English might be the common tongue in 21st century Ireland but that doesn’t mean the Irish language isn’t still alive and well. Gaeilge is Ireland’s official language and is still spoken as a second tongue by almost half the population. If you want to test yourself you could take a trip to the Gaeltacht areas where Irish is still the dominant tongue, otherwise just stick to “Slainte”.
Irish Culture
At Emerald Heritage we love more than just the lush green fields and forests of Ireland. We also cherish and celebrate our Irish culture and heritage! Whether it’s sitting in Croke Park surrounded by thousands from your own county or listening to Luke Kelly sing until the hairs on your arms stand to attention, there’s something for everyone here on the Emerald Isle.
Hopefully our beginners guide to Irish Culture will help you to delve a little deeper…
Language
Religion / Saint Patrick
Ireland has predominately been a Christian country, both Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, since the 5th century but now welcomes and celebrates a variety of religions within its shores.
Saint Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint, one of the most famous in the world, and he is celebrated with a holy day on March 17th every year. You can visit our friends at the Saint Patrick Centre at his burial place in Downpatrick and also climb Slemish Mountain in County Antrim where he once tended sheep during his capture.
GAA & Sports
Sport is an indelible part of Irish culture with Gaelic Football, Hurling, Rugby Union and Soccer proving the most popular. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) organise and promote Ireland’s native football and hurling games and every town, village or community can have their own GAA club as well as each of the 32 counties.
The All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals are some of the biggest events in the Irish sporting calendar and every year thousands of Irish also support their Rugby team as they compete in the 6 Nations.
Music
Here on the Emerald Isle music is a part of everyday life. Walk through the streets of Dublin, Galway, Belfast or any other large town or city and you’re bound to hear someone singing and playing their heart out.
Musically Ireland is most famous for traditional Irish (folk) music with famous names including The Clancy Brothers, The Chieftans and The Dubliners. Instruments like the fiddle, flute, tin whistle and banjo are used to create a sound unique and steeped in the history of the country.
Ireland has also produced its fair share of rock and pop superstars including U2, Rory Gallagher, The Corrs, Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison and even Niall Horan from One Direction.
Food & Drink
The Irish were made to host. We just can’t help but welcome you in, put on a spread of beautiful food and drink and get down to having the “craic” into the wee hours of the morning!
Irish food is more than just the famous potato, although we do love a warm bowl of Irish Stew in the winter! Here within the 32 counties you’ll be able to sample some of the best fresh seafood in the world, our famous wheaten and soda breads and the infamous Ulster Fry!
When it comes to producing tasty drinks we hold our own as no one can compete with the iconic pint of Guinness. When you’re not supping down a pint of the black stuff you could also try Harp, Bushmills Whiskey, Jameson or even a drop of Baileys in an Irish Coffee!
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