The national flag is a tricolor of green, white, and orange. The tricolor is rectangular in shape, the width being twice the depth. The tree colors are of equal size, vertically disposed, and the green is displayed next to the staff. The flag was first introduced by Thomas Francis Meagher during the revolutionary year of 1848 as an emblem of the Young Ireland movement.
The green represents the older Gaelic and Anglo-Norman element in the population, while the orange represents the Protestant planter stock, supporters of William of Orange. The meaning of the white was well expressed by Meagher when he introduced the flag. “The white in the center signifies a lasting truce between the' Orange’ and the ‘Green’ and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in heroic brotherhood.”
It was not until the Rising of 1916, when it was raised above the General Post Office in Dublin, that the tricolor came to be regarded as the national flag. It rapidly gained precedence over any flag that had existed before, and its use as a national flag is also stated in the constitution.
Saint Patrick of Ireland
An Ancient
Irish Prayer
From St. Patrick's
Breastplate
An Ancient Irish Prayer, I arise today;
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who wishes me ill
Afar and anear
Alone and in a multitude.
No visit to Ireland would be complete without seeing and kissing the Blarney Stone; also tour round the grounds of Blarney Castle and visit the wonderful Blarney Woollen Mills. Located in Blarney, Ireland
Kissing the Blarney stone
The world famous Blarney Stone is situated high up in the battlements of the castle. Follow one of the several long, stone spiral staircases up to the top and enjoy the spectacular views of the lush green Irish countryside, Blarney House and The Village of Blarney.
The stone is believed to be half of the Stone of Scone which originally belonged to Scotland. Scottish Kings were crowned over the stone, because it was believed to have special powers.
The stone was given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in return for his support in the Battle of Bannockburn.
Queen Elizabeth I wanted Irish chiefs to agree to occupy their own lands under title from her. Cormac Teige McCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, handled every Royal request with subtle diplomacy, promising loyalty to the Queen without "giving in". Elizabeth proclaimed that McCarthy was giving her "a lot of Blarney", thus giving rise to the legend.
You too can acquire the gift of eloquence by kissing the stone!
Irish Blessing
May you always have
Walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you.
Those you love near you.
And all your heart might desire
Irish Stew
1 pound lean mutton pieces
1 pound carrots
1 pound onions
1 pound potatoes
salt & pepper
pinch of thyme
Place mutton with thyme in sauce pan and add cold water to cover. Bring slowly to the boil and simmer for one hour. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, and peeled and roughly copped. Season. Continue cooking until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning. May be served alone or with cooked green cabbage or sprouts.
Irish Scones
1 cup white flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 pound butter, softened
2 ounces sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 ounces milk
Sultanas (white raisins) optional
Walnut halves (optional)
Mix flour and baking powder. Add butter, blending until mixture is butter-colored. Add sugar and continue to mix well. Add half the beaten egg and all the milk. Add raisins or some nuts, if desired, mixing well to make a sticky dough. Turn dough onto floured board and knead at least 5 minutes or longer. Cut dough into rounds and place on greased baking sheet or hot frying pan. Brush tops of scones with remainder of beaten egg. Place walnut halves on top, if desired. Bake at 350 to 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, or until brown. If preparing over an open fire, heat frying pan till very hot. Place scones in pan and cook 7 to 8 minutes. Turn and cook 7 to 8 minutes more.
Makes 6 scones.
Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That's the Irish for you!
May You Be In Heaven
May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven a
half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
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