Politics and Economy
What is the national currency?
As in most of Europe, is the Euro (€).
What are common ingredients used in the country’s cuisine?
- Potatoes
- Cabbage and kale
- Lamb and beef
- Carrots, onions, leeks
- Dairy products, especially butter and cream
Where is the country located on the world map?
Ireland is located in northwestern Europe, to the west of Great Britain, across the Irish Sea, and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the most well-known myths and legends in the country?
- Leprechauns: Mischievous fairy folk who hide pots of gold
- The Children of Lir: A sad tale about children turned into swans
- Cú Chulainn: A legendary warrior hero
- Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway
What type of government does the Ireland have?
Ireland has a parliamentary democracy and is a republic, meaning it has a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.
What are the most popular traditional dishes?
- Irish stew (with lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions)
- Boxty (potato pancake)
- Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale)
- Soda bread
- Shepherd’s pie
What are the main geographical features?
- Mountains: Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (including - Carrauntoohil, the highest peak)
- Rivers: River Shannon (the longest)
- Lakes: Lough Neagh, Lough Corrib
- Forests: Killarney National Park
- Coasts: Rugged cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher, sandy beaches
What are the major holidays and festivals celebrated?
- St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) – Ireland’s national holiday, celebrating the patron saint
- Halloween, Christmas and Easter
- Bloomsday (June 16) – Celebrates Irish writer James Joyce
Who is the current leader of the country?
Since April 2025:
President: Michael Higgins
Prime Minister: Leo Varadkar
How do traditional outfits differ for special occasions?
For events like Irish dancing, people wear:
- Men: Kilts, waistcoats, and jackets
- Women and girls: Embroidered dresses, often with Celtic designs, and curly wigs or braided hair
On St. Patrick’s Day, people often wear green clothing and shamrock symbols
What is the climate like throughout the year?
- Mild and rainy climate
- Winters are cool (but not very cold), and summers are mild (not very hot)
- Rain and wind are common all year
What is considered polite or impolite in this culture?
Polite:
- Greeting with a handshake
- Saying “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry”
- Making small talk (weather, sports)
Impolite:
- Interrupting in conversation
- Talking too loudly or boasting
- Not taking turns in queues
What are the country’s main industries and exports?
Main industries: Technology, Pharmaceuticals,
Finance, Agriculture and food production, Tourism
Main exports: Medicines, medical devices, software, dairy products, beef, and whiskey
What are the traditional clothing styles for men, women, and children?
Traditional Irish clothing includes wool sweaters, tweed jackets, flat caps for men, and dresses with shawls or cloaks for women.
Children traditionally wore simple woolen garments.
What are the dominant religions practiced in the country?
- Christianity, mainly Roman Catholicism
- Smaller communities of Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and others
What are popular sports and hobbies?
- Gaelic football and hurling (unique Irish sports)
- Soccer, rugby, golf
- Irish dancing, playing traditional music
- Reading, hiking, and going to local festivals or pubs (for music and socializing)