Ireland
From the glens and valleys of County Wicklow to the limestone cliffs of the northern White Rocks, Ireland’s beauty is uncontestable. Also known as the “Emerald Isle” because of its verdant rolling hills and lush countryside, Ireland lies to the west of Great Britain, surrounded by the Atlantic and the Irish Sea, and is about the same size as the state of West Virginia. Ireland’s four million inhabitants live in a unique juxtaposition of worlds, with ancient castles and Neolithic monuments dotting the same picturesque landscape as the modern cities and universities that make Ireland the world’s leading exporter of computer software.
Ireland’s beauty is perfectly complemented by the culture and history of its people, whose influence has affected nations and cultures worldwide. The scholarly nature of the Irish has made an indelible mark on the world, with literary contributions from the time of St. Patrick to the masterpieces of 19th and 20th century artists like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker. Ireland provides an incredible learning environment, both physically and culturally, and UCF students are encouraged to discover all that the Emerald Isle has to offer. Programs offered in the past have included everything from the music of Ireland to the history and culture of the Irish people.
Below you’ll find fun facts, useful phrases, and links to more information about Ireland.
Fun Facts
- One of the few countries to open its borders to all members of the European Union, Ireland’s largest minority (over 5% of its population) is now Polish.
- The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, in County Galway.
- The original Guinness Brewery in Dublin has a 9,000 year lease on its property, at a perpetual rate of 45 Irish pounds per year.
- The first divorce ever granted by the Irish government was in 1997.
- The Newgrange passage tomb in County Meath was constructed around 3200 BC, making it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge.
Phrases
The official languages in Ireland are Irish and English. Here are some Irish phrases that you might find useful.
- Hello Dia duit
- Goodbye Slán agus beannacht leat
- Excuse me Gabh mo leithscéal
- Thank you Go raibh míle maith agat
- Where is the bathroom? Cá bhfuil an leithreas?