ULSTER AND EIRE
Ireland was once a single country, but today it is divided into two : the south, with the Republic of ireland – Eire- which is an independent country with a President of the Republic, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
The majority of the population in the Republic is Catholic, and in Northern Ireland it is mainly Protestant.
For more than a hundred years, many conflicts, called « the troubles », opposed the Protestants, who want to remain part of the UK, and the Catholics who wanted a unified Republic. These « troubles » are still not completely forgotten today.
Now Eire is part of the European Union and its economy is very successful, based on farming, tourism and industry.
LEPRECHAUNS
Leprechauns are little elves who are part of Irish mythology. They are very small and take the form of old men who play tricks on people. They are represented as shoemakers and it is said they hide treasures of gold in fields. People believe that if you catch a leprechaun, it will tell you where the gold is.
According to legend, a leprechaun cannot escape as long as your eyes are fixed upon him, but if you stop looking, he will disappear.
Leprechauns have become symbols of Ireland and you can buy them in every shape or form.
LANDSCAPE AND CLIMATE
Ireland is famous for its spectacular wild landscapes. many parts of the country, like Connemara in the west, are still untouched by industrialisation. The climate of ireland is mild. It is neither hot nor cold, and it rains a lot. Because of the Gulf Stream, exotic flowers and trees can grow in Southern Ireland.
Listen to the Quiz HERE
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS :
Where is Ireland situated ? What is it ? Is it an island or a continent ? Is it a country ? How many parts are there ?
What about the capital(s) ?
What is Northern Ireland part of ? What is the Republic or Ireland part of ? What currency do you use in Northern Ireland ? in Eire ?
Name 5 symbols of Ireland
What do you know about Leprechauns ?
When is the Irish national Day ?
What is the major religious group in Northern Ireland ? in the Republic ?
What happened between Protestants and Catholics ?
What was the problem with potatoes ? What did it cause ?
Who was Saint Patrick ?
What is the climate like ?
What is Ireland famous for ?
Is the economy successful ? What is it based on ?
