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IRELAND – The Emerald Isle. Danny Boy Ireland. Irish Dance Group - Irish Step Dancing 2009. Map of Ireland - 1808. Is the second largest island on the British Isles and in Europe. Lies on the west side of the Irish Sea, close to the island of Great Britain.
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Is the second largest island on the British Isles and in Europe. Lies on the west side of the Irish Sea, close to the island of Great Britain. Green valleys, charming villages, old Norman or Gaelic castles, enchanting coastlines, beautiful golden beaches and dramatic waterfalls mixed with Gaelic language and music and Celtic myth and saga – that is Ireland. The Republic of IrelandGeography
Ireland is often called the Green Island or the Emerald Isle because of its numerous shades of green. The Emerald Isle
Enchanting coastline Beautiful and dramatic waterfall Numerous Shades of Green
About 2,500 years ago the Celts invaded Ireland. • The Celts formed small kingdoms each ruled by a king.
Celtic Art and Traditions • Celtic art and traditions developed because the Romans never invaded Ireland.
How to Tie the Celtic Heart Knot by TIAT (A Knotty Valentine)
The Vikings • In the 8th century Ireland’s peace was broken by a wave of new conquerors – the Vikings. • They came sailing over the sea from Scandinavia from Norway. • The Norwegian Vikings stayed in Ireland for a long time, and they ruled Dublin until the English arrived in 1170.
The English king decided to invade Ireland in 1170. Some say that this is when the troubled history between Ireland and England really began. From then on many English and Scots settled in Ireland. The Irish fought back for 500 years but finally had to give up in 1690. The British
BRITISH PROTESTANTS RICH IRISH CATHOLICS POOR Wars between Britain and Ireland
NorthernIreland (Ulster) Capital: Belfast Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland (Eire) Capital: Dublin Today Eire is an independent country. In 1921 Ireland was divided into two parts:
The Republic of Ireland (Eire) Northern Ireland (Ulster) A Map of Ireland Today
Ireland and NorwayWhat do these countries have in common? • Both countries have been extremely poor. • Both countries ate potatoes to keep from starving to death. • A large number of people from both countries immigrated to the USA. Today there are four times as many Irish living in the US as there are in Ireland. And there are about just as many Norwegians living in the US as there are in Norway.
The Potato Famine 1845 - 1847 • Many Irish were very poor. They had to give all their money to their landlords. • They lived on a diet of potatoes or praties. • Between 1845 and 1847, a terrible plant disease killed the potato crops. • Nearly a million people died. • Another million left Ireland and emigrated.
Maps of the Counties of Ireland • Some of these place names can be recognized in the USA.
The leprechaun has been described as Ireland’s national fairy. • Leprechauns have become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure burying it in crocks or pots. • Leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans.
St. Patrick • The patron saint of Ireland. • Born in Wales about AD 385. • He was sold into slavery by a group of English marauders that raided his village . During his captivity, he became closer to God. He escaped. • His wish was to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity which he did. • He died on March 17 in AD 461.
Ever since St. Patrick died the day has been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day. • The traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. Some say that Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day. • Today people celebrate the day with parades, wearing of the green, and drinking beer. • The St. Patrick’s Day custom came to America in 1737.
