Ireland culture

1. Ireland
Culture

2. People
 The People of Ireland
 The Median Age of the People in Ireland is:
34.8 years, with the break down of males 34.5
years and females 35.1 years (2011 est.)
 The Irish people are hard-working, very honest
and known for their friendliness, hospitality,
sense of fun and wonderful humour. Family life
is important in Ireland and children are
included in most events. In the rural areas
people often maintain a great sense of the
old, traditional Irish ways, but in the urban
areas, Ireland is very modern.

3. Education
 Irish people are well educated. Education is partly funded
by the government and is free for the most part. School is
compulsory for children 5 – 15 years old. Approximately
80% of Irish students complete secondary school and
approximately 50% continue on to higher education. The
majority of primary schools are day schools; however,
there are a few boarding schools in Ireland.
Homeschooling is allowed in Ireland with some regulation,
and more families are getting into home-schooling. The
National Education (Welfare) Board is the body
responsible for registration and assessment of
homeschooling families in Ireland. The legislative
framework for home education in Ireland is more
progressive than in many other western European
countries.

4. Food
 Traditional foods of Ireland are simple and
include lamb, Irish stew, sausage, homemade
cheeses, fresh fish, fresh baked breads and
scones, fish & chips
(chippers), potatoes, cabbage, carrots, corne
d beef, cabbage and boxty. The Irish are
known for their large breakfasts called “frys”.
 Today the foods of Ireland feature their local
ingredients and include sophisticated
international cooking technique and gourmet
dishes. All types of international cuisine are
found in Ireland.

5. The Arts
 Irelandis known to be a nation of scholars
and there are many well known
authors, playwrights and poets from the
Emerald Isle. James Joyce, Frank
McCourt, Jonathan Swift, Oliver
Goldsmith, Oscar Wilde, Samuel
Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, William
Butler Yates and Seamus Heaney are just
a few of the greats.

6. Irish Music
 Singing is a favourite pastime in Ireland and
traditional Celtic music is an important part of the
Irish culture. Some of the traditional musical
instruments consist of the button accordion, harp,
tin whistle, fiddle, bedhran (drum), and Uilleann
pipes.
 Contemporary music is also very popular in Ireland
and Ireland boasts many famous musicians and
bands such as; Enya, Sinead O’Connor, Chieftains,
Chris de Burgh, Andrea Corr and U2. There is
plenty of opportunity in Ireland to enjoy classical,
pop, rock and jazz concerts.

7. Irish Dancing
 The Irish word “céili” is used to describe an informal
evening of traditional Irish music and dancing. Irish
step-dancing is performed mostly with the legs
and feet while the arms hang stiffly at the side. The
traditional Irish dress for Irish female dancers are
copies of the traditional Irish peasant dress and
feature elaborate Gaelic designs. The shoes are
similar to ballet shoes which are laced over the
feet and the ankles. The male's costume is less
elaborate; men wear plain kilts or
pants and jackets and folded cloaks
hanging from the shoulders, called
brats.

8. Irish Dancing (Cont’d)
 RiverDance and Lord of the Dance have
brought international acclaim to Irish music
and dance. RiverDance is an exciting
performance of music, dancing and singing.
The performance depicts the evolution of Irish
culture and its influence on other cultures
through immigration during the potato
famine. The Lord of the Dance is an
outstanding dance performance
and a celebration of the Celtic
heritage.

9. Crafts and Activities
 Some of the traditional Irish crafts include
woolen sweaters, woven wool clothing, Irish
linen, Irish lace, jewelry making, peat
sculptures, fine glassware, musical instruments
and pottery.
 Walking is one of Ireland's biggest attractions,
and the country has miles of tailor-made
walks. Other popular activities in Ireland
include gardening, enjoying nature, fishing,
boating, water sports, mountaineering and
golfing.
 Irish pubs are famous and important part of
the Irish lifestyle. Children are allowed in the
pubs, though they are not allowed to drink
alcoholic beverages. However, in the last few
years many of the pubs in Ireland have had to
close. In 2011 it is reported that 1 in 8 pubs in
the Republic of Ireland have during the
previous 6 years.

10. Story Telling
 Ireland is well known for its many myths and legends which
began long ago when the Celts ruled Ireland and many
tales were told by the Druids. There are many fun and
wonderful stories of fairies and leprechauns – the little
people. It is said that fairies dwell in mounds in the earth
and to touch one of these mounds is to bring bad luck.
Leprechauns, on the other hand, bring good luck –
especially if you can catch one. It is said that leprechauns
are mischievous, but will lead you to their pot of gold,
which they keep at the end of the rainbow. However,
they’ll disappear should you take your eyes off them for
even just a moment. There are also many other tales of
skilled warriors, the eerie wail of the Banshee, brave queens
and gods, lovers and a horse spirit who can take the form
of a handsome man…the list goes on and on. The Irish are
wonderful story-tellers and there are many books available
on Irish myths and legends.

11. Sport
 The most popular sports in Ireland are
Hurling (field sport played with sticks) and
Gaelic football. Other popular sports are
soccer, horseback riding, rugby, golf,
horse racing, cycling and many water
sports.