11 Things You Didn't Know About Dublin
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

11 Things You Didn't Know About Dublin

When you think of Ireland, you probably think of shamrocks, green, leprechauns, beer, and hidden rainbows

99
11 Things You Didn't Know About Dublin
Daily Mail

I arrived in Dublin, Ireland last week to find myself in a city split in half by a tidal river known as The Liffey. There's many things to love about Dublin, aside from the average beer size being a pint. This country rains (on average) 150 days per year, but you wouldn't know it by the jolly vibes given from the locals. Whether you've been to this city or not, below are some fun facts about The Republic of Ireland.

Ireland has no snakes.

If you suffer from ophidophobia, no worries, because there are no snakes over here. Although, there are snails and the locals hate stepping on them because of the crunch. This is a nice change as opposed to the crunching of cockroaches that Philadelphia provides.

The Irish most likely came up with the phrase hillbilly.

You can thank Ireland for your use of western Pennsylvania-natives (no, not the Amish) because somewhere in some hills of this country were a bunch of tykes named 'billy' as a nickname for James since these people loved King James VIII.

No one here gets paid for playing sports.

That's right -- hurling, football -- it is all for what it was intended to be for: sport. There's no money involved, nor is there trading of athletes. Your team is the one of either your birthplace or current residence. This means that if I wanted to play soccer, I'd represent Michigan, the best state over the pond. Moreover, a biology teacher was the dude who made the winning goal in some last big team, which is pretty cool because he knows a ton about plants and can run.

Ireland is not part of the UK.

Ireland is on its own -- The Republic of Ireland. Ireland is part of the EU. The UK that voted to leave the EU (#Brexit) is technically called The United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you don't know, this Brexit is a two-year process and referendums can occur so no one really knows what the hell is going on over here, either.

To make things even more complicated, the Irish flag is green to represent the Republic of Ireland, Orange to represent Northern Ireland who consider themselves British, and white to represent peace between the two.

The police here don't carry guns.

The fuzz here are referred to as guarda, and their technical name translates to guard of the peace. They're not officers, they are guards. Marinate in that as you will.

Dublin water tastes really good.

Guiness tastes better. Apple flavored cider is 5.3 percent alcohol. So you can get drunk and get your daily serving of fruit.

Ireland didn't create Saint Patrick's Day.

You can thank the USA, because this magical day wasn't actually celebrated in Ireland until the Irish moved to North America and settled in places such as Boston and New York, chomping at the bit to celebrate their Irish heritage. Like I've said before, Erin Express is a gift. Next time you go to Boston, thank the Irish Catholics for their ancestors.

Ireland was the first country to legalize gay marriage.

And has billboards to show for it.

Ireland has bogs that are left over from the Ice Age.

Such bogs exist on farms and host many Bachelorette parties. Nothing like getting muddy before getting married.

A republican here is not the same thing as a Republican in the states.

Here, it means a radical nationalist, i.e: someone who's really into being Irish. As opposed to, you know, conservative.

Catholicism is a culture.

These Catholics are not like the ones I went to high school with. Cheers.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89296
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

60420
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments