Some Facts about Ireland

Ireland is always my most favorite country. Here are some interesting facts about Ireland:

Ireland is the name of an island. It is next to the island of Britain. There are two parts of Ireland: Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland is a different country.

Everywhere in Ireland you will see green, in fact Ireland's other name is 'the Emerald Isle'. Green is one of the symbols of Ireland and everybody wears green on Saint Patrick's Day, the Irish national holiday.

The most famous symbol of Ireland is shamrock. It became a symbol because it grows in many places - and it has three leaves. The number three is very special for Irish people - some even believe it is magic.

Another Irish symbol is the harp, and two other traditional instruments are the bagpipes and the fiddle ( 'fiddle' is another word for 'violin'). The Irish are famous for their playing, singing and dancing.

Leprechauns are Irish fairies. They are shoemakers, and they are not very friendly. They also have secret pots of gold. If you find a leprechaun, you can look for his gold, but don't look away from the leprechaun. If you do, he will disappear - and so will the gold! Of course, this only a superstition.

If you sailed west from Ireland you would come to the USA. A hundred years ago, thousands of Irish families left Ireland to look for work. Many of them went to the USA. Today there are many people in the USA with Irish surnames and Irish relatives.

I love Ireland..... <3  <3  <3