Ten things you might not know about Ireland

Do you want to discover ten things you might not know about Ireland? With more than 22,000 Irish name histories on our database, we are often contacted by Irish people who want to know more about their surname history. Plus, others are trying to trace Irish family roots. Whatever your interest in the ’emerald isle’, here are ten things you might not know about Ireland.

Ten things you might not know about Ireland.

1. It is the only country to have a musical instrument – a harp- as its national symbol
2. It is the third largest island in Europe
3. The Irish used the guillotine 500 years before the French adopted it
4. According to some historians, over 40% of all American presidents have had some Irish ancestry
5. Before 1973, women in public service had to retire upon marrying
6. The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, in County Galway. Try saying that after a few pints of the black stuff!
7. The writer Bram Stoker was working as a civil servant in Dublin when he wrote ‘Dracula’ in 1887. Scary!
8. Bailey’s Irish Cream was launched in Ireland in the early seventies. Furthermore, it is now the most popular liqueur in the world. Mmmm!
9. The Irish tricolour flag was designed to reflect the country’s political realities. In this way, the orange colour symbolises Irish protestants, green for Irish Catholics and the white stripe for the hope that peace might be reached between them.
10. James Joyce once called Guinness stout ‘the wine of Ireland’.

Neil Morrisey discovers his Irish name’s history

We hope you have enjoyed these ten things you might not know about Ireland! Plus, You could discover all sorts of things about your Irish name, like actor Neil Morrisey recently did!. Find more about your own Irish surname. We have a wide variety of products featuring Irish surnames. Be sure to visit our shop for some fantastic gift ideas that are sure to impress for all occasions.

Perhaps you can add a few facts to our list? Feel free to comment below! Also visit our post about St. Patrick’s Day!