Ireland (disambiguation) facts for kids
Ireland is a name that can mean a few different things! It can refer to an entire island in Europe, or to two different countries on that island. The island of Ireland is known for its beautiful green landscapes, friendly people, and rich history.
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What is Ireland?
When people say "Ireland," they might be talking about three main things:
The Island of Ireland
The island of Ireland is the second-largest island in the British Isles. It's located in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. The island is famous for its rolling green hills, often called the "Emerald Isle." It has a mild, wet climate, which helps keep everything very green.
The Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is an independent country that covers about five-sixths of the island of Ireland. Its capital city is Dublin, which is a lively city with a lot of history and culture. The Republic of Ireland is a member of the European Union. Its official languages are Irish (also called Gaelic) and English.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. It covers the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. Its capital city is Belfast. Northern Ireland shares a border with the Republic of Ireland. It is an important part of the UK, with its own unique culture and history.
Geography and Nature
Ireland's landscape is very diverse. You can find mountains, rivers, lakes, and a long coastline. The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, flowing for about 360 kilometers (224 miles). The island also has many beautiful lakes, called "loughs," like Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, which is the largest lake in the British Isles.
The coast of Ireland is rugged and beautiful, with dramatic cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast. These cliffs rise hundreds of meters above the Atlantic Ocean and are a popular place to visit. Ireland's mild climate means it rarely gets too hot or too cold. This weather is perfect for the lush green grass that covers much of the island.
A Look at History
Ireland has a very long and interesting history, going back thousands of years.
Early History
People have lived in Ireland for about 9,000 years. The island has many ancient monuments, like Newgrange, a huge stone tomb built over 5,000 years ago. The Celts arrived in Ireland around 500 BC, bringing their language and culture, which still influence Ireland today.
The Arrival of Christianity
Saint Patrick is famous for bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. He is celebrated every year on Saint Patrick's Day (March 17th), which is a big holiday around the world. Monasteries became important centers of learning and art during this time.
Viking and Norman Times
From the 9th century, Vikings raided Ireland and later settled, founding cities like Dublin. In the 12th century, the Normans from England invaded Ireland, starting a long period of English influence and control.
Modern History
In the 20th century, after a long struggle for independence, most of Ireland became the independent country we now call the Republic of Ireland in 1922. Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom. This period was complex, but it led to the Ireland we know today.
Culture and Traditions
Irish culture is famous worldwide, especially for its music, dance, and storytelling.
Music and Dance
Traditional Irish music is very popular, with instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán (a type of drum). Irish dancing, like Riverdance, is energetic and often features quick foot movements. Many people enjoy going to "sessions" in pubs, where musicians play traditional tunes together.
Sports
Two very popular traditional Irish sports are Gaelic football and hurling. These are exciting and fast-paced games played with passion across the island. Rugby and soccer are also very popular.
Food and Drink
Traditional Irish food includes dishes like Irish stew (made with lamb or beef, potatoes, and vegetables) and soda bread. Potatoes have been a very important part of the Irish diet for centuries.
Images for kids
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Location of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
See also
