Page 23 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

A POR TR AIT OF IRELAND  21

Irish horse racing, a popular national sport
Language and Culture are followed with equal intensity,
Ireland was a Gaelic-speaking nation including the traditional Irish pursuits
until the 16th century, since when the of the Gaelic games and football.
language has steadily de clined. Today, Drinking also plays an important part
however, the Republic is officially bilingual. in Irish culture: social life centres on
Know ledge of Irish is a requirement for a the pub and the “craic” (convivial chat)
career in the public sector, and one in to be enjoyed there. Unfortunately,
three people on the island as a whole the smoking ban and the recession
has some degree of competency. have led to the closure of many pubs
Irish culture, on the other hand, is in around the country, especially in rural
no danger of being eroded. The people areas. Although there is a concern that
have a genuine love of old folk legends this may affect the traditional way of
and epic poetry and songs. Festivals, life, given the attachment to Guinness,
whether dedicated to St Patrick gossip and music, this seems unlikely.
or James Joyce, pubs or
oysters, salmon or sailing,
are an impor tant part of
community life. Music is a
national passion – from the
rock of U2 and the indie of
The Script to the folk music
of Clannad, the Chieftains
and Mary Black.
Another national passion
is horse racing. Ireland’s
breeders and trainers are
masters of their trade and
enjoy astonishing inter-
national success for such a
small country. Other sports The Temple Bar, a famous cultural landmark in Dublin

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