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Potatoes are not native to Ireland -

Despite the country’s long-standing association with this starchy root vegetable, potatoes were actually brought to Ireland by an Englishman in the 16th century. Sir Walter Raleigh planted the first potato in his garden in County Cork around 1588.

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English is not the first language of Ireland -

The Irish originally spoke an ancient language called Gaelic, or simply Irish. It was phased out by the British during their colonization of Ireland, and English became the language most commonly spoken. However, Irish is still considered the first language of Ireland and is still found on all official government documents and road signs.

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The Gaeltacht -

Although you’re unlikely to hear Irish being spoken in the streets of Dublin or Cork, there are a few small communities in rural areas of Ireland where Irish is still the primary language used. These areas are known as the Gaeltacht, and students from all over Ireland often stay there for a few weeks as part of their education.

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It’s illegal to be drunk in public -

Despite the fact that drinking pints is a common pastime in Ireland, as it is in many countries, it’s technically illegal to be drunk in public. That being said, the Irish police tend to pick their battles and don’t go overboard enforcing this rule.

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The Irish aren’t the biggest consumers of Guinness -

Guinness is perhaps Ireland’s most famous export. Who doesn’t love a pint of the black stuff? Apparently, Brits and Nigerians love it more than the Irish do! The UK is the nation that consumes the most Guinness per year, with Nigeria coming in second place, and Ireland in third.

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St. Patrick wasn’t Irish -

St. Patrick is actually believed to have been from the UK. He was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave. He later devoted his life to God and is credited with spreading Christianity throughout the country. He is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland and was named the country’s patron saint.

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There were actually never any snakes in Ireland -

Despite this popular tale, the fact is that there were never any snakes on the Emerald Isle to begin with. The banishing of the snakes may be a metaphor for his banishing of heathenism by bringing Christianity to Ireland.

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St. Patrick didn’t wear green -

Time to bust yet another myth about old St. Patrick! The patron saint of Ireland is often depicted in green, but the color green didn’t become associated with Ireland until the 1798 Irish Rebellion, when the green clover was used as a symbol.

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The first St. Patrick’s Day parade -

Shockingly, the first ever St. Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland! It occurred in Boston in 1737, a city which boasts the largest population of Irish ancestry in the US.

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The home of St. Valentine -

Another famous saint you might not know has connections to Ireland is St. Valentine. The remains of St. Valentine can be found in the Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin.

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The harp -

Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its national symbol. The harp appears on the Irish coat of arms and on the back of Irish euro coins, and is the official logo of the Irish government.

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Prehistoric population -

There’s evidence of human life on the island of Ireland as far back as 10,500 BCE. This incredible discovery was made in 2016 when archaeologists discovered an ancient bear bone that had clearly been butchered.

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Newgrange -

Ireland is home to an incredibly rare Stone Age burial site called Newgrange. It was created more than 5,000 years ago, making it older than the pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge.

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No postal codes -

Up until 2015, Ireland was one of the few countries in the world that didn’t have postal codes. Dublin was the only city that had a few postal codes, but addresses throughout the rest of the country went freestyle! For this reason, Irish postmen can successfully deliver most letters with no more than a name and a town.

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There are only five cities in the Republic of Ireland -

Ireland is a country scattered with picturesque towns and villages. There are only five major cities in the entire country: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, and Limerick.

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Get to know Cork -

Fun fact: Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, but Cork is actually bigger! Many consider Cork to be the cultural capital of Ireland.

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The butter capital of the world -

Another impressive fact about Cork is that it was once the largest exporter of butter in the entire world. Anyone familiar with Irish butter, particularly Kerrygold, will know it’s the best around.

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Eurovision royalty -

Ireland holds the record for the most wins at the Eurovision Song Contest. The country has won seven times, in 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1996.

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Tactical sabotage? -

The winner of Eurovision always has to host the competition in their country the following year, which is a huge undertaking. Locals believe Ireland started to purposefully tank their performances after 1996 so they wouldn’t have to host it again (they once sent a puppet of a turkey from a popular children’s show…).

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Welcome to Muckanaghederdauhaulia -

The longest town name in Ireland has 22 letters. Muckanaghederdauhaulia is a small village in Connemara, County Galway. Good luck pronouncing that!

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Cliffs of Moher -

One of the most famous natural wonders in Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher in County Galway. They have appeared in numerous films, including ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ (2009), ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987), and ‘The Mackintosh Man’ (1973).

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Halloween originated in Ireland -

Halloween has its roots in the pagan festival of Samhain, which was celebrated in ancient Ireland by the Celts. It was similar to Halloween in the belief that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest during Samhain.

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The Titanic was built in Ireland -

The famously doomed English ship was actually built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, prior to Irish independence. What’s more, its last port of call was in County Cork, Ireland. It officially departed from Southampton in England but stopped off in Cork before heading for its final destination. Sadly, it would never arrive.

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Gay marriage referendum -

Ireland was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by public referendum. The country put it to a public vote in May 2015, and it was passed with an overwhelming majority. The anniversary of the referendum is celebrated by the LGBTQ community every year.

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Ireland only legalized divorce in 1995 -

Although Ireland is progressing on social and human rights issues in recent years, it was historically a very conservative Catholic country. For this reason, divorce was only legalized in 1995, also voted in by referendum, and condoms were only made legal in 1970 (although they could only be obtained with a prescription from your doctor at first).

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More Irish live outside of Ireland than in Ireland -

If you go to almost any country in the world, you’ll probably find an Irish pub, and in it a few Irish people! The Irish have long been in the habit of emigrating to other countries, usually in search of work. This culture has persisted even as the country’s economy boomed and the job market improved. Many Irish people still move abroad and can be found in surprising places all over the world.

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The Wild Atlantic Way -

The stunning Wild Atlantic Way that runs along the west coast of Ireland is the longest coastal driving route in the world. It’s 1,553 mi (2,500 km) long and passes through nine counties, from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal all the way down to Kinsale in County Cork.

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The world’s oldest maternity hospital -

Dublin is home to the oldest maternity hospital in the world. The Rotunda Hospital has been operating without closure longer than any other maternity hospital around the globe.

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Puck Fair -

Puck Fair in County Kerry is thought to be the oldest festival in Ireland. Every year, a wild goat is plucked from the Kerry mountains and brought to the town of Killorglin. The goat is crowned King Puck for three days of festivities, after which he is safely returned to the mountain.

Sources: (Global Experiences) (Skyscanner) (The Irish Road Trip)

See also: The strangest conventions in the world

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