Fact 1: Ireland is a snake-free nation
When it comes to fauna, Ireland is somewhat unique as it is one of the only places in the world where snakes do not naturally occur. There is no concrete scientific reasoning to this, however, it is widely believed that it's a combination of the last Ice Age, which would have been too cold for the reptiles to survive, and isolation from the European mainland. Regardless, the leather-clad patron saint of the country, St. Patrick, is credited with banishing these slithery beings from the island, according to local legend.
Fact 2: Halloween's origin is Irish
Halloween has its roots in the ancient Irish tradition of Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. People believed that on this night, the barriers between the spirit world and the earthly realm became thin, allowing spirits to pass through. Bonfires would be lit and costumes worn to ward off harmful spirits.
Fact 3: The world's oldest lighthouse is in Ireland
The Hook Lighthouse located in County Wexford is recognized as the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. It stands at an impressive 800 years old and still plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of ships and boats in the southeastern part of Ireland.
Fact 4: Ireland gave the world's first submarines
The world's first successful submarine was made by an Irish engineer named John Philip Holland. Although the very first trial runs were not exactly successful, Holland didn't give up. His persistence eventually led to the creation of the U.S. Navy’s first commissioned submarine, USS Holland.
Fact 5: Home of the largest park in Europe
Phoenix Park in Dublin is one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, spanning over 707 hectares. This enormous urban park houses Dublin Zoo, Irish President’s house, and numerous deer, amongst other wildlife.
Fact 6: Irish Goodbye is not Irish
Ironically, the term “Irish Goodbye” – where you slip out of a social occasion without telling anyone – is not actually a common thing in Ireland. Irish culture prides itself on hospitality, friendship, and giving guests a proper send-off, usually requiring one too many rounds of goodbyes!
Fact 7: Home to stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites
Ireland hosts two astonishing UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim and Skellig Michael in County Kerry. The Giant's Causeway, with its unique hexagonal rock formations, folklore, and rugged coastal beauty, is a visual treat, while Skellig Michael, a rocky island with an ancient Christian monastery, is steeped in rich history and spirituality.
Fact 8: Largest exporter of Guinness
With more than 10 million glasses of Guinness drunk globally every day, Ireland serves as the largest exporter of this popular stout. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a staple in any visit to Dublin.
Fact 9: First country to legalize gay marriage by popular vote
In a historic move, Ireland became the first country in 2015 to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. This highlights the Irish people's fairness, equality, and progressively liberal societal outlook.
Fact 10: Irish, not English, is the national language
Contrary to popular belief, English is not the national language of Ireland. It's actually Irish, or Gaelic. However, the vast majority of the population speaks English, with Irish mostly spoken in specific regions known as Gaeltacht areas.
Fact 11: Over 33 million Americans have Irish roots
More than seven times the population of Ireland itself, approximately 33.3 million Americans claim to have Irish ancestry, according to the American Community Survey conducted by the U.S Census Bureau.
Fact 12: Ireland's sporting pride - hurling
Hurling, one of the oldest and fastest field sports in the world, is Ireland’s national sport. This sport dates back over 3,000 years. It has a similar pace and thrill to hockey and lacrosse and it’s an integral part of Irish culture.
Fact 13: Irish population has not recovered from the Famine
The Great Irish Famine of 1845-1852 saw the population of Ireland decrease by 20-25%. Surprisingly, the population has yet to recover to pre-famine levels. The island’s population continues to hover around 6.6 million, still short of its peak population of 8.5 million in 1845.
Fact 14: Ireland is a Hollywood favorite
Ireland's stunning landscapes make it an attractive location for big Hollywood movie projects. Films like Star Wars, Saving Private Ryan, and Harry Potter were all shot in Ireland.
Fact 15: High presence of redheads
Around 10% of the Irish population has red hair, second only to Scotland. This is significantly higher than the world average of 1-2%. So, if you’re a fan of redheads, Ireland might just be the place to be.
Fact 16: Prolific literature heritage
Ireland has an incredibly rich literary heritage and boasts four Nobel laureates in Literature. Famous writers such as James Joyce, W.B Yeats, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney, and Oscar Wilde were all Irish.
Fact 17: Irish pubs are everywhere
There are Irish pubs in more than 150 countries around the world, offering visitors a slice of Irish culture, hospitality, and quality beer wherever they may be.
Fact 18: Ireland loves tea
The Irish are huge tea drinkers. On average, each person in Ireland consumes about 1,460 cups of tea per year, making it the second biggest tea-drinking nation per capita, after Turkey.
Fact 19: A unique marine spectacle - The Shannon Dolphin
The Shannon Estuary in Ireland is home to one of Europe's largest groups of bottlenose dolphins. Nearly 200 dolphins live in these waters, making it a go-to destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Fact 20: Aran sweaters hold a special meaning
The intricate stitch patterns on the traditional Aran sweaters are not just for show. Each stitch carries its own unique meaning and story, often inspired by Celtic art and culture. They are a warm and meaningful souvenir to take back from a trip to Ireland.