Ireland- and its hidden secrets

Ireland is a hidden treasure that many people often don´t know much about. When I talk to people about this Celtic island people either don´t know where it is or think that it is still a part of Britain. However, Ireland has come a long way since its division from Great Britain and has maintained its unique language and culture.

Since its independence from the UK in 1922 Ireland has continued to use both the Irish and English languages. Both have official status but in the last century, the government has tried to revive the Irish language. Nowadays, Irish is a compulsory language in primary and secondary schools and as a result many people can speak at least a little Irish. Unfortunately though, the government hasn´t had much success in increasing peoples desire to speak the language. In the globalised world of today many people prefer to use the English language.

Other aspects of Irishness have had more success though. Irish sports such as Gaelic football, hurling, comogie are still very popular. Also Irish traditional music has kept a lot of its fame. Festivals known as Feis Ceoil´s are held every year in which people from all around the country come to play music and perform Irish dancing. Irish dancing, in fact, has gained worldwide interest due to the colourful dresses the girls wear and the exciting music they dance to.

When people think of Ireland perhaps they think of freckles, red hair and bad weather. But Eire is much more than that. It is a country steeped in history and culture and a beautiful place to live, which should gain more recognition.

• Has come a long way = has changed a lot.
• Unique = special.
• Official status = both Irish and English have the same importance in Ireland.
• Compulsory = obligatory
• Gaelic football = a type of football in which you can pick up the ball.
• Hurling = a sport using a stick and ball called a sliotar.
• Camogie = women´s version of hurling.
• Eire = the Irish name for Ireland.
• Steeped = to saturate.

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Questions: 

1. What languages are spoken in Ireland?
2. When did Ireland gain independence from England?
3. Name three sports that are played in Ireland?
4. Is Irish dancing only famous in Ireland?
5. What are the typical things that people think about when they think about Ireland? 

Answers: 

1. English and Irish are spoken in Ireland.
2. Ireland gained independence in 1922.
3. Three sports played in Ireland are gaelic football, hurling and camogie.
4. No, Irish dancing is famous all around the world.
5. The typical things that people think about Ireland are freckles, red hair and bad weather.

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