Ireland is an island located west of the United Kingdom, with Northern Ireland being part of the UK. Ireland experiences rainy weather which keeps the landscape very green. The flag of Ireland represents Catholics, Protestants, and the hope for peace. St. Patrick's Day is the national holiday celebrated on March 17th to honor the patron saint. While English is most commonly spoken, some Irish Gaelic remains. Folktales and myths help explain geographical formations like the Giant's Causeway. Traditional Irish culture includes music, dance, and celebrating holidays that commemorate Irish heritage and spring.

1. A Powerpoint Presentation by: Trini

2. 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. (Photos from http://www.worldatlas.com)

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

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. 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. (Photo from: http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant01.htm)

11. What do we call stories like this that are very old and have been passed down by word of mouth? Folktales

12. In a few minutes we’re going to read the folktale Fin M’Coul by Tomie DePaola.

13. 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.

14. (From Missy’s Irish Dance Movies: http://www.naebunny.net/dance%20movies.html) Here is a movie of Irish step dancing. The girl in the movie is in 4th grade.

15. 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)

16. Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in America? Many Americans have Irish ancestors, meaning their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents came from Ireland. 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.

17. I hope you enjoyed learning about Ireland and Irish culture. Here are some of the websites I used to make this Powerpoint: http://www.shamrock.org/flash.html http://www.worldatlas.com http://www.charm.net http://www.irish-sayings.com/ http://www.irishhungermartyrs.org http://www.publicmuseum.oshkosh.net/Exhibits/Communities/communities.html http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/ireland.html http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant01.htm http://www.pacificnet.net/~fastoso/causway.html http://www.rogermillington.com/siamsa/brosteve/ http://www.drumdojo.com/world/ireland/bodhranintro.htm http://www.naebunny.net/dance%20movies.html