10 Things to Know About Ireland

Ireland has long been an island divided, but isa key role in each.
starting to make a serious comeback. Here are 106. In 1990, Mary Robinson was elected the first
things to know about the Emerald Isle.female President of the Republic of Ireland.
An island located close to Britain, Ireland has been7. You will find "rag trees" in Ireland. As the name
in nearly constant conflict with its neighbor. Alas,suggests, trees are covered with rags tied to
things have changed dramatically in the last tentheir branches. The rags represent wishes for a
years as have Ireland's fortunes. Religious violencevariety of things.
seems to have tapered off and economic growth8. In some parts of the country, you can go
is some of the strongest in Europe.bowling on Sundays. On the public roads! The idea
Here are ten things to know about the amazingis to roll a heavy ball from the starting point to a
country of Ireland.finishing point as much as a couple of miles away.
1. The island is split between two countries,The team that does it in the fewest number of
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.throws wins.
2. Prior to 1921, the entire island was part of and9. The ancestors of U.S. Presidents Kennedy and
controlled by Britain.Reagan were Irish.
3. In 1921, 26 counties in the south were given10. The Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, was
independence and became the Republic of Ireland.Scottish!
4. Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percentIreland has a long and storied history as well as a
Protestant and 44 percent Catholic. This divisionunique cultural all its own. As you can tell from the
has led to decades of strife in all aspects of life.above, this is a place you should visit if you get a
5. Ireland has remained neutral during the twochance.
World Wars despite the fact Great Britain played