Portal:Ireland

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Fáilte ar Portal na hÉireann!
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Ireland (Irish: Éire; Ulster Scots: Airlann) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth largest island in the world. It lies to the northwest of Continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets. To the east of Ireland, separated by the Irish Sea, is the island of Great Britain. Politically, the Republic of Ireland (also known simply as Ireland) covers five sixths of the island, with Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, covering the remainder in the northeast.

The population of the island is slightly under six million (2006/7), with almost 4.25 million in the Republic of Ireland (1.7 million in Greater Dublin) and an estimated 1.75 million in Northern Ireland (0.6 million in Greater Belfast). This is a significant increase from a modern historical low in the 1960s, but still much lower than the peak population of over 8 million in the early 19th century, prior to the Great Famine.

The name Ireland derives from the name Ériu (in modern Irish, Éire) with the addition of the Germanic word land. Most other Western European names for Ireland, such as French Irlande, Spanish and Italian Irlanda, and German Irland, derive from the same source. Read more ...

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The executions during the Irish Civil War took place during the guerrilla phase of the Irish Civil War (October 1922 – May 1923) This phase of the war was bitter and both sides, the Government forces of the Irish Free State and the Anti-Treaty IRA insurgents, used executions and terror in what developed into a cycle of atrocities. From November 1922, the Free State government embarked on a concerted policy of executing Republican prisoners in order to bring the war to an end. Many of those killed had previously been allies and in some cases close friends (during the Irish War of Independence 1919–1921), of those who ordered their deaths in the civil war. In addition, government troops summarily killed prisoners in the field on several occasions. The executions of prisoners left a lasting legacy of bitterness in Irish politics.

The use of execution by the Irish Free State in the civil war was relatively harsh. By contrast with their 77 official executions, the British had executed only 14 IRA volunteers during the War of Independence. One of the reasons for the draconian Free State policy from October 1922 was the death of Michael Collins, the commander of Free State forces in an ambush on 22 August. Whereas Collins had hoped for a speedy reconciliation of the warring Irish nationalist factions, after his death the Free State government, led by W. T. Cosgrave, Richard Mulcahy and Kevin O'Higgins, took the position that the anti-Treaty IRA were conducting an unlawful rebellion against the legitimate Irish government and should be treated as criminals rather than as combatants. O'Higgins in particular voiced the opinion that the use of terror was the only way to bring the war to an end. Read more...

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William Butler Yeats (pronounced /ˈjeɪts/; 13 June 1865 - 28 January 1939) was an Irish poet and dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. A pillar of both the Irish and English literary establishments, in his later years Yeats served as an Irish Senator for two terms. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and together with Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn founded the Abbey Theatre, and served as its chief during its early years. In 1923, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature for what the Nobel Committee described as "inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation;" and he was the first Irishman so honoured. Yeats is generally considered one of the few writers whose greatest works were completed after being awarded the Nobel Prize; such works include The Tower (1928) and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1929).

Yeats was born and educated in Dublin, but spent his childhood in Sligo. He studied poetry in his youth, and from an early age was fascinated by both Irish legends and the occult. Those topics feature in the first phase of his work, which lasted roughly until the turn of the century. His earliest volume of verse was published in 1889, and those slowly paced and lyrical poems display debts to Edmund Spenser and Percy Bysshe Shelley, as well as to the lyricism of the Pre-Raphaelite poets.

From 1900, Yeats' poetry grew more physical and realistic. He largely renounced the transcendental beliefs of his youth, though he remained preoccupied with physical and spiritual masks, as well as with cyclical theories of life. Over the years Yeats adopted many different ideological positions, including, in the words of the critic Michael Valdez Moses, "those of radical nationalist, classical liberal, reactionary conservative and millenarian nihilist". Read more...

Irelandtopics Ireland · Republic of Ireland · Northern Ireland HistoryTimeline Early history (to 400) · Early Christian Ireland (400–800)Gaelic Ireland/ Lordship of Ireland(800–1166 · 1166–1536)
Kingdom of Ireland(1536–1691 · 1691–1801)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland(1801–1922)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland(since 1922)
Irish Free State (1922-1937)
Republic of Ireland (since 1937)Events Battle of Tara · Battle of Clontarf · Norman invasion · Flight of the Earls · Plantation of Ulster · 1641 Rebellion · Cromwellian conquest · Penal Laws · Siege of Derry · 1798 Rebellion · Act of Union 1800 · Great Irish Famine · Partition · Anglo-Irish Treaty · The TroublesPeople Brian Boru · Éamon de Valera · Michael Collins · Edward Carson

Politics Ireland Economics · Nationalism · Unionism · Single transferable vote Republic of Ireland Government · Parliament(Lower House · Upper House) · Constitution · Local government · Economy(Celtic Tiger) Northern Ireland Peace process · Government · Assembly(D'Hondt method) · Local government · Economy

GeographyGeneral Counties · Republic of Ireland-United Kingdom border · Transport Cities Dublin · Belfast · Cork · Derry · Limerick · GalwayAttractions The Burren · Giant's Causeway · Aran Islands · Ring of Kerry

Culture Languages Irish · Ulster Scots · Shelta · Hiberno English Literature Poetry · Fiction · Theatre · Irish-language · Mythology Music Pub sessions · Traditional sessions · Rock Dance Stepdancing · Set dancing · Riverdance People Gaels · Ulster-Scots · Travellers · Anglo-Irish · Britons Sport Gaelic Athletic Association · Irish Football Association · Football Association of Ireland · Irish Rugby Football UnionOther Irish calendar

Symbols Flags Tricolour · Ulster Banner · St. Patrick's flag · Northern Ireland flags disputePatron saints St. Patrick · Brigid of KildareOther Coat of arms · Shamrock · Clàrsach (Irish harp)

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Did you know...

...that seventh-century Irish saint, Saint Fiacre, is the patron saint of taxi drivers?
...that Cashel, Co. Tipperary was made a city by charter of Charles II in 1667, but lost city status when its city corporation was abolished by the Municipal Corporations (Ireland) Act 1840?
...that Newry had greatest rise in house prices in the United Kingdom over the last decade, with prices increasing by 371% since 1996?
…that in 1903, George Moore, from a Catholic family and then aged 51, announced himself to be a Protestant in a letter to the Irish Times newspaper?

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…that David Feldman, an Irish philatelist now based in Geneva, auctioned the world's most expensive postage stamp, the Swedish Treskilling Yellow for 2.5 million Swiss francs in 1996?
...that Jonathan Swift called his predecessor "that rascal Dean Jones" because he made such bad property leases whilst Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin?
...that the Mount Sandel Mesolithic site in Coleraine, County Londonderry is the oldest archaeological site in Ireland?
...that Wellington Testimonial in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, is the largest obelisk in Europe?
...that shamrock is an internationally registered trademark of the Government of Ireland?
...that Ireland consumes more tea per head of population than any other country in the world?
...that Letterkenny has the longest main street in Ireland?
...that the remains of Saint Nicholas are said to be burried close to Jerpoint Abbey, Co. Kilkenny, having been brought back from the Crusades by a 12th century knight?
...that cycle polo, a variant of polo played on bicycles instead of horses, originated in Ireland in 1891?
...that the River Foyle is the fastest flowing river in Europe and is crossed by Europe's only double-decker bridge?
...that Paul McGrath, growing up in orphanages, was known as Paul Nwobilo until eventually tracked down by his mother, Betty McGrath?
...that Cork Harbour is one of several harbours that lay claim to the title of "second largest natural harbour in the world by navigational area".
...that Robert the Bruce, the 14th century king of Scotland, popularised a "pan-Gaelic Greater Scotia" and his brother Edward Bruce was the last High King of Ireland?
...that City Hall in Cork was paid for by the British government as a gesture of reconciliation during the 1930s to replace the one burnt down by British forces during the War of Independence?
...that the English phrase "By Hook or by Crook" is said to be derived from attempts to take Waterford in 1649 by Hook, meaning Hook Head on the east side of Waterford Harbour, or by Crook, a village on the west side of the harbour?
...that Private James Daly, who led the The Connaught Rangers mutiny in India during the War of Independence, was the last member of the British armed forced to be executed for mutiny?
...that Dublin University Football Club, Trinity's Rugby Union club, established in 1854, has a strong claim to be the world's oldest football club?
...that Newfoundland, in eastern Canada, has a unique dialect of Irish, closely resembling the Irish spoken during the 16th to 17th centuries and called Newfoundland Irish?
...that the Dell manufacturing plant in Raheen, Limerick produces 30,000—60,000 personal computers per day and contributes 5.8% of Irish GDP?
...that in 1631 the entire population of the village of Baltimore, County Cork was kidnapped by Algerian pirates in what became known as the Sack of Baltimore?
...that the modern game of croquet was invented in Ireland in the 1830s?
...that the Guinness company once produced a Marmite-like yeast extract spread called Guinness Yeast Extract?
...the Choctaw tribe in America donated $170 towards famine relief in Ireland in 1847?
...that Sir Francis Beaufort, creator of the famed Beaufort Scale, was born in Navan in County Meath? Or that his restored Georgian home in Navan was controversially demolished in the 1990s to build a road?
...that Newgrange is a 5000 year old passage tomb pre-dating the pyramids and Stonehenge? The builders had astronomical knowledge to precisely illumininate the internal passages of the tomb during the winter solstice?
...that the Ó Siochfhradha brothers were Irish Language teachers and writers from Dingle?
...that Fran Dempsey, who acted as Fortycoats in the 1980s RTÉ children's program, is Ian Dempsey's father?
...that the 4m people living in the Republic represent only half citizens of the State?
...that Xtravision, Ireland's largest chain of video rental stores, was valued at IR£27m (€34m) when it went spectacularly bankrupt in 1991?
...that Griffith College Dublin is a private university located on South Circular Road in Dublin?
...that the RTE puppet Dustin the Turkey has mockingly run for President of Ireland several times?
...that people from Westport, County Mayo, are traditionally known as Coveys, and used to speak a dialect unintelligible to outsiders?
...that Dubliners have humorous nicknames for the city's monuments, including the The Stiletto in the Ghetto and the Floozie in the Jacuzzi?
...that the various incarnations of the IRA were/are run by a chief of staff and that over 30 people have held this position since 1917?
...that, with a top rate of 12.5%, Ireland has the third lowest corporate tax rate in the world?
...that, with 10,000 dead, the 1316 Battle of Athenry was one of the bloodiest battles ever fought in Ireland?
...that the Treaty Ports of Cobh, Lough Swilly and Berehaven were UK sovereign bases from 1921 until 1938?
...that the Bogside Artists are a trio of mural painters in Derry?
...that Limerick city was besieged three times in the 17th century?
...Irish Times journalist Arthur Quinlan has interviewed every US president since Harry Truman?
...that gas bubbles travel downwards in a pint glass of Guinness ale?
...The Wanderings of Oisin, published in 1889, was Yeats’ first publication outside of magazines, immediately winning his reputation as a significant poet?
...that Irish songwriter Christy Moore wrote a comic song about the building of the Knock Airport, which transports hundreds of pilgrims to and from the Roman Catholic shrine at Knock, declaring, "I've never seen a miracle like the airport up in Knock"?
...that, unlike oft-violent hurling, its female variant, camogie, forbids any unnecessary physical contact?

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A memorial to the Irish Potato Famineoutside the International Financial Services Centrein Dublin. Archive...

Quick archive

An anti-Irish cartoon from 1871

William Butler Yeats, by John Butler Yeats

Wind-surfing on Lough Lene, Co. Westmeath

Iron cross, Malin Head, Co. Donegal

Newgrange, Co. Meath

The Foyle at night.

Carlingford Lough

Redwood Castle, Co. Tipperary

St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny

Jerpoint Abbey, Co. Kilkenny

Dervish at Eurovision 2007

Gaelic Irish soldiers

Scotch Quay, Waterford

Theatre Royal, Wexford

Lighthouse at Hook Head

City Hall, Belfast

Doolin, Co. Clare

Yeats' grave, Co. Sligo

Oxegen 2007, Co. Kildare

City Hall, Cork

Leamaneh Castle, Co. Clare

St. Stephen's Green, Dublin

St. Eunan's Cathedral

The Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry

Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim, Cavan

Clew Bay, Co. Mayo

Athenry, Co. Galway

Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, Dublin

The Giant's Causeway, Co. Antrim

Slieve League, Co. Donegal

Selected series: Irish cities

Cork
Corcaigh Statio Bene Fida Carinis
"A safe harbour for ships"

Statistics Province: Munster County: County Cork Area: 37.3 km² Population (2006) 190,384
City: 119,143

Featured articles

1981 Irish hunger strike · Abbey Theatre · Aldfrith of Northumbria · Samuel Beckett · Book of Kells · Derry City F.C. · Geography of Ireland · Irish Victoria Cross recipients · Lady Gregory · History of Limerick · Irish Houses of Parliament · Irish phonology · Paul Kane · James Joyce · James II of England · George Moore · Cillian Murphy · Arthur Ernest Percival · Postage stamps of Ireland · Representative peer · Ernest Shackleton · John Millington Synge · The Waterboys · William Butler Yeats · U2

Former featured articles Celtic tiger · Donegal fiddle tradition · Economy of Ireland · Éire · Irish theatre · Irish poetry · President of Ireland · Ryanair Note: Links in bold have been featured on the main page.

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Related Wikimedia projects

Vicífhoclóir — Wiktionary in the Irish language
Vicipéid — Wikipedia in the Irish language
Wikinews Ireland — Wikinews for Ireland
Wikipaedia — Wikipedia in the Scots language

How to link here

Simply add {{portal|Ireland}} to a page. If you need to use a flag, to avoid causing offense, please use the Four Provinces flag e.g. {{portal|Ireland|4_provinces.svg}}.

If you are new to Wikipedia then Céad Mile Fáilte! This portal is for articles on Wikipedia that relate to Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). Like all of Wikipedia, it is written collaboratively and, like any article that you find using it, it too can be edited by anyone.

There is an active community of editors working on Ireland-related articles on Wikipedia and there are dedicated projects that tie this community together. To get in touch with them - or just to find out more - drop by at one of the parent Ireland-related projects:

WikiProject Ireland (all-island)
Wikiproject Northern Ireland

If you want to get involved in contributing to Wikipedia, don't worry - everybody needs some help at the start. If you get into trouble you can always ask another Wikipedian for help. These guides should get you up-and-running on how Wikipedia works and how you can contribute:

Getting started: This introduction explains how Wikipedia works. When you're ready, you can try the tutorial.
Questions about Wikipedia: The Frequent Ask Questions page has answers to all kinds of questions asked about Wikipedia.

If you would like to involve yourself with the Irish on Wikipedia, the section below will connect you to communities of editors working on specific Ireland-related topics. It also contains an up-to-date to do list for Ireland-related articles so you can start helping out right now. Click [show] (below, right) to see it all:

How you can improve Ireland-related articles on Wikipedia... !

v • d • eIrish Wikipedia address book WikiProject Ireland · WikiProject Northern Ireland · Manual of StylePortals: Ireland · Northern IrelandWikiProjects: Belfast · Dublin · European Union · Gaeilge · Ireland geography · Irish literature · Irish Republicanism · Irish MaritimeContact: Irish Wikipedians' Notice Board · Northern Irish Wikipedians' Notice Board · British-Irish Wikipedians · Irish Wikipedians · Northern Irish Wikipedians · Wikipedians in IrelandPlease add what information to the address book that you can!

To-do listfor Wikipedia:Irish Wikipedians' notice board: edit · history · watch · refreshPlease keep these lists alphabetical!

To start

All the red links off List of Irish artists
All the red links off List of Irish newspapers
All the red links off List of Irish theatres and theatre companies

DS&ER, etc.
Frank McBrearty
Great Irishry
Hellfire Club - Hunting lodge on Mt. Pelier, in the Dublin Mountains
Irish Farmers Association
Irish folklore - currently redirects to Irish mythology (see Folklore)
Irish railway clearing house
Irishry
The Last Furlong-New Television Show (can't we just pretend it didn't happen?)
Golden Spiders - Irish web design award
Parish pump
Rowland Southern, marine scientist

To seriously rework

Clare Island should get a decent coverage of original (1909-11) Clare Island Survey as well as cover the recent second such survey.
Irish Reunification - appalling POV stuff. Needs total rewrite or binning.
Irish Republicanism - more appalling POV stuff. The Northern Ireland section is a sectarian rant.
Labour Party (Ireland). Probably the worst of the articles on Irish political parties, exclusively focused on the party's history and deals with that pretty unevenly. Needs a rewrite using serious sources and more info on Labour as a political player now, policies, organization etc.
Languages of the Republic of Ireland - you might think English was the only language of the British Isles not spoken in much of Ireland.
National College of Ireland. There was an article. I remember adding the fact that it was initially called the "Catholic Workers College" (which doesn't seem to be recorded elsewhere on the web) But it seems to have vanished! ClemMcGann 08:25, 9 June 2006 (UTC)
The Late Late Show - dePOVing needed.
Sean Ó Riada Had some serious POV problems. I've reverted the worst of it, but the article still lacks information on his notability.
Home Nations Has some serios POV problems - can someone take a look?
Nationality of people from the United Kingdom - removing references to Ireland - can someone take a look to make sure I'm not being too over-enthusiastic.