IRISH Culture

Ireland has two official languages: English and Gaelic.

Important Holidays in Ireland

Also called Imbolg or Imbolc, the beginning of spring

FEBRUARY 1

ST. BRIGID’S DAY

MARCH 17

ST PATRICK’S DAY

Ireland’s population is made up of over 180 different nationalities.

October31samhainfestival

Celebrates the patron saint of Ireland.

Also known as Halloween, a festival of the dead

You can find out more here: https://stpatricksday.ie/about-the-festival

Traveller Culture

The Traveller community in Ireland have a shared history, identity, language and value system, which makes them a distinct group. The language, known as Cant (or Shelta, or Mincéir Thari …), is an ancient indigenous language. It is used less often these days, although most Travellers would have some words. It is usually spoken rather than written down, so these words may be new to you…

Check it out here:

Brother and sister Michael and Winnie Ward wrote, recorded and produced a song in both Cant and English called Glimmer (Light).

Poetry

One very famous irish poet was called Patrick Kavanagh. He wrote a poem called ‘On Raglan Road’, which became a famous traditional song. Irish people all around the world sing this song, which tells the tale of a man who falls in love, but this love is not returned.

Mythology

Why not take a listen: On Raglan Road - Luke Kelly -

We share stories by passing them down from one generation to the next. Some famous Irish myths (stories about our early history and people) are

Music

Irish traditonal music began as an oral tradition of story telling. Irish people sing ballads, songs and laments. Our music speaks of our history of love, loss, pride and much more.

Irish traditional musical instruments include the fiddle, bodhrán (drum) and harp.

Read on to learn more:

Activity

Why not try out some fun Irish phrases?

Sl Inte Sl Inte

slahn-chae

An expression that derives from the Old Irish word slán, meaning "healthy”.

Sl N Abhaile Sl N Abhaile

slahn-a-wal-ya

Meaning ‘safe home’, is used to say goodbye to someone who is travelling home.

DIA DHUIT DIA DHUIT jee-uh ghwitch Means hello.