The culture and civilization of English speaking countries.: Ireland

History

How did the old prehistoric Ireland became the modern Ireland we know today? We can see and learn so from the following list and added video, which explains the Irish history concisely and humorously. What we can also learn is that the Irish independence was a hard thing to come by. So watch, enjoy and learn!

The main periods that shaped Ireland's history

1. Prehistory (8000 BC–400 AD)

2. Early Christian Ireland (400–800)

3. Early medieval and Viking era (800-1160)

4. Norman Ireland (1168–1536)

5. Early modern Ireland (1536–1691)

6. Protestant ascendancy (1691–1801)

7. Union with Great Britain (1801–1912)

8. Home Rule, Easter Rising and
War of Independence (1912–1922)

9. Free State and Republic (1922–present)

Northern Ireland (1921–present)

Legends

I'll mention only 2, the ones I personally like the most. Ireland has a long list of legends that deserve to be told, but they couldn't all fit into one small blog, so a thousand apologies.

Leprechauns guards of the Treasure

"My precious gold"

The Leprechaun is perhaps the most famous of all Irish legends. Said to be a type of fairy, the Leprechaun is a cobbler, making the shoes of all other fairy folk. Usually depicted as an old and bearded man. Legend tells that when the Danes invaded Ireland, the fairies hid all there treasure from the marauding hordes. The Leprechauns were given the task of guarding the treasure. Unfortunately, the rainbow always points to the location of the leprechauns treasure, so he must constantly be moving the trove. And with the climate in Ireland and plenty of rain, the rainbows are plentiful! It is said that if you catch a Leprechaun, he must either give you his treasure or grant you three wishes.

Banshees are believed by some to be spirits of nature or pre-Christian Gaelic deities. In Celtic Christian religion, they are commonly called "fallen angels". In English, they are described as a "fairy" or "fairy woman".

a banshee wailing

The Banshee is also said to be tasked with the job of warning selected members of ancient Irish families of the time of their death. According to tradition, the banshee was only said to cry for four major families but this list seems to have been extended due to marriage. Banshee usually come in three of many forms, the first being a young woman, the second being a rich middle-aged lady or matron, and the third being of a fragile old woman. Rarely seen but heard, her mourning call is often given at night when someone is about to die. In 1437, Scottish King James the I is said to have been approached by one such being.

Counties in Ireland

On the following map you can see all the Irish counties including the 5 belonging to Northern Ireland. Click on the words MAP OF IRELAND and this will guide you to a link that will give you more information. MAP OF IRELAND

The 4 biggest cities in Ireland

Sometimes it is good to read about a city, but on occasion it is better so see and hear about the them. Enjoy the videos and let the charm of these cities seep into your heart, and maybe one day you'll be able to visit them.

1. Dublin.

Dublin is the city the most inhabitants in Ireland and can be found in the county of the same name.

2. The Belfast Urban Zone has 641.638 inhabitants, and although it is in Northern Ireland, it is the second largest city in the whole of Ireland.

3. Cork, with a population of 211.230 is the second largest in the republic of Ireland but the third largest in the whole of Ireland. Cork is located in the province of Munster.

4. Limerick has a number of 183.683 inhabitants and is home to the famous King John's castle.

Culture and traditions

First and foremost is Saint Patrick's day, celebrated every March 17^th, by the Irish and Non Irish, in Ireland and especially America, New York. It commemorates the life of this important Irish saint. People wear green in America to identify and celebrate their Irish heritage, in Ireland itself usually a Shamrock, symbolizing the holy trinity, is worn on owns coat.

Wearing the green

The Irish Wake are traditionally held in the home of the deceased, or a close relative, this place will be called the wake house. The dead body will be placed in a room with and open window so that the spirit can escape. This same window should be closed after 2 hours so that the spirit can not reenter.

The relatives will stand guard around the deceased and clocks are will be set to he time the person actually died.

In olden days “keening “ or whaling or lamenting would take place, to mourn the deceased. Food and drinks are available and according to common myths Irish famously drink a lot during these occasions.

The weather

Being influenced by the Atlantic ocean, Irelands weather doesn't have very extreme temperatures. The average temperature will be around 50º F. What can affect your holiday plans is the changeability of the weather because it is quite unpredictable. Sun

The weather can change!

can turn into rain and rain into sun without a moment's notice. This being said summer has the warmest and longest days so this would make any sight seeing trip worthwhile. Spring and fall are also recommendable, since the weather condition won't be to harsh and furthermore the airfares a hotels are be more affordable.

Food and drinks

To keep it simple only 3 traditional dishes will be mentioned as the Irish cuisine is very extensive; many regional and local dishes are abound.

Dublin Coddle

The first one is Dublin Coddle, consisting of sausage, bacon,onions and potatoes. It is mostly served and eating during Saint Patrick day. Another favorite for Saint Patrick's day is the slow cooked corned beef and cabbage, one might call it comfort food, a tasty and hearty dish. And last but not least we have the world famous Irish coffee, which is of course hot coffee; added whiskey, some sugar and finally topped of with whipped cream.

The language

Irish Gaelic or just Gaelic finds it roots in the Indo- European language family. It is recognized as an official language by the EUROPEAN UNION.

Few people are first language speaker in Ireland at the time and most learn it later on. In a Irish Population census of 2006, 41% of the people informed that they spoke Gaelic to some extent and that 10% spoke it fluently.

Similarities can be found comparing to the languages spoken in Wales and Scotland, as the three languages share the same linguistic root.

The language is impossible to understand for English speakers because there are no or few words that are related in sound and meaning to words in the English language.

See for yourself in the following clip of an Irish newscaster.