travel and leisure

Ireland has long been an island divided
but is starting to make a serious comeback. Here are 10 things to know about the Emerald Isle.

10 Things to Know About Ireland

An island located close to Britain
Ireland has been in nearly constant conflict with its neighbor. Alas
things have changed dramatically in the last ten years as have Ireland’s fortunes. Religious violence seems to have tapered off and economic growth is some of the strongest in Europe.

Here are ten things to know about the amazing country of Ireland.

1. The island is split between two countries
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

2. Prior to 1921
the entire island was part of and controlled by Britain.

3. In 1921
26
counties in the south were given independence and became the Republic of Ireland.

4. Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percent Protestant and 44 percent Catholic. This division has led to decades of strife in all aspects of life.

5. Ireland has remained neutral during the two World Wars despite the fact Great Britain played a key role in each.

6. In 1990
Mary Robinson was elected the first female President of the Republic of Ireland.

7. You will find “rag trees” in Ireland. As the name suggests
trees are covered with rags tied to their branches. The rags represent wishes for a variety of things.

8. In some parts of the country
you can go bowling on Sundays. On the public roads! The idea is to roll a heavy ball from the starting point to a finishing point as much as a couple of miles away. The team that does it in the fewest number of throws wins.

9. The ancestors of U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were Irish.

10. The Patron Saint of Ireland
Saint Patrick
was Scottish!

Ireland has a long and storied history as well as a unique cultural all its own. As you can tell from the above
this is a place you should visit if you get a chance.