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Fairy trees -

According to Irish folklore, solitary trees (usually a whitethorn or an ash) in the countryside are home to fairies. Some believe you'll face a lifetime of bad luck if you damage or cut down the trees.

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Irish stew -

A traditional stew is Ireland's national dish, loved for its simplicity and heartiness. The dish is made from lamb or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and seasonings.

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Wakes -

In Ireland, while wakes are mostly held in funeral parlors now, in some rural areas, they are still held in the home of the deceased. It is common for people who didn't even know the person who died to attend wakes or funerals as a mark of respect.

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Pub culture -

Irish pub culture is a social tradition centered around pubs (public houses.) It involves socializing with friends and neighbors, drinking (often beer), live music, storytelling, and food.

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Art -

The history of Irish art can be traced back to around 3200 BCE with Neolithic stone carvings at the Newgrange World Heritage Site. Ireland's most well-known living artists include Brian O'Doherty and Dorothy Cross.

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Rose of Tralee -

The Rose of Tralee is an annual festival celebrating young women of Irish descent, featuring a beauty pageant and live entertainment.

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An itchy nose -

According to Irish superstition, if you have an itchy nose, it either means someone is talking about you behind your back, or you are going to have a fight soon.

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Saying thank you to the bus driver -

In Ireland, it is customary to say thank you to the bus driver when you get off the bus. 

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Croagh Patrick pilgrimage -

The Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is an annual event where thousands of people climb Ireland's sacred mountain, Croagh Patrick, on the last Sunday of July to honor Saint Patrick.

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Craic -

Craic is an Irish slang word that means fun or a good time. You may hear someone say, 'It was good craic,' which means they had a good time.

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The 12 pubs of Christmas -

The 12 pubs of Christmas is an Irish pub crawl tradition where participants visit 12 pubs for a drink at each, often while wearing a Christmas-themed sweater.

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The Late Late Toy Show -

The Late Late Toy Show first aired in the 1970s. The show features the latest kids' toys, interviews, and performances from musicians. It has become a tradition for the people of Ireland to sit down and watch it every year a few weeks before Christmas.

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Irish culture and traditions -

Wren Day is celebrated on December 26. It involves playing music to commemorate an old tradition of hunting a wren bird, parading through towns with a fake wren on a decorated pole, and people dressing in colorful costumes.

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Language -

Irish, also known as Gaeilge, is recognized as the national and first official language of the Republic of Ireland. While almost 1.9 million people in Ireland speak Irish, 55% of speakers say they cannot speak the language well. 

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Irish dance -

Irish dancing is a traditional form of dance that features rapid foot movements and an upright posture. It encompasses a range of styles for solo, pair, and group dances. 

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Céilí -

A céilí is a social gathering either at home or a community gathering place, that involves dancing and playing Gaelic folk music. It is similar to a Scottish cèilidh.

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Irish literature -

Ireland has a rich literary history, and the country has produced some of the world's most brilliant writers, including Oscar Wilde (pictured), Anne Enright, and Seamus Heaney.

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Leprechauns -

In Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a small, magical, and mischievous creature, often depicted as a bearded man wearing a green coat and hat. Leprechauns are said to reveal the hiding place of treasure if caught.

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Bloomsday -

Bloomsday is a uniquely Irish festival that celebrates James Joyce's epic novel, 'Ulysses.' It is held on the anniversary of the day featured in the book (June 16, 1904.)

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St. Patrick's Day -

St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of Ireland's Patron Saint. It began in 1631 and is one of the most famous traditions in Ireland. People attend parades, enjoy a drink in a pub, and listen to traditional Irish music.

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Céide Fields -

The Céide Fields in County Mayo is an archaeological site containing the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, dating back 6,000 years. The site revealed evidence of Neolithic farming practices and daily life.

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Storytelling -

The Irish custom of storytelling dates back to over 2,000 years ago when events weren't recorded, they were passed down through generations via spoken word. Professional storytellers known as seanchaí would travel from town to town to spread news and folktales. 

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Gaelic Games -

The Gaelic Games is made up of six different events: hurling, Gaelic football, handball, rounders, Camogie, and ladies' football. Croke Park arena in Dublin is the perfect place to watch an All-Ireland Football match.

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Trad music -

Irish traditional music, also known as trad music, is a genre of folk music. The fiddle, flute, mandolin, accordion, bodhrán (drum), and harp are all played by trad musicians.

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Celtic knot -

A Celtic knot is a decorative design that consists of interwoven lines forming intricate patterns with no beginning or end. It symbolizes eternity, unity, and interconnectedness.

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Finn McCool and the Giant's Causeway -

Legend has it that Finn McCool, an Irish giant, created a causeway to cross the North Channel to Scotland. You can find the Giant's Causeway on the North East coast of County Antrim.

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St. Brigid’s Day -

In Ireland, February 1 marks the beginning of Spring and is the feast day of St. Brigid. People make St. Brigid's crosses out of rushes or reeds and make pilgrimages to wells and rivers.

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Puck Fair -

Puck Fair is an annual fair held in Killorglin, where a wild goat crowned as 'King Puck' is paraded through the town. The event features music, live entertainment, and activities.

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Celtic harp -

The Celtic harp has been considered the symbol of Ireland since the 13th century. It is one of the country's oldest instruments and was adopted as the emblem of the Irish Free State when it separated from the United Kingdom in 1922.
Sources: (RTE) (Britannica) (Twinkl)

See also: Fascinating facts you didn't know about Ireland

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