In fact, the harp is the national symbol of Ireland. There are also several types of different musical styles, such as, reels, jigs, set dances, polkas, slides, barn dances and waltzes. Irish songs are usually about the subjects of love and betrayal, everyday country life and historical or newsworthy events ("Traditional Music in Ireland ""). .
The Irish have many traditions concerning weddings. In ancient Ireland wedding ceremonies often took place outside, or at the home of the bride or groom's family. In twelfth-century Irish history, couples that were married in a church arranged for the ceremony to be performed right outside the church door. There were two options for entertainment as the guests arrived, either a hired piper, or a group of Irish Dancers dressed in full regalia (" The Ceremony "").
We've all heard of Leprechauns, but who really knows exactly what a Leprechaun is? Leprechauns are ugly, stunted creatures that are broad and bulky with faces like dried apples. Although guarding their pot of gold should be their number one priority, the Leprechauns true passion lies in shoe making. Leprechauns are foul-mouthed creatures who smoke ill-smelling pipes, known as dudeens, and they also drink quite a bit of beer. The explanation of why we've only seen male Leprechauns is simple; female Leprechauns do not exist (" Leprechauns ""). .
The Blarney Stone is perhaps the most famous site in Ireland. The Blarney Stone is a block of limestone that's considered to be Irelands lucky charm. Legend has it that an old woman cast a spell on a king. This spell said that if he kissed the Blarney Stone he"d gain great powers (" The Blarney Stone ""). Today people travel from all over to this tourist attraction to kiss the stone in hopes of gaining great fortune. .
St. Patrick's Day is indeed the most celebrated day in Ireland all year round. St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland who has had many miracles attributed to him, such as, the driving off of the snakes from Ireland.