Culture of Ireland

An Introduction to Irish Culture

Ring of Kerry

Introduction                      
Ireland is an island country in northwestern Europe with a population of around 5 million people. The climate in Ireland is quite stable with very little temperature fluctuations. Temperatures at around 10 degrees Celcius. The country is known for its stories about leprechauns with pots of gold and Saint Patrick. The people in Ireland are known to be friendly and approachable. Ireland is place full of culture and sights to see. The top tourist spots in Ireland are: 

The Cliffs of Moher, 

Aghadoe Heights,



Kilmainham Gaol,

and some other fanstatic places like the Rock of Cashel, Boyne Valley and Giant's Causeway (as well as Ring of Kerry already pictured above).

Food

Irish people have a diet very much like those of others living in Northern Europe. Their diet consists mainly of meat, cereals and vegetables in most meals. Vegetables like potatoes, cabbages, turnips, carrots, and broccoli are popular vegetables in meals and are usually eaten with other meats like pork and beef. Stews are very popular                                                                      in Ireland and are eaten everywhere.
Other traditional foods include:
-Colcannon
-Steak and Guinness pie  
-Soda bread, 
-'Bacon and Cabbage'
-Barmbrack 

Salmon and shellfish are consumed regularly. Traditional Irish foods like sausages as well as some drinks like beer and Irish whiskey are popular. 

Economy 

Agriculture used to be Ireland's main source of economy but is no longer so due to the industrialisation of the country. Despite this, Ireland remains an agricultural country as it is part of Ireland's reputation. The main industries in Ireland are the food, brewing, textiles, and pharmaceuticals industries. Ireland has gained some reputation for its contributions in fields regarding information technologies and financial support services. 

Education

Trinity College

98% of people aged fifteen and over are literate in Ireland. All five-year-olds are enrolled in primary school with over 3000 primary schools teaching 500,000 children. Most primary schools are linked to Catholic churches and these schools receive funding from the state. Tertiary-educational institutes including universities and colleges are self-governing but do receive funding from the state. About 50% of students attend some form of third-level education. Ireland is famous for its universities which are the University of Dublin also known as Trinity College, the National University of Ireland, the University of Limerick and the Dublin City University.

Religion and Social Etiquette
The official state religion in Ireland (the republic of Ireland) is Chritianity, with up to 82% of the population being Christian. The national holidays are mainly religious holidays such as Saint Patrick's Day, Christmas and Easter. Loud and arrogant behavior is often discouraged in society. Outside of formal introductions greetings are often vocal and not followed by a handshake or kiss unlike other countries. Generosity and reciprocating others are key Irish values in social exchange and communication.

Sources: 
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Ireland.html
https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland
https://www.irishcentral.com/travel/best-of-ireland/top-sites-ireland

-Jennifer Le