Ireland
Culture
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The culture of Ireland
includes language, literature, music, art, folklore,
cuisine, and sport associated with Ireland and the Irish
people. For most of its recorded history, Irish culture has
been primarily Gaelic (see Gaelic Ireland). It has also been
influenced by Anglo-Norman, English and Scottish culture.
The Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland in the 12th century, and
the 16th/17th century conquest and colonisation of Ireland
saw the emergence of Tudor English culture repurposed in an
Irish style. The Plantation of Ulster also introduced
Scottish elements mostly confined to Northern Ireland.Today,
there are often notable cultural differences between those
of Catholic and Protestant (especially Ulster Protestant)
background, and between travellers and the settlers
population. Due to large-scale emigration from Ireland,
Irish culture has a global reach and festivals such as Saint
Patrick's Day and Halloween are celebrated all over the
world. Irish culture has to some degree been inherited and
modified by the Irish diaspora, which in turn has influenced
the home country. Though there are many unique aspects of
Irish culture, it shares substantial traits with those of
Britain, other English-speaking countries, other
predominantly Catholic European countries, and the other
Celtic nations. |