Ireland: History, people and culture
Name: Vasco Gabriel Morais Costa Subject: English
Class: 11D
Teacher: Clara Chantre
Area: Science and Technology
Mindelo, November 16th, 2023
Index
Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 3
Republic of Ireland .............................................................................................................................. 4
History of Ireland ................................................................................................................................. 5
Geography ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Ireland’s people ................................................................................................................................... 8
Some Irish icons................................................................................................................................... 9
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 10
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Introduction
The Emerald Isle, also known as Ireland, is a European country in Northwest Europe,
surrounded by Great Britain and hundreds of islands. It is one of Europe’s richest
countries, with a lot of culture and very high quality of life.
In this work, proposed by our English teacher, Clara Chantre, I will delve into the
intricacies of the Republic of Ireland, different from the island as a whole. This
research includes the study of its history, geography, economy and culture.
With this work, I intend to get to know more about an English-speaking country I
knew very little of, but of which I have a lot of curiosity, and also be able to present,
in a succinct way, this European country with a very rich culture and history.
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Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland, often referred to as just Ireland, is a western-European
country, part of the European Union (EU) that occupies most of the island of Ireland,
approximately five-sixths (5/6). The other sixth belongs to Northern Ireland, which is
part of the United Kingdom.
Ireland is a very rich country ($112,247 per capita, 3rd highest) with a very high
Human Development Index (0.945 on a scale from 0 to 1, 8th highest).
It also has very high quality of healthcare, economic
freedom and freedom of press.
The capital, Dublin, is also the largest city, with 2.1
million people living there (5.15 million in the whole
country).
It is a democracy, with an elected president, prime-
minister and parliament (divided in two houses).
The big economic boom of Ireland is often attributed to the integration in the
European Union and low taxes for international companies, which led such
companies, like Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook to install their EU
headquarters here. It is also home to one of the biggest European airlines, Ryanair. It
is also used as a tax heaven by a lot of US pharmaceutical companies.
Ireland uses the euro (€) as their currency and has an economy focused on services in
high-tech, life sciences, financial services and agribusiness. The average salary is
around 4000 euros.
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History of Ireland
Spanning millennia, Ireland's story begins with the Celts, whose presence left a lasting
mark on the island's landscape and traditions. Over the centuries, Ireland became a
center of historical dynamics, from Viking incursions to Norman conquests, each
leaving their contribute in the Irish Culture.
The 19th century witnessed the Great Famine, a catastrophic event that reverberated
across generations, underscoring the intertwined relationship between Ireland's people
and its land.
In 1801, Ireland merged with the United Kingdom. While this was seen as something
positive, it created some problems between the protestants, who mainly lived in the
area that is now Northern Ireland, and the rest of Ireland, which was (and still is)
mostly catholic.
After the War of Independence, from
1919 to 1921, the whole Ireland island
got independence from the United
Kingdom, creating the Irish Free State.
The Parliament of Northern Island was
given of returning to the United
Kingdom one month after the independence, which they did. At the time, they had the
same head of state, the monarch of the United Kingdom.
This was followed by the Irish Civil War, which saw the Irish Army split into two
opposing camps: the ones in favor of the Irish Free State (the pro-treaty) and the ones
against the Irish Free State (the anti-treaty). The pro-treaty ended up winning the war,
leaving Ireland as an independent state.
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Ireland became a UN member in December 1955. They applied for the European
Communities (which would become the European Union) in July 1961 and entered
the block on January 1st, 1973.
After a lot of violent conflicts in the island, involving paramilitaries and the British
Army, known as “The Troubles”, a peace settlement, known as “The Good Friday
Agreement” was signed in 1998.
Since this peace settlement, Ireland has been a stable and peaceful country, being able
to focus its efforts on economic development.
Ireland is very integrated with the European Union, except for its non-participation in
the Schengen Area, due to Ireland’s open border policy with Northern Ireland and the
UK, valid since the Good Friday Agreement.
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Geography
Embedded within the Atlantic archipelago,
Ireland's geography is very diverse, offering a
panorama that seamlessly transitions from lush
green expanses to rugged coastlines.
The island, positioned in Northwest Europe, is
bordered by the vast Atlantic Ocean, making
Ireland have a maritime climate that shapes its
landscapes. It also protects the UK from a lot
of maritime winds and storms.
Ireland's interior, characterized by rolling hills, known as drumlins, has an undulating
terrain that is both picturesque and agriculturally fertile. The River Shannon, coursing
through the heart of the island, stands as the longest river.
Ireland's coastline stretches for over 3,000 miles, being a big reason for Ireland’s
maritime culture. Cliffs, such as the iconic Cliffs of Moher, stand sentinel along the
western shores, are also characteristic and very beautiful icons in Ireland.
The island's geographical features extend beyond its mainland to include numerous
smaller islands. Noteworthy among these is Achill Island, the largest of Ireland's isles,
offering a blend of rugged landscapes and coastal charm.
Ireland’s climate is very temperate, with few snowing, due to the oceanic winds. This
also makes Ireland very rainy, with the west and northwest regions being the rainiest,
but also unstable. It is not uncommon to experience “four seasons in day” in Ireland,
where sunshine, rain, and clouds interchange rapidly.
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Ireland’s people
Ireland's population, a tapestry of historical migrations, cultural influences, and
contemporary dynamics, reflects the nation's rich heritage and open-migration stance.
As of 2023, the Republic of Ireland is home to a diverse and dynamic populace.
Demographically, Ireland has experienced notable shifts, particularly in the latter half
of the 20th century. The mid-century saw waves of emigration, primarily driven by
economic challenges, creating a significant Irish diaspora across the globe, especially
in the United States. However, in recent decades, Ireland has witnessed a reversal of
this trend, marked by net immigration. This influx of diverse cultures has contributed
to the nation's multicultural fabric.
The capital city, Dublin, stands as the largest urban center and a vibrant hub of cultural
and economic activity, comparable to cities like New York and Toronto, Canada. Its
cosmopolitan atmosphere reflects the changing face of Ireland, where historical
traditions coexist with contemporary global influences.
Language plays a significant role in Ireland's demographic landscape. English is the
predominant language, which attracts a lot of people from across the globe.
Nvertheless, Irish (Gaeilge) holds official status and is taught in schools. Efforts to
promote the Irish language and preserve cultural heritage remain integral to the
national discourse.
Religiously, Ireland has undergone shifts in recent decades. Historically
predominantly Catholic, the country has seen an increase in religious diversity, with
a growing number of people identifying as non-religious or practicing other faiths.
The Irish state has also being undergoing a lot of secularization, after centuries of the
Catholic faith being intrinsic to state and its laws.
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Some Irish icons
• Cliffs of Moher: Towering over the Atlantic
Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are a
breathtaking natural landmark and one of Ireland's
most iconic and visited sites.
• Guinness: As one of the world's most famous
and successful beer brands, Guinness is
synonymous with Ireland. The Guinness
Storehouse in Dublin is a popular attraction,
offering insights into the brewing process and the
brand's history.
• Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Trinity
College in Dublin is renowned for its academic
excellence, and the Book of Kells, an illuminated
manuscript dating back to the 9th century, is one of
its most cherished treasures.
• Giant’s Causeway: Located in Northern Ireland,
the Giant's Causeway is a unique geological
formation of hexagonal basalt columns that has
captured the imagination of visitors for centuries.
• Saint Patrick: Saint Patrick, the patron saint of
Ireland, is widely celebrated on March 17th each
year with St. Patrick's Day festivities, including
parades and events.
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Conclusion
In traversing the cultural, historical, and geographical aspects of Ireland, this work
shows a nation with the threads of resilience, creativity, and a profound sense of
identity. From the ancient echoes of Celtic traditions to the modern rhythms of
Dublin's bustling streets, Ireland stands as an embodiment of both continuity and
change.
Delving into the history of the Republic of Ireland, we uncovered the profound impact
of pivotal events, from struggles for independence to the complex legacies of
colonization. The geographical contours, characterized by rolling hills and rugged
coastlines, proved not just a backdrop but a crucial influencer of societal practices and
economic activities.
The maritime climate, moderate and changeable, mirrors the adaptability ingrained in
the Irish spirit. The population, a diverse mosaic shaped by historical migrations and
contemporary dynamics, reflects the nation's ability to embrace change while holding
steadfast to its cultural roots.
Icons such as the Cliffs of Moher, Trinity College, and the Celtic Cross serve not
merely as symbols but as living embodiments of Ireland's enduring legacy.
In closing, Ireland tells us not only to appreciate its past and present but to look
forward to the stories yet untold. Its icons, both natural and cultural, stand as testament
to a nation's ability to evolve without losing sight of its essence.
I finish this work left with an enduring appreciation for the resilience, diversity, and
indomitable spirit that define the Republic of Ireland.
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