Ireland does not have an entirely uniform national culture and is very different when comparing urban and rural lifestyles. However, traditional folk arts remain a key aspect of Irish culture no matter what part of Ireland you are in. Traditional festivals and celebrations are well-attended and facilitate national pride. Whether it is Irish dance or the Irish harp, traditional art forms are thoroughly respected by the Irish people. One of the key social aspects of Irish culture centers around the pub, which serves as a gathering place in both rural and urban settings. (Boland, Fanning) The Irish affinity for drinking is also to no surprise a central contributor to the popularity of the pub as a social center. Overall, the Irish people collectively tend to be passionate and kind, along with highly sociable and community-driven.
The Beauty of Ireland
Borrowed from Speedie's Blog
The beauty of Ireland is in no way difficult to see. Its nickname "The Emerald Isle" immediately draws attention to the alluringly gorgeous green countryside that covers most of the island. The geography of the island also helps the image of beauty, with the most prominent geographical feautures being extremely prevalent rolling hills. The grassy hills of Ireland are famed for their enchanting nature. Additionally, the climate of Ireland is very temperate and as such its people typically escape the more oppressive weather extremes. ("What is 'The Emerald Isle?'") This geography is coupled with a very rich and tradition-based culture. The history of Ireland plays a powerful role in the minds of its people and instruments such as the Irish harp and unique art forms such as Irish dance help cement a folk beauty into the character of the island of Ireland.
Challenges Facing Ireland
Ireland faces numerous issues as it moves forward into 2017. One of the most important ones is the European Union. In the post-Brexit sphere, the interactions of the EU with Northern Ireland and the economic effects these responses will have on the entire island. Border issues and trade regulation changes could have a significant impact on all parts of Ireland as this process unfolds (How can we think differently about global challenges facing Ireland?). Another danger is a pension crisis that is currently facing the Republic of Ireland. Social welfare programs are doling out far more than they are taking in, and the increasingly large budgetary gap is becoming more and more of an imminent problem (Ireland needs 'Pensions Minister' to stop crisis). A mishandling of the response to this crisis could have catastrophic economic effects. Although Ireland is for the most part more liberal than the United States as it is a European country, the Republic of Ireland has an exceptionally harsh abortion law forbidding termination in all cases unless the life of the mother is at risk. As we move further into the 21st century the oppressiveness of this law becomes further challenged by concerned citizens (Westcott). Eventually the status of abortion in Ireland will see center stage as a conflict once more.
Works Cited
Boland, Frederick Henry, and Ronan Fanning. "Ireland." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 25 Oct. 2016. Web. 09 Jan. 2017. "How can we think differently about global challenges facing Ireland?" TheJournal.ie. Journal Media, n.d. Web. 09 Jan. 2017. "Ireland needs 'Pensions Minister' to stop crisis." Independent.ie. Independent, 09 Aug. 2013. Web. 09 Jan. 2017. Westcott, Lucy. "Ireland's restrictive abortion law is being reconsidered." Newsweek. N.p., 09 Jan. 2017. Web. 09 Jan. 2017. "What Is 'The Emerald Isle?'" USA Today. Gannett Satellite Information Network, n.d. Web. 09 Jan. 2017.
Background image borrowed from Avatar Technologies: http://www.avatartechnologies.com.ph/mobile/