Ireland
General information
The country has many seas and oceans
Dublin is the capital of the country
Mythology The creature Kelpie comes from Celtic folklore. This is a shape shifter which can take different forms, however generally it chooses a horse or a pony.
The banshee is a female spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld.
A leprechaun is a type of fairy creature in Irish folklore, usually taking the form of an old man, in a red or green coat, who enjoys taking part in mischief.
The brownie a legendary creature popular in folklore around Scotland Ireland. Brownies are said to inhabit houses and do all the work around the house.
Holidays Valentine's Day
Halloween
St. Stephen's Day
Easter
Christmas
Saint Patrick's Day
Education At the age of 6 child enters primary school , which is the first stage of schooling. In elementary school usually study three core subjects: English, Irish and Maths. Receive a primary education children aged 6 to 12 years.
At the age of 12 pupil enter high school. High school in Ireland consists of two degrees. At second stage, pupils aged 15 take the exam for a certificate of completion of the first cycle of secondary school and gets Junior Certificate.
At the age of 15 pupil enters upper second school.
At the end of secondary school pupil have state exams for the Leaving Certificate - National Certificate of Graduation.
Food A sacred place in every house was a fireplace with bubbling cauldron over it.
Milk was the most important food product, and it used very often.
Honey, which is the oldest drink, was always a favorite.
Another drink which was loved by the ancient Irish was wine from the berries of thorns.
The most expensive fish was salmon.
Traditions
The New Year unlocks all the houses in Ireland
One of the most famous Irish traditions is a Blarney Stone kiss.
People fluently speaking Irish wear special badges (An Fáinne)
A man and a woman could have been announced husband wife, if they had met each other on St. Bridget Day.
Wishing a birthday person to be lucky he was put upside down and gently struck with his head on the floor.
Culture The Republic of Ireland's national theatre is the Abbey Theatre founded in 1904
The main directions in music are folk, rock and punk.
Ireland has won Eurovision Song Contest 7 times.
