamrock, which resembles a three-leafed clover, to help explain the concept of the Trinity (father, son, holy spirit).

5. Ireland May the luck of the Irish be with you.

6. Who was St. Patrick? St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He converted many Irish to Christianity in the fifth century. St. Patrick incorporated traditional Celtic symbols, like the bonfire and the sun , into his Christian teachings. St. Patrick died on March 17 , 462. St. Patrick’s Day is the saint’s feast day and has evolved from a religious holiday to a worldwide celebration .

7. St. Patrick’s Day Symbols The Celtic Cross – a sun (from the Celts) super-imposed on a cross (from the Christians) The shamrock , or “seamroy,” symbolizes the “ rebirth of spring .” It was later adopted as a symbol of Irish nationalism. The leprechaun , or “lobaircin” was a cranky, “small-bodied fellow” of Celtic folklore, given its “cute” features and popularized in the United States by Walt Disney.

8. Leprechauns Leprechauns are little make-believe fairies that live in Ireland. They are the shoemakers for the fairies.

9. 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.

10. It rains a lot in Ireland, making everything very green. It is called “The Emerald Isle. ” And – What does a typical Irish rainstorm look like?

11. The National Holiday is March 17, St. Patrick’s Day , named after the Patron Saint of Ireland.

12. Mary McAleese [ President of Ireland] McAleese is Ireland's second female president and the world's first woman to succeed another woman as an elected head of state . She was first elected president in 1997 & won a second term, without a contest, in 2004. Her birth in Belfast means she is the first President to have come from Northern Ireland . She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders .

13. Sign – was inspired by the Greek letter epsilon , in reference to the cradle of European civilization and the first letter of the word “Europe” . The parallel lines represent the stability of the euro . 3. Eight denominations of euro coins , each having a common side and a national side. Currency [the Euro -7 Notes]

14. 1 cent 2 cents 5 cents 10 cents 20 cents 50 cents 1 Euro 2 Euro coin 8 Euro Coins

15. It can be seen on the presidential flag and on the back of the Irish Euro coin. A Euro is worth about $1.32. The Harp is a symbol of Ireland Presidential Flag

16. Castles and ruins are found all over Ireland.

17. Celtic music uses traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhran (Irish drum).

18. The End