HISTORICALLY SPEAKING IRELAND PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Ireland is the second largest island in the British Isles. It is often called the “Emerald Isle.” Locate Ireland on a map and its Capital. What continent is it located on? Identify Ireland’s flag, native language, national flower, and currency it uses . Also, identify the structures pictured on the patch.

2. From Irish Soda bread to Strawberry Scones, Ireland is known for its unique variety of food. Try some foods from Ireland or make a recipe from an Irish cookbook or website.

3. There are many public holidays and festivals in Ireland. Some examples of holidays and festivals include: St. Patrick’s Day, Ceile, Feis, New Year’s Day, St. Stephen’s Day, Easter, and Christmas Day. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food, such as scones.

4. Myths, fairytales, and storytelling are an important part of Irish culture. Stories like “The Magic Shoes” or “The Pot of Gold” are a few examples. Research a famous author such as Jonathan Swift, or learn more about storytelling or the characters in an Irish story; write your own story or act out a play; draw a leprechaun or other Irish character.

5. The majority of Ireland is fertile farmland, especially along the seacoast. Learn more about the terrain, animals, and plants of Ireland. Identify flowers and animals found in Ireland by having a scavenger hunt in websites, or books about Ireland.

6. Almost all people that live in Ireland speak English, but about 1/4 of the population speaks Irish, also known as Gaelic. Learn some common words in Irish, like cailin (girl); write your first name using the Irish letters or recite some common historical phrases in English such as “top of the morning to you.”

7. Castles, in a variety of shapes and sizes, can be found all over Ireland. Take time to learn more about Ireland’s castles, such as the Cabra Castle, Dromoland Castle, and Slane Castle. You can also create a shield with Celtic symbols, make a model of a castle, draw a picture of a castle, or research your family ‘s heritage or crest.

8. The most popular sport in Ireland is hurling, which is similar to baseball but is played using hockey sticks. Some other sports that are enjoyed are horse racing, Gaelic football, soccer, road bowling, golf, fishing, boxing, sailing, and tennis. Learn more about an outdoor activity or choose one to enjoy.

9. Irish gatherings and festivals are almost always full of music and dancing. Types of traditional folk dances include jigs, step dancing, polkas, and reels. They are accented by musical instruments such as the Irish harp, bagpipe, fiddle, and the accordion. You may listen to an Irish song, learn more about the unique instruments played, try to dance Irish style, watch a musical show such as River dance, or play an instrument such as the flute, drum, or guitar.

10. Traditional clothing in Ireland is mainly worn for dances or special occasions. The most popular clothing for girls and women are dresses adorned with Celtic embroidery. Men typically wear kilts with a white shirt accented with a coat. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in Irish costumes, or view traditional Irish clothing through books or the internet.

11. Textiles are among the most traditional of the Irish crafts. Other crafts include: knitting woolen clothing, handmade Irish lace, jewelry making, pottery, sculpting, or artistic crafts depicting the traditional Celtic patterns. Create a craft or project using a traditional Irish skill.

12. A life size statue of Molly Malone is located in Dublin. Find out who Molly Malone is. Research other landmarks in Ireland. Find out where they are located and what they represent or how it was created. Examples are: The blarney stone, an ancient Celtic cross, Reask pillar stone, Giant’s Causeway, round towers, or Anglican Cathedral.

13. One of Ireland’s most famous works of art is the Book of Kells. Research more about ancient Irish pieces of art. Who created it? Does it still exist today? Do they produce similar items today? Examples: Tara Brooch, Waterford Crystal, Ardagh Chalice and Beleek China.

14. Children in Ireland enjoy a variety of games and toys. Some common games are soldiers, rover, road bowling, bingo, or Leprechaun Treasure Hunt. Play one of these games or create a game representing a holiday or festival in Ireland.

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this country. If you have the privilege of visiting this country, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the country prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.