Ireland is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. It has 4 provinces and 32 counties. The flag represents Catholics (green), Protestants (orange), and peace (white) between the two groups. The Giant's Causeway formed from an ancient volcanic eruption. Ireland has many historic castles and popular sports include hurling, Gaelic football, and fishing. Traditional Irish food includes breakfast, fish and chips, soups, and stews. St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday celebrated on March 17th. Famous Irish symbols are the leprechaun and shamrock, and Ireland has a rich cultural history of music, dance, and folklore.

1. Ireland

2. Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea.

3. 4 Provinces and 32 Counties

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

5. It rains a lot making everything very green. It is often called “The Emerald Isle.”

6. 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.

7. CASTLES IN IRELAND ROSS CASTLEASHFORD CASTLEBUNRATTY CASTLE MALAHIDE CASTLETRIM CASTLE

8. SPORTSHurlingGaelicFootballSoccerFishingGreyhoundRacing

9. FOOD IrishbreakfastFish and chipssconesLeaksoupIrishStew

10. NationalHolidaysThe National Holiday is March 17, St. Patrick’s Day,

11. Irish SymbolsTheleprechaunTHE SHAMROCKLegendssaytheleaveswill stand uprightwhen a stormapproaches

12. and that no snakewillbefoundamongthem.

13. When St. Patrick cametoIreland he usedtheShamrocktosymbolizethemeaning of thechurch'steachingonthe Trinity. CLADDAG RINGMeaning:Hands….. Friendship

14. TheHeart…… Love

15. TheCrown……. loyaltyTheCeltic Cross

16. MusicfiddleMusic has always been an important part of Irish life. Irish music is produced with instruments like ….the uilleann pipethe whistlethe bodhranIrishHarp

17. FamousIrishPeopleWriterOscar Wilde(1854.1900)WriterJames Joyce-Ulysses(1882.1941)SingerBono,U2SingerEnyaActorPierce Brosnan