7 Interesting Facts About the Irish

7 Interesting DFacts * ABOUT THE IRISH In honor of St Patrick's Day-a holiday celebrated around the world by people of many nationalities-it's only fitting to share some fascinating information about the Irish culture and history. For those with an Irish heritage, it's more than just drinking green beer, but about celebrating their unique roots, history and the impact they have had on the world. Slainte! THE EARLS OF ROSSE WERE GREAT INVENTORS. FACT #1 IN THEIR CASTLE they studied photography, engineering and other marvels. Their castle contained much photographic equipment and science of all sorts. Most famous, however, is the ROSSE TELESCOPE, built in the 1800s by one of the Earls. IT HELD THE RECORD for largest telescope in the entire world for the better part of a century. The telescope had a reflector that was 72 INCHES IN DIAMETER, which was incredibly impressive for its time. DRACULA MAY ACTUALLY FACT #2 HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY THE IRISH LEGEND OF ABHARTACH. Suprising, eh? Many believe the legend of Bram Stoker's Dracula was inspired by Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, a member of the House of Drăculești, ALSO KNOWN BY HIS PATRONYMIC NAME: DRACULA. But there is the legend of AN IRISH WIZARD AND CHIEFTAIN, who was known by the name of Abhartach, and one historian believes that HE was the true inspiration for Dracula. In the legends Abhartach basically was a vampire king, and in Irish folklore DRACULA ACTUALLY MEANS SOMETHING CLOSER TO “BAD BLOOD", than anything else. FACT #3 HALLOWEEN WAS DERIVED FROM AN IRISH FESTIVAL. een's roots can be traced back to CELTIC CULTURE IN IRELAND. According to their "Druid" religion, November 1st was their New Year. Hallo The celebration would begin on October 31, and last into the following day. THE SPIRITS OF ALL WHO DIED IN THE PRIOR YEAR, WOULD RISE UP AND ROAM THE EARTH ON THIS NIGHT. This was an evil night when spirits roamed the streets and villages. Lord Samhain, the lord of Darkness, would arrive IN SEARCH OF THE SPIRITS TO TAKE THEM TO THE UNDERWORLD. to THE IRISH DON'T CELEBRATE FACT #4 ST. PATRICK'S DAY BY DRINKING GREEN BEER Around the world and especially in the USA, St. Patrick's Day has become an excuse to drink cheap green beer and GET COMPLETELY HAMMERED. However, in Ireland it's celebrated in a much more solemn manner-as a HOLY DAY. Now, don't get the impression it's not celebrated at all. After observing St. Patrick's Day, IT'S QUITE COMMON TO HIT THE PUB. It is Ireland after all. However, many of the parades and festivities on St. Patrick's Day in Ireland were INFLUENCED BY THE AMERICANS. THE INFAMOUS PIRATE QUEEN GRACE O'MALLEY WAS IRISH. FACT #5 The infamous QUEEN OF THE PIRATES, Grace O'Malley, was an Irishwoman, if it wasn't already clear by her name. She was said to be completely fearless, skilled both when it came to strategy in battle, and in politics as well. The woman was notorious, rebellious pirate who none dared cross. She gained her reputation by FIGHTING ON THE FRONT LINES as hard as anyone else, rallying her men against their enemies. Legend has it that in one battle; SHE GAVE BIRTH AT SEA and then joined in a fierce battle the very next day, turning the tide against her enemies. THE IRISH MAY HAVE DISCOVERED AMERICA FIRST. FACT #6 Some say Christopher Columbus was the first to discover America. Some suggest that it was the Vikings, or perhaps the Chinese, but THERE IS ANOTHER LEGEND in regards to which country first sailed to the Americas. According to one legend, an Irish monk called St. Brendan set out on an expedition to find paradise. After seven years, they DISCOVERED AN ISLAND SO LARGE that even after forty days they could not reach the far shore. The monks returned home with the news. This voyage was said to be undertaken in the sixth century, which is much earlier than many of the other first discoveries of America. It should be clear, of course, THAT THIS LEGEND HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN. ST. PATRICK WAS NOT ACTUALLY IRISH. FACT #7 St. Patrick is well-known for being the PATRON SAINT OF IRELAND and having a day named for him that most of the world uses as an excuse to get incredibly drunk. However despite popular belief, ST. PATRICK WAS NOT ACTUALLY IRISH. St. Patrick was the son of Romans who were living in Britain. Legend says he was kidnapped and taken as a slave to the Emerald Isle where HE HELPED HERD SHEEP. Even more interesting is a recent study performed by Cambridge University that suggests a completely different take on the legend. According to the study, he may have actually gone to Ireland of his own accord and SOLD SLAVES HIMSELF so that he wouldn't have to be drafted into a job as a tax collector for the Romans. НАРPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY! SOURCES: http://listverse.com/2013/03/17/10-interesting-facts-about-the-irish/ http://www.holidayinsights.com/halloween/facts