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The Culture of Ireland

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Ireland is known for its rich culture. The history of this country makes the culture of Ireland fascinating. From its music to food, Ireland is unique in its strong diversity.

Music

To know the history of culture, all it takes is to listen to the music of that culture. Ireland's music is steeped in history. Years before the Irish people were composing ballads in English, the Irish were writing thousands of songs in Irish. The unstable political climate of the country has profoundly impacted the music that flows from its people.

Traditional Irish music is the music of the community, passed on orally and by ear from the older generations to the younger generations. Traditional music began primarily in the rural areas of Ireland and is today a living tradition with adaptations and embellishment of numerous musicians.

Perhaps the most famous music of Ireland is its Irish Folk Music. It is the music and song in the national heritage, and comprises older Irish melodies and songs, the rich element of dance music, and the Anglo-Irish songs of the countryside. In Irish Folk Music, the melody has priority.

The most admired musical instrument in ancient Ireland was the Harp, and it was included in the most primitive legends. During the ancient times of Gaelic speaking Ireland, music was incorporated into every element of life from birth to death to work. European music was also a major aspect of banquets and ceremonial events for the rich.

Today, Irish musicians and songwriters have coupled poems from the past with new-fangled melodies. Some of the most famous musicians to come out of Ireland include: Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, U2, the Clancy Brothers, and Sinead O'Connor.

Dance

Some of the first practitioners of dance were the Druids, who with their religious ceremonies, sought to give praise to the Sun and the Oak trees. Their circular motion of dance has lingered to some degree in the modern ring dances. Even after Ireland became known as a Christian country, the people still continued their rudiments of dance and music. In fact, the peasantry played music simply for the enjoyment of dancing.

The Normans had a considerable impact on Irish dance music as they brought their culture to Ireland in the 1100's during their invasion of the country. "The Carol", a popular Norman love-song dance, became evident in the towns they subjugated. The traditional Irish dances were military regiments that were acquired by the Irish men who traveled to Europe and brought its influences back to Ireland. It is believed that the jigs were directly passed on from England.

By the beginning of the 20th Century dancing was an integral aspect of the social life in rural Ireland. Dancing was participated in the home and referred to as a "House Dance". The Catholic Church did not approve of dancing and eventually banned House Dances in 1935 through the Public Dance Halls Act.

Theater

William Butler Yates and Isabella Augusta Persse established the Irish Literary Theatre in 1899. The goal for its existence was to promote Irish poetic drama, however, the actual outcome was native-born plays. The theater was eventually housed in the Abbey Theatre and Irish history became the predominant theme of the productions in the beginning years.

Ireland's most famous internationally recognized writers from the early 20th Century include George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, George Russell, and Sean O'Casey. William Butler Yates was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923, and since then Ireland has continued to produce numerous extraordinary playwrights. Today the Abbey and Peacock Theatres, found in Dublin, make up the National Theatre of Ireland. Ireland's impressive literary heritage is known across the globe.

Food and Drink

The country of Ireland offers a dazzling agricultural economy evidenced in the delicious fare that Ireland tenders today. During the 19th Century, the potato was the primary staple of one third of the population partly due to the Great Hunger. In the second half of the 20th Century, however, the food in Ireland became significantly improved. Ireland saw the birth of a new generation of culinary chefs make a significant progression in the Culinary Arts. Gone are the days of bland potatoes; today's Irish food is often creative, tasteful, and fresh.

A Full Irish Breakfast can keep hunger away for most of the day, as it is very hearty and mouth-watering. Soups and sandwiches are a regular lunch item. The mid day meal in rural Ireland is typically the most substantive meal throughout the entire day. However, those who work in the city, enjoy dinner as the largest meal of the day.
If eating in Ireland, you can expect to enjoy naturally raised lamb, as it is a key ingredient in many recipes including Irish Stew and Roast Leg of Lamb. Potatoes continue to be a staple of the Irish diet, and beef is the traditional Sunday roast. You may even be treated to "a taste of Ireland" with a slice of Soda Bread or homemade Brown Bread.

The Irish are known for enjoying their brewed beverages. Even in ancient times, the Irish would delight in home brewed beverages, the most popular being Mead. Whiskey in Ireland dates clear back to the 12th century while tea was introduced to Ireland in the late 17th century.

Beer continues to be a favorite beverage for the vast majority of the Irish, from stout and microbrews to ales. The most enjoyed beer in Ireland is Guinness, and it is brewed at St. James Gate, Dublin. The culture of Ireland can be seen fully in the oft-quoted phrase, "The closer you get to Dublin the better the Guinness."

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