St. Patrick: Ireland's patron saint changed the course of Irish history in the 5th century when he began his mission of converting Ireland to Christian religion. St. Patrick was the author of the first document known to have been written in Ireland. He banished the snakes from Ireland.

Dublin Castle: Founded in 1204 by the order of King John for the administration of justice. Nowadays it is a scene of important state and international functions.

Irish Harp: Musical instrument carved in one piece from bog wood and wire strung dates back to the 11th and 12th century. Musicians are famous all over the world for playing the Harp. The Harp is part of Ireland's heraldic arms. The image of the harp is used on the presidential seal and Irish coinage.

Celtic Cross: The large stone crosses that dot the landscape of Ireland as well as other parts of Europe were home to celtic Christianity and are a reminder of early Celtic Church. They were built to designate a holy place and some reached as high as four metres in height.

Claddagh: The Claddagh story began 300 years ago in Claddagh, a fishing village near Galway in the West of Ireland. It depicts two hands clutching a heart complete with a crown, the heart symbolises love, the hands friendship, and the crown loyalty. It was originally used as a wedding ring.

Eire: Circa 700 BC Celts arrived from parts of Gaul and Britain. Ireland was divided into Provinces. 1558-1603, Reign of Elizabeth 1st, system of countries adopted. 1916 Easter Rising, Ireland freed from Britain. In 1948, the "Irish Free State" became the Republic of Ireland.

Shamrock: Symbolises the cross and blessed Trinity. Before the Christian era it was a sacred plant of the Druids of Ireland. The well known legend of the Shamrock connects it to the teaching of St. Patrick.

Tara Brooch: Probably the most beautiful brooch ever found in Ireland and dates from the 8th century. It was discovered in 1910 near the Hill of Tara at Bettystown Co.Meath, the brooch was made of silver and covered in precious stones. The brooch is on display at the National Museum in Dublin.

Trinity Knot: Traditional celtic design. Found in the Book of Kells. It symbolises three interlinked triangles. It has no beginning and no end. The Trinity Knot is widely used in jewellery and souvenirs.

St.Brigid's Cross: St.Brigid's is the patroness of Ireland. In Pagan lore she is seen as the goddess of Spring. She gave the town of Kildare its name. The cross can be made by bending rushes one over another and tying the ends.

Celtic Hound: Chuchulainn is one of the most well known celtic heroes. He gained his name through killing the dog of Culann that attacked him. Because Culann had no dog to protect him anymore, Chuchulainn trained him a new oneand meanwhile guarded Culann's properties for him. Hence his name Hound of Culann.

Gaeilge: The Irish language developed from one of the celtic dialects brought to the bronze age Ireland and Britain by the Iron age celts, who inhabited central Europe some three thousand years ago.