Unearthing the Hidden Gems
Ireland is a beautiful country known for its green landscapes, friendly people and rich history. Here are 10 surprising facts about Ireland, starting with one that can help you see the country in a fun way!
10 Surprising Facts About Ireland
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
In many cities in Ireland, you can take a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see the sights! This is a great way to visit famous places like Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse or Trinity College. You can get on and off the bus whenever you like, which makes it easy to explore at your own pace. These buses are available in Dublin, Cork and other major cities. They are a fun way to travel around and learn about the history and culture of Ireland!
2. Ireland Has More Sheep Than People
Yes, you read that right! Ireland has about 5 million sheep, which is more than the number of people living there. The human population is around 4.9 million. If you visit the countryside, you’ll often see large fields filled with sheep. Farming is very important in Ireland, and sheep farming is a big part of that.
3. Halloween Started in Ireland
Did you know that Halloween began in Ireland? It comes from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in"), which marked the end of the harvest season. People believed that on this day, the line between the living and the dead was thinner, and spirits could visit the earth. Today, Halloween is celebrated all over the world, but it all started in Ireland many years ago.
4. The Longest Place Name in Ireland
Ireland is home to one of the longest place names in Europe! It’s called Muckanaghederdauhaulia. This small village in County Galway has a name that’s 22 letters long! The name means "the pig-marsh between two seas" in Irish. It’s fun to try to say, but you might need some practice!
5. Ireland Has No Snakes
No snakes are living in the wild in Ireland. According to legend, Saint Patrick, the country’s patron saint, chased all the snakes out of Ireland. Scientists believe that snakes never made it to Ireland because the island separated from the rest of Europe during the Ice Age. So if you’re not a fan of snakes, Ireland might be the perfect place to visit!
6. Ireland Is Known for Ancient Castles
Ireland has more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins. Some of them are hundreds of years old, and many are still standing strong. You can visit famous castles like Blarney Castle near Cork, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck, or the beautiful Ashford Castle, which is now a luxury hotel. If you love history, exploring Ireland’s castles is a must!
7. The Harp Is Ireland’s National Symbol
Unlike most countries that have animals as their national symbols, Ireland’s national symbol is a musical instrument – the harp. You’ll see it on the country’s coins, government buildings and even on the logo of Guinness beer. The harp has been a symbol of Ireland for centuries, representing the country’s rich culture and music.
8. Irish People Love Tea
Ireland is one of the biggest tea-drinking countries in the world! On average, people in Ireland drink about four cups of tea every day. Tea is a big part of Irish culture, and many people enjoy having it with biscuits or sandwiches. Whether it’s breakfast time or a break in the afternoon, tea is a favorite drink in Ireland.
9. Home to Europe’s Tallest Cliffs
The Cliffs of Moher, located on the west coast of Ireland, are some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe. They rise up to 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. These cliffs are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, and on a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and even the mountains in Galway from the top.
10. Irish Language Is Still Spoken Today
While most people in Ireland speak English, Irish (or Gaelic) is still an official language and is spoken in some parts of the country. These areas are called the Gaeltacht regions. In schools, students learn Irish, and you’ll see road signs in both English and Irish when you travel around the country.
Surprises Are Waiting
Ireland is full of surprises, from ancient castles to exciting bus tours. Whether you’re interested in history, nature or just having a cup of tea, there’s always something new to discover in Ireland. Next time you visit, you can explore the country’s rich culture, enjoy the stunning landscapes and maybe even try out a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see all the amazing sights!
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