How Irish Are You? Did You Know …
Ireland is in north-west Europe. It is about the same size as Hokkaido and has a similar sized population, too. But did you know that there are over 70 million people around the world with Irish ancestry?
Ireland is in north-west Europe, beside Britain. It is about the same size as Hokkaido and has a similar sized population, too. The capital city, Dublin, is about the same size as Sapporo. But did you know that there are over 70 million people around the world with Irish ancestry?
Irish people are crazy about golf. There are golf courses everywhere and people play all the time. Some of the best courses in the world are in Ireland and people come from far away, even Japan, to play golf. This year the Ryder Cup golf competition is taking place in Ireland.
Ireland is famous for music. Did you know, for example that Enya and U2 are Irish? So are The Corrs, Westlife, and The Cranberries. Indeed, Irish people love music so much Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its official symbol – the golden harp.
Ireland has one of the best economies in Europe – the economy has grown by an average of 7.8% for the last ten years! Ireland is famous for IT, pharmaceuticals, engineering and food. Did you know that Ireland exports more computer software than any other country in tMore than 30 Japanese companies are based in Ireland and all are doing very well.he world?
The Irish like to talk and tell stories. Did you know that four Irish writers have been awarded the Nobel prize for literature? They are George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, William Butler Yeats and Seamus Heaney. This year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Beckett and in 2004 the world celebrated the work of another famous Irish writer – James Joyce. Gulliver's Travels was also written by an Irish writer.
The Titanic was built in Belfast in Northern Ireland and set sail on its fateful voyage from Cobh in County Cork. The film is full of Irish music and dance too.
There are over 40 Irish pubs in Japan Here you can hear Irish trditional music and see Irish dancing .You can also try famous Irish drinks, such as Guinness beer, Baileys, Irish coffee and many kinds of Irish whiskey. Slainte! That's Irish for cheers!
Ireland is a great place to go on holiday. Over 7 million people visited Ireland last year, including many Japanese people, and we hope even more will come this year. Why don't you come, too? Now that you know a little bit about Ireland we hope you will want to find out more. Why don't you look at the Irish embassy's website, which has lots more information about Ireland and all things Irish.
Embassy of Ireland in Japan : www.irishembassy.jp
Ireland Tourist Board : http://www.ireland.ie
Enterprise Ireland : http://www.enterprise-ireland.com
IDA Ireland : www.idaireland.com
Ryder Cup Official Site : www.rydercup.com
