DESTINATION: IRELAND

Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle” because of its lush green countryside. Green is the symbolic color of the country.

More than 6 million people live in Ireland. Dublin is Ireland’s capital city.

Politically, Ireland is divided into two parts. Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland is an independent state.

St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland more than 1,500 years ago. He is celebrated every year on St. Patrick’s Day, which is on March 17.

The “shamrock” is a popular Irish symbol. This three-leaf clover represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of the Christian religion.

The Irish wolfhound is the official dog of Ireland. It’s also the tallest dog breed. It can grow to be thirty-four inches (86 cm) at the neck. It originally hunted wolves.

Potatoes are a common ingredient in Irish dishes. They were brought to the island in the 1500s.

Ireland has no snakes. They weren’t quick enough to make it to the island before the seas separated Ireland from its neighboring countries.

The Guinness World Records started in Ireland. It was named after a director of the Guinness Brewery company, who wanted to make a book of achievements. It was first published in 1955.