Ireland Facts

Capital: Dublin




Population: 4,339,000 people


Languages: English is the main language and spoken the most often, but Gaelic is the official language also spoken mainly in areas located along western part of the island.


Government type: Parlimentary Republic (Branches include- Executive/president, chief of


state/prime minister, head of government)



Currency: Euro (1 Euro is worth $.68 of a dollar)


Communication: Telephone and land line users make up 1.955 million people. There are about 3.4 million cell phone users. Internet is also another main source of
communication providing millions with access.


Education: Primary (year 1-8)


Secondary (Years 1-3 Junior cycle, Year 4 transition, Year 5-6 Senior Cycle)



Tertiary (Universities, Colleges of Technology, Colleges of Education, Independent



Colleges)



Religion: Roman Catholic 86.8%
Church of Ireland 3%
Presbyterian .5%
Methodist .25%
Jewish .1%
other 8.35%



Climate: Ireland's East and Southeast areas are the driest.
Rainfall: January- 2.36 in., February- 1.96 inches, March- 1.96, and April- 1.77
Average Temperature: Januray- 46 degrees F, February- 46 degrees F,
March- 50 degrees F, and April- 54 degrees F




My teaching placement in Listowel, Ireland will be at Covenant Primary School.

School Calendar: January 7th return from Christmas Holidays
Midterm break: February 19, 20
National Holiday: March 17th St. Patricks Day
Closing for Easter Holidays April 3rd

The area in which I will be staying in Ireland is Listowel which is located in County Kerry Ireland. The population of Listowel is about 4,000 people. Listowel is considered the literary captital of Ireland becuase of its production of famous writers. Listowel has a very strong farming community due to its abundance of agricultural production. The scenery in Listowel is mostly green hills and valleys along with the beautiful architecture that can be found throughout the town's historical buildings. Listowel's town square has been developed around the famous Listowel Castle that has also become a must see tourist attraction along with St. Mary's church and St. John's Church.



Irish Traditional Food includes:


*Irish Stew *Bram brack


*Soda Bread *Irish Christmas Cake


*Corned beef/cabbage * Dublin Coodle


*Champ * Scones


*Colcannon * Apple cake