Investment Immigration to Ireland Learn about Ireland: Beautiful Ireland is a country in Western Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Irish Sea to the east, facing the United Kingdom across the sea. Ireland's natural environment is well-preserved, earning it the nickname "Emerald Isle," with lush greenery and numerous rivers throughout the country. Ireland is a parliamentary republic and is also a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the WorldWay Organization, and the United Nations. Ireland is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, earning the title of "Celtic Tiger" due to its economic development.
To understand a country, one must first learn about its festivals and specialties. Ireland's main festivals include New Year's Day on January 1, St. Brigid's Day on February 1, St. Patrick's Day (Ireland's National Day) on March 17, Sheelah's Day on March 18, Good Friday and Easter (Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon on or after March 21, with Good Friday being the Friday before Easter, and the holiday lasting from Friday to Monday), Bank Holidays on the first Monday of June, August, and October, Bloomsday on June 16 (second only to National Day), Reek Sunday on the last Sunday of July, All Saints' Day on November 1, Christmas Eve on December 24, Christmas on December 25, St. Stephen's Day on December 26, and New Year's Eve on December 31.
Every year, St. Patrick's Day is a celebration in honor of Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick, and is also considered a national holiday for the Irish. On this day, there are usually parades, church services, and family gatherings. People wear shamrocks, decorate their homes with the colors of the Irish flag—green and yellow, dress in green clothing, and give guests shamrock decorations. In addition to clothing, food and toys are also adorned in green during the festival. Around St. Patrick's Day, Irish pubs are always crowded with customers, and during the festival, pubs sell special green beer, which is unique in taste and very popular.
Speaking of Irish specialties, there are two must-try drinks: Irish Whiskey, which has a history of 700 years, and Baileys, the crown of single-flavor cream liqueurs. The spelling of Irish whiskey differs from that of the UK and the US; it is spelled "Whiskey" instead of "Whisky." Locals humorously say that the extra "e" signifies that Irish whiskey is more Excellent than that of the UK and the US; Baileys is also a highly creative product from Ireland, ranking thirteenth among the world's spirits. Additionally, Ireland offers a variety of handmade chocolates, making great gifts for friends and family. Other Irish specialties include Waterford Crystal, Irish tweed, Irish bagpipes, Kladdagh Rings, Tala Brooches, and handmade wool sweaters, which can be gifts for oneself or for close friends.