Trivia

• The earliest evidence of man in Ireland is dated 6,000 B.C.
• The offical emblem or Ireland is not the shamrock but the harp. It is the only country in the world whose national symbol is a musical instrument.
• Ireland offically became a Republic free from English Dominion in 1949.
• During the Middle Ages Ireland was the educational center of all Europe.
• Tradition has it that a sixth century Irish monk, St. Brendan crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a curragh (an ox hide boat) and was the first European to set foot in America.
• Gaeltachta are the Gaelic speaking regions of Ireland where, although everyone speaks English, 70,000 people still use the Irish language in their everyday life.
• Irish whisky, concocted by 6th century Irish monks for medicinal purposes was called "uisce beatha" meaning the "water of life".
• Palm trees flourish in Ireland due to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream. However the coconut crop is non-existent.
• Slainte (pronounced Slanche) is the most simple and familiar of Irish toasts. It is the Gaelic word for "health" and is the equivalent of "Cheers".
• Uileann Pipes are Irish bagpipes
• Horse races are held 250 days a year throughout Ireland.
• Ireland has more than 200 golf courses.
• The White House was designed by Irishman James Hoban.
• The U.S Navy was founded by Commodore John Barry from Wexford.
• The great Seal of the United States was designed by Irishman Charles Thompson.
• The submarine was invented by John Holland from County Clare.
• Among those who signed the Declaration of Independence, four were Irish born and nine were of Irish ancestry.
• Fourteen of the U.S. Presidents have Irish roots.
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government is twinned with County Kildare, Ireland for social and cultural exchanges.