Ireland is famous for its green landscapes and warm hospitality. However, the Emerald Isle holds ancient secrets that predate the pyramids. For instance, the festival of Halloween actually originated here thousands of years ago. Furthermore, the country is the only nation in the world that uses a musical instrument as its national symbol. Consequently, a trip to this island reveals much more than just pubs and rain. Therefore, get ready to explore the land of saints and scholars. You will fall in love with its charm.
Ireland
St. Patrick was not actually Irish. Surprisingly, raiders kidnapped him from Roman Britain (modern-day Wales) and brought him to Ireland as a slave.
Halloween began in Ireland. Specifically, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the beginning of winter, and this tradition eventually evolved into modern Halloween.
Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease. In 1759, the brewer secured the St. James’s Gate property in Dublin for an annual rent of £45.
The harp is the national symbol. Uniquely, Ireland is the only country in the world that uses a musical instrument as its official national emblem.
No snakes exist on the island. While legends say St. Patrick drove them out, scientists confirm that the Ice Age actually prevented them from ever reaching the land.
Dublin holds the remains of St. Valentine. Remarkably, the Whitefriar Street Church claims to house the heart of the patron saint of love.
The population never recovered from the famine. Tragically, the population today is still lower than it was before the Great Famine of the 1840s.
Workers built the Titanic in Belfast. Although the ship sank, the city takes great pride in the engineering marvel they constructed at the Harland and Wolff shipyard.
Ireland possesses the oldest pub in the world. According to records, Sean’s Bar in Athlone opened its doors in 900 AD and still serves drinks today.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal drive. In fact, this route stretches for 2,500 kilometers along the rugged west coast of the country.
Bram Stoker came from Dublin. Consequently, Irish folklore and local legends about the “undead” likely inspired his famous novel, Dracula.
The White House designer was Irish. James Hoban, an architect from Kilkenny, won the competition to design the presidential mansion in Washington, D.C.
You can find polar bear bones in caves. Thousands of years ago, wild polar bears roamed the Irish landscape before the climate warmed.
They have a town with a very long name. Specifically, Muckanaghederdauhaulia in County Galway holds the title for the longest place name in the country.
Finally, Irish is the first official language. Although most people speak English daily, the constitution recognizes Gaeilge as the primary national language.
