Ireland is home to an intriguing history. Here are 10 fascinating facts that might surprise you!
Legend holds that St. Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland, although there are actually none roaming freely here. Halloween derives its spooky spirit from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain.
1. The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest driving route in the world
The Wild Atlantic Way offers a breathtaking coastal drive along Ireland’s rugged western edge, making it the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. Spanning 2,500 miles from Kinsale in County Cork to Donegal and back again, this unforgettable tour showcases Ireland’s spectacular natural landscapes and dramatic land and seascapes.
Irish coasts are filled with rugged headlands, towering cliffs and deserted beaches – from Achill Island’s Croaghaun cliffs to Slieve League cliffs on Dingle Peninsula there are endless scenic delights waiting to be discovered, while their waters host a rich marine environment full of life that one may come across while sailing along this coastline.
Coastline towns and villages add another dimension of charm, with their cozy pubs, local markets and bustling music scenes. Sligo and Galway villages in particular are known for their traditional Irish culture while Cork is well known as an active port town.
Ireland isn’t all about its coastline – Ireland’s inland regions can also offer plenty of attractions, from Dublin’s literary history to Belfast’s recent comeback from ashes – there are countless contrasts for visitors to enjoy throughout its expanse.
Ireland is home to numerous internationally-known singers, actors and writers like Andrea Corr, Bono, Niall Horan and Pierce Brosnan – as well as being home to some of the finest whiskey in the world made here! Plus there’s no shortage of breweries. Oh and did you know Halloween originated here too? Originally celebrated by Celts on October 31st as Samhain Day when ghosts of those departed returned home after celebrating Samhain Day on October 31st?
2. The Titanic was built in Belfast
At the turn of the 20th century, Belfast shipyards were known worldwide for producing some of the world’s greatest vessels – Titanic being no exception – so when she went down, Belfast felt immense sorrow and grief; funds were raised for families of victims while church services and memorial services took place across town.
Once the initial shock had worn off, many in the city disassociated themselves with the unsinkable liner. A combination of factors–two world wars, division between Catholic “Republicans” and Protestant “Loyalists,” as well as decline in shipbuilding industry–may have led them down this path.
Robert Ballard discovered Titanic’s wreck in 1985 and revived her story, sparking pride for Belfast as it commemorated her fateful maiden voyage. That led to Belfast building its own Titanic Experience which opened to the public in 2012.
No matter your interest, visiting Northern Ireland’s Titanic Quarter should be on every traveler’s itinerary. Two iconic yellow cranes – Goliath and Samson– stand prominently within this area, creating a truly captivating sight.
Irish culture loves a good tale–particularly one with an interesting turn of events. When visiting Cliffs of Moher, don’t forget to kiss the Blarney Stone – an infamous symbol that’s said to give those who kiss it “the gift of gab.” Of course, no trip would be complete without taking advantage of Ireland’s various pubs to sample some jovial Guinness and whiskey!
3. There are no wild snakes in Ireland
Legend holds that when St. Patrick came to Ireland to convert them to Christianity in the 5th century, he drove all snakes out into the sea after they disrupted his 40-day fast atop a hill. Unfortunately, however, no such evidence can be found in fossil records to support such claims.
Ireland was covered with ice during the last ice age, rendering snakes impossible to travel over from continental Europe and make landfall on Ireland. Without heat sources available to them from outside sources, their bodies would have become too cold for them.
Even if snakes had made it onto Irish territory, they would have struggled to thrive due to ice melt and its aftermath: an Irish Sea emerged, making passage too difficult for three British species of snakes that lived along its edges; only a common lizard made its way in; likely via land bridge from Britain.
While Ireland’s absence of snakes might have alarmed early visitors to its shores, its absence has actually helped foster one of the world’s most diverse and unique ecosystems. Without snakes to control rodent populations, other predators have played an essential role in controlling them more efficiently, leading to an abundance of birdlife and wildlife that’s unique to this Emerald Isle region. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can now fully enjoy Ireland without being afraid of getting startled by something slithery when walking its beautiful streets!
4. Irish people don’t have red hair
Ireland and its people have often been subject to widespread misperceptions. Not all Irish have red hair; actually less than 10% have it on average (compared with 13% in Scotland).
Over history, those with red hair have often been accused of witchcraft or making deals with Satan due to its rarity in certain cultures. While we’ve come a long way since those times, the stereotypes about Ireland and redheads still persist today.
Irish culture and literature are known for being highly imaginative and gifted; this is particularly evident in their literature. Some of the great English writers like Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Seamus Heaney all hail from Ireland – not forgetting Oscar Wilde’s dandyish humor or James Joyce’s intellectual works or Seamus Heaney’s Nobel Prize-winning poetry! Their literary tradition lives and thrives today – just look at Sally Rooney, Roddy Doyle or Colm Toibin to see that!
Irish culture values nature and rural living, which may account for their affinity towards all things green. Ireland boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains one of the least developed destinations in Europe due to low levels of development and pollution; thus making hiking, horseback riding and fishing among other outdoor pursuits possible here. Additionally, Ireland boasts over 7,000 pubs that frequently draw hundreds of people at any one time; one might find a crowd packed into each!
5. There are 30,000 castles in Ireland
Republic of Ireland is an idyllic country characterized by lush green hills and “forty shades of green”, boasting an ancient history dating back over 8,000 years. Additionally, this land of castles boasts over 30,000 structures; including those now serving as luxury hotels or tourist attractions and others that lie dormant or in ruin.
Irish Castles stand as testaments to Irish people’s dedication to safety. Castles were constructed to protect important locations like monasteries or sites considered holy, as well as be symbols of power for rulers who led Ireland throughout its history.
There are numerous castles to explore across Ireland, making deciding which ones to visit difficult. Your decision depends on your personal interests and what you’re searching for in a castle. For instance, if you want to gain insight into Ireland’s rich history then consider visiting either Dublin Castle or Limerick Castle; these once powerful centers of power offer wonderful learning experiences about Irish culture today.
There are also plenty of castles to visit if you’re seeking peace and quiet, including Blarney Castle in Cork which is popular due to its myth about kissing its famous Blarney Stone which legend says can bestow the gift of flattery upon those who kiss it. Additionally, Blarney offers stunning views over Cork City as well as delicious lunch spots nearby – perfect if you need a break!