The Republic of Ireland has no national motto, but Erin go Bragh (Ireland Forever) is a popular unofficial motto. Northern Ireland has used the motto Quis separabit?, Latin from Romans 8:35: Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi..., "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"
Tiocfaidh ár lá (Irish pronunciation: [ˈtʲʊkiː aːɾˠ ˈl̪ˠaː]) is an Irish language sentence which translates as "our day will come". It is a slogan of Irish Republicanism. "Our day" is the date hoped for by Irish nationalists on which a united Ireland is achieved.
As symbols of Ireland are concerned, the shamrock may be one of the most prolific. Remember that Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. The shamrock, or 3 leaf clover, represents the holy trinity; the father, the son and the holy ghost.
The songs chorus features a reference to some graffiti with the words "Ooh, ahh, up the Ra" - a reference to the Irish Republican Army.
It is generally believed that Saint Patrick used the Dara Knot to symbolize unity and peace among the Irish people. It represents the trinity, as it displays three interlocking circles.
The significance of the three-leafed shamrock comes from St. Patrick himself. He used the shamrock to describe the three forms of God – the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit – to convert early Irish people to Christianity. Despite the role played by the shamrock, the four-leafed clover took over as a symbol of good luck.
Derived from the Irish word 'seamrog" (sham-rogue) meaning 'summer plant,' one thing is certain about the shamrock, it is worn by millions all over the world on St. Patrick's Day and remains Ireland's most famous symbol.
Rather than merely replying with an Irish Gaelic “hello,” dia is Muire duit is a more appropriate and usual response in Irish Gaelic.
Several splinter groups have been formed as a result of splits within the IRA, including the Continuity IRA and the Real IRA, both of which are still active in the dissident Irish republican campaign.
If you're chatting to someone and they reply with 'Sure look' it tends to mean 'it is what it is'. However, it can also be an indication that the person you're speaking to is either 1, uninterested in what you're saying, or 2, has no idea how to respond to what you've just said.
“May the road rise up to meet you” is one of the most famous Irish blessings. You can read all about the meaning behind it here.
Many historians state that the Triskele, or Triple Spiral is the oldest symbol of spirituality. The name comes from the Greek words "Tri" and "Skelos," which, when translated to English, mean "three legs." In the ancient origins of Irish culture, the Triple Spiral is said to be an important spiritual marking.
The Trinity Knot is a Symbol of Eternal Love
As an unending knot that cannot be untied, Trinity Knots are now seen as a beautiful symbol of eternity, unity, love and commitment not just here in Ireland but worldwide.
Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat is one way of wishing 'good luck' which literally means, 'That luck may rise with you! ' Another well-known phrase that wishes good fortune is go n-éirí an bóthar leat.
Sláinte is the basic form in Irish. Variations of this toast include sláinte mhaith "good health" in Irish (mhaith being the lenited form of maith "good"). In Irish, the response to sláinte is sláinte agatsa, which translates "to your health as well".
From the late 1960s a civil rights movement broke out in Ulster to promote the political and social rights of the Irish Catholic minority there. This led to violence with the involvement of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on the Catholic side and the Ulster Defence Force (UDF) on the Protestant side.
The Official IRA (OIRA), the remainder of the IRA after the 1969 split from the Provisionals, was primarily Marxist in its political orientation. It is now inactive, while its political wing, Official Sinn Féin, became the Workers' Party (Ireland).
Fenian, member of an Irish nationalist secret society active chiefly in Ireland, the United States, and Britain, especially during the 1860s. The name derives from the Fianna Eireann, the legendary band of Irish warriors led by the fictional Finn MacCumhaill (MacCool).
Another way of saying sorry in Ireland is by saying “Tá aiféala orm.” This means “I regret it.” Saying this can also give the impression that you are guilty of the wrong actions you have done, and now you would not do that again if it's ever in your own hands.
An Irish Goodbye is a term used to describe leaving a social event without saying goodbye to anyone. It is also known as an Irish Exit, Dutch Leave, or French Exit. This practice has become increasingly common in recent years, especially in the age of smartphones and online dating.
Although arguably not exactly a flower, the shamrock is a small clover which is now the national flower of Ireland. It came to be so as it was once an important symbol to the ancient Irish Druids, as a plant naturally displaying the triad with its three heart-shaped leaves.
Ireland's national animal
Irish hares are the only lagomorphs (the group containing hares, rabbits, and pikas) native to the island of Ireland and are thought to have been there for at least a couple of million years, with fossils found dating back to the late Pleistocene.
Is it is said to represent the three stages of life, including life, death, and rebirth, and thus it is a symbol of eternity or eternal life. The Trinity knot also represents the tripartite division of the three trimesters of pregnancy; or the elements of earth, fire, and water.