Easy Questions
What is the capital city of Ireland?
Dublin
In what century did St. Patrick live?
The 5th century (around 385-461 AD)
Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
Green represents Ireland, Irish nationalism, and the shamrock. Tradition says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns who pinch anyone they can see.
What is the longest river in Ireland?
The River Shannon (at 360 km / 224 miles)
What U.S. city famously dyes its river green every St Patrick's Day?
Chicago (the Chicago River). This tradition began in 1962 when city workers dumped 100 pounds of dye into the river.
What traditional instrument looks like a large stringed triangle?
The harp
Was St. Patrick actually born in Ireland?
No, he was born in Roman Britain (modern day England, Scotland, or Wales)
What is a leprechaun's traditional occupation?
A shoemaker or cobbler
What famous cliffs in Ireland rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean?
The Cliffs of Moher
What year was the first St Patrick's Day parade held in America?
1762 (in NYC)
What nickname is Ireland known by because of its green landscape?
The Emerald Isle
What did St. Patrick study to become?
A priest
What stone is said to give you the "gift of gab" if you kiss it?
The Blarney Stone (at Blarney Castle)
What popular Irish cream liqueur was invented in Dublin in 1974?
Baileys Irish Cream
Name 1 famous landmark that participates in the "Global Greening" initiative on St Patrick's Day.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sydney Opera House, Empire State Building, and many more worldwide
What color were leprechauns originally said to wear before green became popular?
Red
What did St. Patrick use the shamrock to teach?
The concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one)
What is the name of the traditional Irish wailing spirit said to announce death?
A banshee
What Irish city is famous for its black stout beer?
Dublin (home of Guinness)
In what year did Ireland make St Patrick's Day a public holiday?
1903
What sea creature is sometimes associated with Ireland and appears on Irish coins?
A salmon
What mountain in Ireland is associated with St. Patrick's 40 days of fasting?
Croagh Patrick
What traditional Irish step dance became famous worldwide in the 1990s?
Riverdance
What is the population of Ireland approximately?
What color was originally associated with St Patrick before green became popular?
Blue
What do Irish people call their traditional language?
Gaelic
Approximately how many churches did St. Patrick establish in Ireland?
Over 300 churches
What Halloween tradition originated in Ireland?
Jack-O-Lanterns
What percentage of the world's population claims Irish ancestry?
Approx. 2% (about 70-80 million people)
What year did the Great Famine (An Gorta Mor) begin in Ireland?
1845
What baked good is traditionally made with raisins and served on St. Patrick's Day?
Irish soda bread
What title is St. Patrick given in relation to Ireland?
What U.S. city has the largest St Patrick's Day parade in the world?
NYC
True or False-
Ireland is not the only country that has a musical instrument as its national symbol?
False-
Ireland is the only country to have an instrument, the harp, as its national symbol!
What percentage of Ireland's population was lost during the Great Famine through death and emigration?
About 25% (from approximately 8 million to 6 million between 1845-1852)