St. Patrick's day

As in any other country, and in Ireland there are one the main and most important celebration in Ireland such holiday is considered to be St. Patrick's day, celebrated annually on 17 March. The celebration of this day is a special event for the Irish. Preparation begins in a dvance to the actual day of the holiday all proceeded in the best way. Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New_Zealand. People in this holiday dressed in green clothes, also besides the most parades, in this day to organize parties with music and plenty of beer. But when the ageing of the times it was a little different, namely, all the pubs were closed, because most of the residents went to Church for mass. Today St. Patrick's day is again favorite music and dancing.

In Ireland there is an interesting tradition, the new year's eve it is customary to leave the door of the house open to anyone who came could feel welcome. In Ireland the atmosphere of confidence, especially in these holidays. And, indeed, it never happens, because the inhabitants of the Holy appreciate holiday traditions of his country.

Religion

Religious freedom is constitutionally provided for in Ireland. Christianity is the predominant religion, with the Roman Catholic Church as the largest church. In 2011, 84.2% of the population identified themselves as Roman Catholic, 4.6% as Protestant or another Christian religion, 1.1% as Muslim, and 6.2% as having no religion. According to a Georgetown University study, the country has one of the highest rates of regular Mass attendance in the Western world. While daily attendance was 13% in 2006, there was a reduction in weekly attendance from 81% in 1990 to 48% in 2006, although the decline was reported as stabilising.In 2011, it was reported that weekly Mass attendance in Dublin was just 18%, with it being even lower among younger generations.

Saint Finbarre's Cathedral is a cathedral of the Church of Ireland inCork city.

The Church of Ireland is the second largest Christian denomination. Membership declined throughout the twentieth century, but has recently experienced an increase, as have other small Christian denominations. Significant Protestant denominations are the Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church. Immigration has contributed to a growth in Hindu and Muslim populations. In percentage terms, Orthodox Christianity and Islam were the fastest growing religions, with increases of 100% and 70% respectively.

Ireland's patron saints are Saint Patrick, Saint Bridget and Saint Columba. Saint Patrick is the only one commonly recognised as the patron saint. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on 17 March in Ireland and abroad as the Irish national day, with parades and other celebrations.

As with other predominantly Catholic European states, Ireland underwent a period of legal secularisation in the late twentieth century. In 1972, the article of the Constitution naming specific religious groups was deleted by the Fifth Amendment in a referendum. Article 44 still remains in the Constitution: The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion. The article also establishes freedom of religion, prohibits endowment of any religion, prohibits the state from religious discrimination, and requires the state to treat religious and non-religious schools in a non-prejudicial manner.

Religious studies was introduced as an optional Junior Certificate subject in 2001. Although many schools are run by religious organisations, a secularist trend is occurring among younger generations.  Religious schools cannot discriminate against pupils concerning religion. A sanctioned system of preference does exist, where students of a particular religion may be accepted before those who do not share the ethos of the school, in a case where a school's quota has already been reached.

Tasks and questions

Check out the interesting facts about Ireland. What do you like most?

Interesting facts about Ireland

• The main characters of Ireland - clover and harp.

• Most foreigners Ireland is associated with the well-known song - the symbol of the free-love - «Green sleeves» (Green sleeves).

• The patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick is the patron Saint of Nigeria.

• In Ireland is the most Western point of Europe.

• Famous Irish dance is also went through a century without any changes.

• Modern coat of arms of Ireland is almost completely similar to the flag of the country.

• Ireland is famous for numerous red-haired population.

• Ireland is the only country in Europe where people less than dogs.

• Symphony orchestra of the Irish city of cork for 57 years, acted as the same line, for that was in the Guinness Book of records.

• Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin once «canceled» solar Eclipse.

• Many modern names of indigenous Irish still used with prefixes, once the necessary media belonging to a certain sort.

• According to ancient tradition, many families are still left under the door treats for good forest creatures.

• Unlike Europe, Ireland, August is already autumn month.

• The world's first Duty Free shop was opened in the Irish Shannon airport.

Chapter 4 National cuisine

Irish cuisine is a style of cooking originating from Ireland or developed by Irish people. It evolved from centuries of social and political change. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate. The introduction of the potato in the second half of the 16th century heavily influenced Ireland's cuisine thereafter and, as a result, is often closely associated with Ireland.

Kitchen Ireland is slightly different from the cuisines of other European countries, it has in itself no frills, its Foundation is the usual peasant food. Modern kitchen, which is now in Ireland, began in the second half of the sixteenth century, together with the advent of potatoes in the country. The main dish of Ireland is considered Irish stew, potatoes is its basic part. Recipes that you can prepare stew, there is an infinite number, and to determine the first now practically impossible. But it is expected that once in a stew consisted of all the products that you can find in the kitchen. Modern recipe stew looks like this: onions, turnips(репа), potatoes, lamb neck, thyme, salt and spices. Potatoes are also used for preparation of another lot of important Irish dishes, it kolkannion. It is cooked of chopped cabbage, potato, and of course add the onion and seasoning.

If an Irishman with a Russian will meet in a conversation about food, they will reach one of the undisputed opinion, to the potatoes always fit herring. Pickled or in part casseroles, herring is eaten in Ireland whole year, such a casserole together with herring is called «Temptation Jansson». But a particular delicacy is, if you managed to catch a small herring, from may to September. In addition to all the dishes of Irish cuisine, without any doubt we can say that the main attraction is the Irish whiskey, far from it gone and Irish coffee. Hot coffee with whisky perfectly warms in rainy weather, which often happens in the country.

Common foods

• Dairy: butter, milk, buttermilk, cheese (Ardrahan, Corleggy, Durrus, Cashel Blue, Cooleeney, Gubbeen)^[7]

• Grains: barley, oats, wheat

• Freshwater fish: trout, salmon (frequently smoked)

• Meat: beef, chicken, goose, lamb, mutton, pork, offal (потроха)

• Seafood: mackerel, cod, shellfish (particularly mussels, oysters and lobster)

• Vegetables: cabbage, curly kale, potatoes, carrots, onions, rhubarb

• Fruits: apple, pear, plum, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, tomatoes

T raditional foods

Barmbrack – a kind of currant cake which contains a golden ring. Traditionally eaten around Halloween.

Pork dishes

• Bacon and cabbage

• Black pudding – a traditional dish made from pigs blood, barley and seasoning

• Coddle – main ingredients: pork sausage, back bacon and potato

• Crubeens – pig's trotters

• Skirts and kidneys – a kind of pork stew

Potato dishes

• Boxty – a kind of potato pancake

• Champ – main ingredients: mashed potato, scallions, butter and milk

• Colcannon – main ingredients: mashed potato, kale or cabbage, and butter

• Shepherd's Pie/Cottage Pie – main ingredients: mashed potato, minced lamb/beef, and vegetables

Tasks and questions

Solve the following crossword

								2
						4
		1			3
				6
	5
7
8

Irish food

1. A famous Irish refreshing soft drink

2. What food was a foundation of Irish cuisine?

3. This vegetable is very popular both in Russia and in Ireland.

4. Dish which is cooked of chopped cabbage, potato, and of course add the onion and seasoning.

5. This product is eaten in Ireland whole year.

6. Traditional Irish bread.

7. The best known Irish dish.

8. Irish, famous alcoholic drink.

Check yourself

Keys:

1. Coffe

2. Peasant

3. Potatoes

4. Kolkannion

5. Herring

6. Barmbrack

7. Stew

8. Whiskey

Chapter 5 Places and views

10 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Ireland

Outdoors lovers will find lots to be excited about in Ireland, with acres of wild and windswept countryside, cute-as-a-button villages and hair-raising coastal cliffs making up the country's surprisingly varied scenery. From mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage sites to unique vistas that beg to be photographed, these are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland.

1 . Cliffs of Moher

Ireland's mighty Cliffs of Moher reign strong as one of the country's most visited natural attractions - towering 214 meters over the Atlantic Ocean in western Ireland. The iconic cliffs run from near the village of Doolin for around 8km to Hags Head in County Clare and host the country's most spectacular coastal walk. Carved out by a gigantic river delta around 320 million years ago, the imposing cliffs also offer incredible views, stretching over Galway Bay, the distant Twelve Pins mountain range and the northern Maum Turk Mountains 

2. Ring of Kerry

I reland's most scenic tourist trail, the Ring of Kerry, runs 120 miles through some of southwestern Ireland's most jaw-dropping landscapes. A patchwork of lush meadows, glacial lakes and heather-topped mountains, the Ring of Kerry includes highlights like the rugged Beara Peninsula and the Kerry Way - Ireland's longest and oldest walking route. Stop off on route at the Killarney National park, a UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve, home to the 15th century Ross Castle and a herd of wild red deer.

3. The Giant's Causeway

N orthern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, the Giant's Causeway is proof that Mother Nature provides the most dramatic tourist attractions. The natural wonder is comprised of around 40,000 polygonal basalt rock columns, formed by the ancient volcanic landscape and stretching along the coastline like a series of gigantic stepping stones. A Giants Causeway Day Trip from Belfast is one of the country's most popular excursions, with visitors taking the unique opportunity to walk one of nature's most peculiar pathways. 

4. Skellig Islands

Ireland's magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Skellig Islands make a worthy side trip from the popular Ring of Kerry tourist trail, a pair of small rocky mounds that rise up from the sea off the coast of Portmagee. Not only are the two islands - S kellig Michael and Little Skellig - home to a fascinating 6th-century monastic complex perched on the 230-meter high cliff top, but they also host an impressive array of birdlife. Look out for Gannets, Black Guillemots, Cormorants, Razorbills and Herring Gulls as you climb the hair-raisingly steep 600-step climb to view the monastic remains.

5. Aran Islands

F amous for their traditional knitted 'Aran sweaters' (sold all over the UK) and car-free roads, the Aran Islands are one of few places left where you can experience a traditional Irish village, unmarred by the modern developments of the mainland. Here, many locals still speak Gaelic as their first language, live in small farming communities and drive pony traps. The countryside is equally enchanting - historic forts teetering on cliff tops, endless sandy beaches and miles of rugged coastline. 

6. Glenveagh National Park

Ireland's second-largest National Park at 14,000 acres, Glenveagh is County Donegal's number 1 attraction, drawing hikers and fishermen from all over the country. While you're taking in the mountaintop views, enjoying afternoon tea in the 19th century Glenveagh Castle or fishing for salmon and trout in the glittering lakes, keep a lookout for the park's rare wildlife. The formerly extinct Golden Eagle was reintroduced to the park in 2000 and they share their habitat with Ireland's largest herd of red deer. 

7. The Burren

A mind-boggling landscape of ruts, fissures and rocky mounds, walking across the Burren has been likened to walking on the moon. Sculpted through thousands of years of acid erosion, the karst landscape appears like a giant jigsaw of grikes (fissures) and clints (isolated rocks jutting from the surface), teetering 300-meters above the ocean on the coast of County Clare in western Ireland. Be sure to take a closer look as you trek over the rocks, too - the rocky terrain nurtures a surprising variety of rare plants and insects (around 700 different species), with colorful wildflowers blooming between the cracks throughout the spring. 

8. Connemara National Park

Another one of Ireland's National Parks, Connemara is famous for its herd of native Connemara Ponies and its wild countryside, sprawling around the famous Twelve Bens mountain range. Three of the Twelve Bens - Benbaun, Bencullagh a nd Benbrack - lie within the National Park boundaries, traversed by a vast network of hiking and climbing trails. Another highlight is the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a former monastery housed in one of Ireland's most beautiful castles. 

9. Glendalough

A popular day trip from Dublin, Glendalough, or the 'Valley of Two Lakes', is one of Ireland's most prominent monastic sites, nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The 6th century Christian settlement was founded by St. Kevin and boasts a series of impressive remains set against a backdrop of picturesque Irish countryside. Nicknamed 'the garden of Ireland', Wicklow is a nature lover's paradise of rolling meadows, vast lakes and hillsides carpeted in purple heather. 

10. Cooley Peninsula

At northeastern tip of Ireland, the remote Cooley Peninsula juts out into the Irish Sea just below the border of Northern Ireland and while the region remains largely free of tourists, there's still plenty of s tunning scenery to take in. Enjoy the views from the forested Mourne Mountains, stop off at the charming medieval village of Carlingford and walk the windswept coastline in one of the country's most rewarding off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Tasks and questions

Which of these places would you like to visit and why?

Test

1. What is the capital of Ireland?

   1. Dublin

   2. Cork

   3. Belfast

2. The population of Ireland is…

   1. 3.3 million

   2. 5.2 million

   3. 4.6 million

3. Languages which are spoken by Irish people are…

   1. French and English

   2. Irish and Scottish Gaelic

   3. English and Irish

4. Choose the national flag of Ireland

   1. 

2. 

3. 

5. The coat of arms of Ireland is blazoned as…

   1. Harp

   2. Bear

   3. Lion

6. The western landscape mostly consists of …

   1. hills and mountains

   2. Lakes and rivers

   3. Forests

7. Administratively the Republic of Ireland is divided into …

   1. Five provinces

   2. Four provinces

   3. Six provinces

8. In Ireland there are one the main and most important celebration in Ireland such holiday is considered to be….

   1. St. Patrick's day

   2. Christmas

   3. Easter

9. The population of Ireland identified themselves as

   1. Muslim

   2. Protestant

   3. Catholic

10. The main dish of Ireland is …

    1. mashed potatoes

    2. Irish stew

    3. English soup

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