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Like
Japan, Ireland is an island nation. The
most westerly country in Europe, Ireland
is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean
west of Great Britain. The mild and wet
climate gives Ireland its nickname of
“the Emerald Isle.” |
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Almost
all the people speak English, and about one-fourth
also speak Irish, a Gaelic language that is
the traditional tongue of Ireland. Around the
world, some know Ireland as the source of Guinness
and others as the home of Leprechauns, but the
Irish would rather it were known for its history.
Dublin is the capital of the Republic and was
founded by the Vikings in about 800 AD on the
south bank of the River Liffey. The name Dublin
comes from Dubh Linn meaning “Black Pool,”
a feature on the river where the Vikings set
up their camp. |
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Then
as now, the river divides the city, which made
travel difficult until footbridges were built
to carry pedestrians from one side to the other.
A popular landmark with tourists is the Halfpenny
Bridge (pronounced “hape-nee”)—a
single-arch pedestrian bridge, made from cast
iron in 1816. It is named for the original toll—one
halfpenny. That was half a day's wages for
a workingman, so for many years, only the aristocracy
could afford to cross the bridge. Now the bridge
is free, and thousands of Dubliners cross it
daily. |
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Ireland
is truly a country steeped in history. The first
settlers, and those who followed, all left their
mark on the country's lush, green landscape.
Tombs older than the pyramids, ring-forts, crumbling
castles and ivy-clad monasteries are a constant
reminder of Ireland's proud past. |
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