Gradually, Ireland is gaining the taste of Brazilians and becoming one of the favorite destinations. The main reason? A friendly and party people in a country that knows how to welcome those who come from abroad. In addition, more affordable prices and all over Europe at your disposal! We are pleased to present everything about Ireland.
Official language
Ireland has two official languages, Gaelic and English. Since the end of the 19th century, English has been the most widely spoken language in Ireland. In addition to these two, it is possible to find a large number of people who speak Russian, French, German, Polish and Mandarin, due to the large number of emigrants who have made Ireland their home.
The Irish flag is a separate point. Irish people often call it the “Irish tricolor”. The national flag of Ireland is rectangular in shape and consists of 3 vertical stripes of the same size. The left stripe is green, the middle stripe is white and the right stripe is orange.
The colors of the flag represent:
- Green: Ireland’s Gaelic tradition and also republicanism;
- White: represents the desire for peace;
- Orange: the followers of William III, of Orange – who was king of England and Ireland in the late 17th century.
The origin of the Irish flag, in its shape and colors, dates back to the 1910s. It was the Irish Republic itself that created it during the war of independence from England.
Geography
To begin with, a brief geopolitical contextualization for those who have lost this information at some point in their lives: the capital of Ireland is Dublin , while that of Northern Ireland is Belfast . Yes, they are two different countries since 1921, when the island was divided. In this region, the most popular destinations among foreign students are Dublin , Galway , Cork and Limerick , all belonging to Ireland , which has a total population of approximately 4.5 million.
The first natives arrived in the country at least 9 thousand years ago. So much history is reflected in the buildings of the cities, which carry a medieval fairytale atmosphere. Castles, countryside, stone buildings give the country a special charm. Virtually everything about Ireland has a very important historical context and connotation, centered on centuries of construction.
Climate
The not-so-nice part: who chooses Ireland as their destination should prepare for gray, cold and rainy days. The climate is heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream and ocean winds, which are responsible for bringing many clouds to the island. So, prepare the scarf: the average temperatures are 4 ° C in winter and 16 ° C in summer, approximately.
St. Patricks’s Day
But even the cold does not bring the mood down. Pubs, beers, festivals, music and parties are in charge of breaking the naturally depressing mood. The country is home to the very traditional St. Patrick’s Day , an annual celebration that takes to the streets in every corner; the Guinness, one of the most famous beers in the world, also appeared in Ireland, and has become a kind of symbol-drink celebrations among friends; it was in Dublin that Bono Vox and his friends created a rock band called U2 , which played their first chords in the city’s pubs.
All this to reinforce that the animation runs in the vein of the Irish and infects everyone who passes by. Allow yourself to be infected as well. Now you know almost everything about Ireland. You will only discover everything when you land in a country that will provide you with one of the best experiences of your life.
Irish Culture
The country is based on the fascinating Celtic culture, a group of peoples that spread across Europe and inspired many cultural manifestations and well-known characters. Among them are some characters from the comics “Asterix” and “Hagar”, the Terrible, and the animation “Valente”.
Ireland’s Top Tourist Attractions
Ireland’s stunning landscapes alone are already a very interesting tourist attraction. But the country offers much more!
Trim Castle
Trim Castle is a beautiful ruined medieval castle. But the fact that it has not been preserved so well over time gives it a special charm. The location is one of the most popular attractions in Ireland and was the scene of the box office success of Coração Valente.
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle, a beautiful medieval building located in the county of Kilkenny, in southwest Ireland, is well worth visiting. Built in 1190, it is a true journey through the country’s history and culture.
Newgrange
Newgrange is an archaeological site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Dating from the Neolithic period, it is one of the oldest places in Europe and thus one of the most important. The site is part of the Boyne Valley Archaeological Ensemble .
The most visited cities in the country
In addition to Dublin, Ireland has important cities, which are also sought after by people who wish to spend time in the country, such as those who come to exchange in Ireland .
1. Limerick
It is the youngest city in the country. The region is characterized by preserving its medieval past in its buildings. It is a city that the average inhabitants are under 30 years old. So you can imagine what fun is not lacking in Limerick.
The city has many pubs, theaters, exuberant views, theaters, museums and many dance spaces. The city also has a strong tradition in rugby sports and Gaelic football.
Limerick is also highly sought after for student exchange. The city is much calmer and the cost of living is lower than Dublin. A curiosity about Limerick is the fact that it is known as the grayest city in Ireland. On average, she receives no more than 3 hours of sunshine a day. In other words, not everyone adapts to this condition.
Some tips of attractions in Limerick
- The Hunt Museum: the museum has one of the most beautiful collections of arts and antiques in Ireland. There you can contemplate both prehistoric pieces and more recent works, such as by Picasso, Renoir and Leonardo Da Vinci;
- King João’s Castle : this is the most authentic and beautiful medieval building in Limerick. The construction dates back almost a century;
- Santa Maria Cathedral: located in the city center and with a majestic building. It was built around 1168.
2. Galway
Another prominent Irish city is Galway – considered the most bohemian region in the country. Galway is located in Western Ireland, just 210 km from Dublin. It is a coastal city on the west coast of the country, with century-old buildings – some dating back to periods before 1270.
Highlight also for the beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. It is also worth mentioning the famous arts festival that takes place in the city, super colorful shops, very narrow streets and full of alleys – in addition to historic buildings with castles, palaces, old pubs and churches.
University City
The city of The city has a lively atmosphere and is very popular with students. Want to know why? Several renowned universities are based in Galway.
The city of Galway is rich in historic attractions that express all Irish culture and tradition. The city of Galway is also known as the “City of Equals”. This is due to the diversity found, and the message of respect and understanding promoted by the residents.
Walking through medieval streets it is quite common to find musicians playing Celtic songs. In fact, the city is very musical and engaging. Walking through Galway is a return to ancient times.
One of Galway’s symbols is the Spanish Arch. It was built in 1584, and was part of the walls that protected the city.
Visiting the Galway Museum is a must
Those who visit the city cannot fail to visit the Galway Museum, which has special relics, such as the “ civic sword of Galway ”. The sword is from the time of the king ” James I ” and ” the big apple ” – a piece of great historical and cultural value and that the country has in it as a representation of power. The object is dated 1710.
The museum also offers the opportunity to get to know historical objects, from the period of the caves, going through the medieval period to arrive at more current works.
Other attractions in Galway
The Atlanta Aquaria is also a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Galway. The aquarium has more than 170 species of marine animals in fresh and salt water. In it you can see rays, sharks, beautiful starfish and skeletons of whales.
In addition, the city offers Kylemore Abbey – which is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. It is a beautiful cylindrical castle, located on the edge of a lake. The construction dates from the year 1867.
3. Cork
Cork is located in southwest Ireland and is 250 km from Dublin. It is the second largest city in Ireland, with a population of 120,000. It is a city that is proud to have been the scene of great battles and that has hosted many revolutionaries. Currently, however, it is a peaceful region.
The infrastructure that the city offers is very good, which is why it is very popular for exchange. The main Irish universities are located in Cork, which is why the city is busy and rich in cultural and leisure options.
An attraction worth visiting is the Cathedral of Saint Fin Barre. It is a perfect example of French neo-Gothic architecture in Ireland. The wealth of details in marble, stained glass and mosaics is impressive.
It offers several museums and tourist attractions, being considered the cultural capital of Europe in 2005.
In the city, there are several presentations and festivals of typical dances, arts and craft beers. Also noteworthy are the historic buildings, churches and castles.
Tips of what to visit in Cork
- Jameson distillery: whoever thinks that Scotch is good whiskey, needs to taste this Irish wonder;
- Cork City Gaol: this is an interesting tour, as it is an old prison dating from the 19th century. The building, however, resembles a castle;
- Cork Museum: built in 1845, with more than 70 thousand square meters of beautiful gardens. It also features objects and pieces of art that tell the history of the city.
4. Malahide
It is also a very popular city for tourists and worth visiting. It is just 15 km from Dublin. It is an extremely cozy city – where you can find everything from castles to beaches. If you are in Dublin it is very easy to get to Malahide. There are two ways to get there: you can go by bus or train.
You can not miss the Gardens, which are the beautiful gardens and squares distributed throughout the city. In addition to golf and cricket courses. But the highlight of the city is really the big castle that receives a huge amount of tourists. Old objects and the beautiful medieval construction are the highlights.
Visit the Malahide Botanical Garden
In addition, it is also worth visiting the botanical garden of Malahide, which features thousands of species of plants and flowers. A beautiful walk.
5. Bray
Located less than 30 minutes from Dublin, Bray is ideal for those who want to live and study in a small town with a beach, but still want to be close to all the facilities and advantages of Dublin.
The Gate to the Gardens of Ireland
Bray is considered the “ gate to the gardens of Ireland ” and has a population of approximately 20 thousand people. It is located just 20 km from Dublin.
The city has an interior structure. And as it is close to Dublin it is like an extension of the Irish capital. Most of the city’s inhabitants study and work in Dublin.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is a gift for art admirers. The site houses works from different parts of Europe, by masters such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Velázquez and Vermeer and is located in the capital, Dublin.
Temple Bar
Some of the best pubs in Europe are gathered in this area. A must visit for anyone who wants to know more about Dublin’s nightlife and festivities, and, of course, enjoy a good beer, one of the main Irish customs.
Dublin Tourist Attractions
The capital also offers other interesting tourist attractions, such as parks and museums. Among the tours that I find unmissable are the visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle .
1. Phoenix Park
Another attraction is the beautiful Phoenix Park , which has 707 hectares. It dates from the 1600s and is about 30% covered with trees. It is also home to many animals that can be seen by those who walk in the park.
2. Dublin Zoo
In addition, within the Phoenix Park is located the Dublin Zoo – one of the most complete zoos in Europe. Accommodates thousands of animal species.
3. Temple Bar
In Dublin we also have the Temple Bar, which is an area formed by several blocks and is known as the “ cultural quarter ”. Many tourists here are looking for fun.
The region has several restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, pubs, among other attractions. It is a popular area at night, both for residents and tourists.
Irish cuisine
The following is a list of delicious typical foods that you can not miss while you are in Ireland!
- Irish Breakfast: composed of items such as fried eggs, beans, toast and black pudding, the hearty meal is known to help you recover from any hangovers.
- Irish Stew : nothing more than a stew of meat, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables. Very full-bodied, the dish is ideal for the harsh Irish winters.
- Irish Coffee : created in the 1940s, the drink is still popular in Ireland and also in many parts of the world. In addition to coffee, Irish Coffee takes whiskey and whipped cream in its preparation.
- Seafood Chowder : is a soup made of fish and / or seafood, and the recipe also includes milk. It is a dish widely consumed in the summer.
- Soda Bread: is the most popular bread in Ireland. It is a very simple recipe and its main feature is that its dough does not contain yeast, but baking soda. This bread is usually eaten with butter or as a side dish for soups.
- Guinness Stew : a meat dish with carrots, very well seasoned with parsley, garlic, pepper and Guinness beer. In general, Guinness Stew is served on top of mashed potatoes.
- Poitín : Poitín is a very traditional distilled drink from Ireland, based on malt and potatoes, whose alcohol content can reach up to 95%. For a long time this drink was considered illegal, and today only two distilleries are authorized to produce Poitín.
Curiosities and useful information about Ireland
Next, check out some very unusual facts about Ireland’s rich and unique culture!
- The Titanic was built in Northern Ireland by the company Harland and Wolff. The Titanic Museum is one of Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions.
Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland: The Titanic Museum and the Harland and Wolff Shipyards, a giant shipbuilding structure.
- In Ireland it rains a lot, but a lot. So much so that the Irish love it when the sun (rarely) appears. On sunny days, outdoor activities, such as walking and sunning in the parks, are highly valued.
- Wi-fi on buses: in Dublin, all buses offer Wi-fi service for passengers.
- The bars in Ireland close early. Although its population consumes a lot of alcohol, bars generally do not operate after three in the morning. So one of the customs in Ireland is to start drinking early, around 6 pm.
- Irish folklore is full of fascinating stories about elves and fairies, strongly influenced by the culture of the Celts.
- In Ireland, domestic water consumption is not charged. Only companies pay a fee for the service.
- The Irish people love sport, the most loved of which are football, golf and rugby.
- On Good Friday, the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
- The Irish are quite superstitious. One of the most popular superstitions is that, being a pregnant woman, the sex of the baby should not be revealed, as it can bring bad luck to the family. Or, whoever cuts their hair on Good Friday will be free from headaches all year round. However, little by little, superstitions have been abandoned, especially by the youngest.
- Some of the scenes from Game of Thrones, one of the most successful series of all time, were recorded in Northern Ireland.
- The word “boycott” is inspired by Charles Boycott, an English landowner who practiced extortion against his Irish tenants.
- If you are going to a city whose first syllables are “Bally”, be careful. In Ireland, 64 cities start with “Bally”.
- If you read Guinness beer and remembered the Book of Records, know that it is all about: the Guinness Book was invented in 1951, by Hugh Beaver, former president of the beer factory.
- Are you in Dublin and want to take a high quality cultural tour and not spend a lot? Great, to enter the Dublin National Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham, The Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks and the National Museum of Archeology you pay nothing.
- The most important name of Irish music is Bono Vox, lead singer of the band U2.
- One of the typical Irish clothes is the Celtic dresses, beautifully embroidered by hand, with a very recognizable and characteristic style.
Main economic activities
The country’s main economic activities are industry and services. The greatest growth in the sectors took place between 1980 and 2000. In 2016, according to the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Ireland ranked 7th in the world and 5th in Europe. In addition, the island is currently the largest producer of zinc in Europe.