Unique, mysterious and lesser-known facts about Ireland – Ireland boasts a rich heritage, diverse weather and intriguing history. The Emerald Isle can be a mysterious place to visit – and an even more exciting place to live.
Unique, mysterious and lesser-known facts about Ireland
Millions of travelers visit Ireland each year. As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, now is a great time to delve a little further into what makes Ireland so unique.
Ireland is a relatively small country.
The island covers 84,431 square kilometers (32,599 square miles). United States residents might be surprised to learn that Ireland is roughly the size of Indiana.
There are more Facts about Ireland in this blog post below!
Ireland is actually two countries.
The Republic of Ireland comprises most of the island and is an independent sovereign state. Northern Island, which is the northeastern corner of the island, is a part of the United Kingdom, which also includes England, Scotland, Wales, and some smaller islands.
The harp is the official national symbol of Ireland.
In fact, Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its symbol. The harp symbolizes Celtic society and appears on Irish Euro currency, passports, government documents, and more.·
Red hair is rather rare
Just 1 to 2 percent of the population possessing the gene that produces red hair. People of Irish descent have a higher incidence of red hair than people from other areas of the world.
Not Always Rainy
Despite common misconceptions, it’s not always rainy in Ireland, even though the country gets its share of precipitation and overcast days. Weather tracking data points out that May is generally the driest month of the year in Ireland.
Seven Celtic Nations
The original seven Celtic Nations are Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Cornwall, Brittany (France), and Galicia (Spain).
Presidential Irish Ancestry
It is believed that more than 40 percent of all American presidents have had some Irish ancestry.·
Dublin
Ireland’s famed city of Dublin was originally named “Dubh Linn,” which means “black pool.” The moniker refered to an ancient treacle lake in the city.
St. Patrick
· St. Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. However, he was also given secondary patronage status for Nigeria, despite never actually visiting Africa.
Biggest Drinkers in the World
Irish people are the biggest drinkers in the world – tea drinkers, that is. They consume an average of 1,184 cups of tea per person per year. You thought, this was gonna say something else didn’t you?
Longest Name in Ireland
The place in Ireland with the longest name is Muckanaghederdauhaulia. It translates to “ridge shaped like a pig’s back between two expanses of briny water.”
Article compliments of Metrocreative. TF183785 – First published March 5, 2019. Last updated or republished February 19, 2021.
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