With its breathtaking landscapes and centuries-old tales, Ireland has become one of the world’s most beloved travel destination, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, this island holds more surprises. In this blog, you will know the top 20 fun facts about Ireland, other Ireland cool facts about history, culture, cities and universities. Let’s dive in!
About Ireland
Northern Ireland vs Ireland
Northern Ireland, with its capital Belfast, is part of the UK. The Republic of Ireland, whose capital is Dublin, is an independent country and a member of the European Union, using the euro as its currency. Geographically, Ireland can refer to the whole island, including the North Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Politically, Ireland is frequently referred to as the Republic of Ireland. Here is some basic information about the country of Ireland.
Official Name: Éire/Republic of Ireland
Form of government: Constitutional Democracy
Capital: Dublin
Population: 4,859,000+
Money Unit: Euro
Official Languages: Irish/English
Area: 68,890 Square Kilometres
Major Mountain Ranges: Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Wicklow Mountains
Major Rivers: Shannon, Liffey, Boyne, Moy, Barrow
What is Ireland Known For?
Despite its small land, Ireland is famous for its rich and deep culture and history. You can visit many ancient castles, hear old legend tales, and experience traditional festivals. Additionally, Ireland is also known for its literature, music, beer and Whisky, etc. It’s one of the most worth visiting countries. Keep reading and find more interesting facts about republic of Ireland!
Top 20 Fun Facts About Ireland
1. Emerald Isle
One of the interesting facts about republic of Ireland is its nicknam: Emerald Isle. Ireland has a temperate climate with warm and wet summers, cold and wet winters. Such a humid climate supports a diverse range of green flora, the island boasts many lush valleys, rolling hills and magnificent natural landscapes.
2. No Snakes and St. Patrick
No snakes on this land, making it another one of the interesting things about Ireland. Isn’t it amazing that there are no snakes in Ireland? According to legend, it was believed that St. Patrick chased all the snakes away from the island of Ireland. But the truth has nothing to do with St. Patrick, the Irish natural environment is the reason. And besides, St. Patrick was not Irish at all.
3. Halloween
When you are celebrating Halloween, have you ever thought about that Halloween was actually from Ireland? Halloween was previously known as All Hallow Eve. Over 2,000 years ago, the Irish people began celebrating their new year on the first day of November. They would build huge campfires to make sacrifices to the Celtic gods and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits. Nowadays, Halloween has evolved into activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns and dressing up. It’s one of the fun facts about Ireland.
4. Guinness Beer in Ireland
As one of the Ireland fun facts, Guinness Beer is one of the famous beer brands in Ireland. Referred to as “the black stuff”, Guinness is actually ruby red. In Ireland, you can even visit the brewery and taste the freshest beer.
5. Irish Stew is the National Dish
Irish stew, as the national dish in Ireland, has a long history. Irish stew is made with mutton and other ingredients like potatoes, and onions.
6. Approximately 30,000 Castles in Ireland
With its rich historical heritage, Ireland possesses many historical castles and ruins. All these castles have their distinct medieval stories and charms. You can go to visit castles like Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, and Cahir Castle, etc to admire the charms of castles.
7. The Wild Atlantic Way is the Longest Coastal Driving Route
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is the world’s longest coastal driving route. You can start the drive at Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal in the north, or at Kinsale in Cork in the south. You can admire the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Connemara National Park and Achill Island along this 2,500 kilometres drive.
8. Count Dracula was Written in 1896 by a Dubliner
Have you ever read the Dracula novel? But do you know the world-famous work was written by a Dubliner: Bram Stoker? It is believed that the inspiration for Dracula came from the Irish mythology, the Abhartach (the Irish Vampire).
9. Ireland has the Highest Number of Nobel Prize Winners in Literature
This unique island country boasts a rich literary culture. It has produced many excellent, world-renowned writers, like George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney, all of whom are Nobel Prize winners in literature. This is one of the funny facts about Irish.
10. The Lion Used in the Opening Clips for MGM Movies was from Dublin.
The seventh lion used in the opening clip by MGM was born at Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park, this is one of the Irish fun facts.
11. Shamrock vs Harp
What is the national emblem or symbol of this country? Shamrock or harp? This might be one of the unexpected fun facts about Ireland. Ireland is the only country to adopt the musical instrument Irish Harp as its national symbol, that is why you can see the Irish Harp featured on Irish coins, passports, and even the Guinness beer logo! However, shamrock is a deep cultural symbol in Ireland, its three leaves explain the religious trinity. People maybe find fourth leaf from the white clover rather than from shamrock.
12. Hurling in Ireland is the Fastest Field Sport in the World
Hurling is one of Ireland’s traditional sports, it’s the oldest and fastest field sport in the world. The sliothar used in the sport can reach the speed of 120km/h, making it one of the fun facts about Ireland.
13. The Oldest Operational Lighthouses
The Hook Lighthouse in the southeastern coast of Ireland is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. It was built in the 13th century by the Knight William Marshal. And it’s still in function and acts as a beacon of safety and guidance for mariners. It’s one of the Irish fun facts.
14. Sean’s Bar is the Oldest Pub in Ireland
One of the interesting things about Ireland is that it has the oldest pub in the world. Sean’s Bar in Athlone, County Westmeath is the oldest bar in Ireland and maybe even in the whole world. Dating back to AD 900, the founder established this bar to help those who ventured across the rapid torrent of the Shannon. The Brazen Head on Merchant’s Quay is the oldest pub in Dublin. It was originally a tavern back in 1198.
15. Red-haired in Ireland
Ireland has the highest percentage of redheads in the world. Red-haired people make up about 10% of the Irish population, which is approximately 500,000 people. This fact becomes one of the interesting facts about republic of Ireland.
16. The Great Famine
The Great Famine in Ireland occurred from 1845 to 1852 took about 1 million lives. The primary cause of this disaster was potato blight. The worst-affected areas were the west and south. The famine was a massive tragedy for Irish history and culture. Before the famine, the population in Ireland was estimated to be around 8 million people.
17. Many Irish Descendants Live Outside of Ireland
Ireland has a long history of emigration, making it one of the interesting things about Ireland. Much of the diaspora was caused by the famine in the 1840s. Many people fled to the UK, and some even fled to North America. In Dublin, visitors can visit the Irish Emigration Museum to learn more about the history of emigration.
18. Blarney Stone Gives You the “Gift of Gab”
Another fun fact about Ireland is the magic power of the Blarney Stone. Every day, dozens of tourists come to visit the Blarney Stone in County Cork, and kiss the rock hoping to get the magic gift of gab, or perfect speech.
19. Irish Whisky is not Scottish Whisky
Even though they are both whisky, Irish and Scottish whiskey are not the same thing. They are made in different ways. Whisky in Scotland is made from malted barley and water, usually distilled twice, while Irish whisky is made from fermented corn, wheat, barley and typically needs to be distilled 3 times.
20. Ireland Music
One of the Ireland fun facts about music is that like its literature, Irish music is diverse, and famous around the world. You could look out for gigs by some of the living legends of Irish and Northern Irish music, including U2, Sinéad O’Connor, or Van Morrison.U2 is one of the highest-selling bands in the world, having claimed to have sold 116,7 million albums.
Ireland Cool Facts About Cities
There are 5 main cities in Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. Each city is a good combination of history and modernity, and each city offers you a distinct travel experience.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital and the biggest city in Ireland. It’s the economic, political, and cultural centre, it’s the most populated city. In this city, you are not only able to visit the Guinness Storehouse, but also Dublin Castle, St. Patrick Castle, and Temple Bar. The Trinity College is also in this city.
Cork
Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, and is the economic centre of the south. University College Cork is a famous university, attracting millions of students worldwide every year. You can also visit the famous Blarney Castle, and Cork port.
Galway
Galway is a city with a vibrant artistic atmosphere. There is famous Galway Arts Festival held yearly in this city, making it one of the interesting things about Ireland. You can also visit the Aran Islands (traditional Gaeilge reserves) and Cliffs of Moher in this city.
Limerick
Limerick is a significant city in the mid-west of Ireland. You can visit King John’s Castle and Hunt Museum here. The University of Limerick is also a good university for domestic and international students.
Waterford
As one of the Ireland fun facts, Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland, renowned for its glass. You can visit Waterford Crystal, Viking Triangle, and Reginald’s Tower here.
Fun Facts About Ireland’s Universities
One of the interesting facts about republic of Ireland is that although Ireland is small, it has many high quality and world-renowned universities, especially in the fields of medicine, computer science, business and literature. Ireland is also a popular destination for studying abroad. Below are some famous universities in Ireland.
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin (TCD), founded in 1592, is the top 1 university in Ireland, ranked 81st in QS ranking. You can find the famous Book of Kells in this university.
University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) is the largest university in Ireland, ranked in the top 2 in Ireland, and is ranked 171st in the QS ranking.
University of Galway
University of Galway is famous for its yearly Galway Arts Festival.
University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) is famous for its law and medicine, and it is one of the greenest campuses in Ireland.
Dublin City University
Dublin City University (DCU) is famous for media and journalism.
University of Limerick
University of Limerick (UL) was built along the Shannon River, famous for its sports science.
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is a small campus with a strong research focus on computer science.
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Other Ireland Cool Facts
There are too many interesting things about Ireland to unveil. After knowing the top 20 fun facts about Ireland, there are also other lesser-known Irish fun facts you may want to know.
Dublin’s Rotunda is the Oldest Continuously Operating Maternity Hospital
The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin is officially the world’s oldest continuously operating maternity hospital. This hospital was established in 1745 and is still operational today. It’s one of the lesser-known Ireland cool facts.
St. Valentine’s Remains
St.Valentine’s remains can be found in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin City, making it one of the fun facts about Ireland. The remains have been in this place since the 10th, November, 1836.
County Cork was Once the World’s Largest Butter Exporter
Cork is the biggest county in Ireland. Butter made in Cork was exported to everywhere from the UK and France to Australia and India during the Exchange’s peak, making County Cork the largest exporter of butter on earth back then.
The Earliest Evidence of Humans in Ireland was more than 30,000 Years BC
A reindeer bone found in Cork suggests that humans inhabited Ireland 33,000 years ago. The bone has chop marks consistent with butchering with a flint or stone tool.
The First St. Patrick Day Parade wasn’t Held in Ireland
As one of the interesting facts about republic of Ireland, the first St. Patrick was held in Boston in 1737. And the largest St. Patrick Day Parade in the US takes place in NYC.
Ireland has the Biggest Sports Fans.
With a long-standing sports tradition, the Irish are known for being big fans of rugby, making it one of the funny facts about Irish. However, aside from that, there are two other popular sports in Ireland: Gaelic football and hurling.
Last Name Tradition
Many people’s last names in Ireland follow the rules: adding either “O” (grandson of” or “Mac” (son of) to their father’s or grandfather’s names. And this is one of the funny facts about Irish.
The Longest Place Name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia
It means “pig-marsh between two sea inlets”, is one of the Ireland fun facts.
Irish Language
Irish, also known as Gaelic, is one of the oldest languages still in use today.
Eurovision
Ireland is the most successful Eurovision nation with 7 wins in 38 years, making it one of the funny facts about Irish.
FAQs:
Ireland is famous for its rich culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and historical landmarks. Ireland has a deep historical and cultural tradition. Besides, Ireland is also best known for its myths, music, whiskey, tech giants, and literary geniuses.
The 5 facts about Ireland are the nickname Emerald;
Cliff of Moher is the must-see place in Ireland. Located in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s Iconic Natural Wonder. You can admire the breathtaking beauty of the sea cliffs, crashing waves.
Irish stew is one of the most famous food in Ireland. It’s the national dish, a thick and flavorful stew made with lamb, potatoes, and onions.
Guinness Beer and Irish Whisky are famous drinks. Guinness beer is a world renowned dry stout with a creamy taste. Irish Whisky offers a unique taste compared to Scottish Whisky.
The earliest evidence of human activity can be traced back to 33,000 years ago. So, Ireland is at least 33,000 years old.
The great about Ireland lies in its rich and deep history and culture. From ancient Celtic ruins to medieval castles and laid-back cities. Ireland witnessed the fall and rise of this land.
Dublin is the best city to live in Ireland. Dublin, as the capital of Ireland, is a combination of historical vibe and modernity. You can experience the vibrant city life in Dublin. There are also some famous universities like Trinity College Dublin in this city.
