Ireland

SHORT INFORMATION

Administrative Divisions in the Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is divided into 30 administrative regions, mostly tied to the 26 constituent counties (county Tipperary is divided in two and county Dublin in four).

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Easter traditions in Ireland

In Ireland, people dance in the streets on Easter Sunday. The dancers compete for the prize of a cake.

In Ireland Easter is a very sacred time of fasting and prayer. On Easter Saturday at church hundreds of small candles are lit off the Paschal candle that has been blessed by the priest. On Easter Sunday a quiet meal is eaten at home. Traditional Easter meal of leek soup and roasted spring lamb.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Typical Foods of Ireland

Corned beef and cabbage and soda bread are often thought of as foods of Ireland, but many people are surprised when they find that these foods are not typical Irish fare. The country's cuisine is generally made up of simple dishes made of lamb, beef or fish and containing some form of potato. They are lightly seasoned and simple, yet flavorful and filling.