Ireland is a state located on a large island in the Atlantic Ocean, not far from England. Its capital is Dublin. The country, often called the Emerald Isle for its lush green fields, hills, and forests, is home to about 5 million people, known as the Irish. Ireland is an ancient land with a rich heritage, where the Gaelic language—one of the oldest in Europe—is spoken and cherished.

The green color and the famous shamrock are national symbols. This is also the land where ancient legends of magical creatures likefairies: elves: andleprechauns: appeared. The image of a little man in a green jacket, guarding a pot of gold, is recognized worldwide.

Ireland is a land of festivals, with Saint Patrick's Day being the most famous, celebrated globally. People dress in green, sing songs, and partake in parades. A key part of the celebration is the parade, where people wear green clothes and shamrock badges, accompanied by lots of music and dancing.

Irish music is bright, cheerful, and very recognizable. Traditional instruments include the bagpipes, flute, and harp, which were historically played by wandering musicians known as bards. Of course, traditional Irish dance is also famous around the world.

MEANING

Complete the sentences with words from the box.

  • bards
  • parade
  • shamrock
  • Atlantic Ocean
  • harp
  • recognizable
  • St. Patrick's Day
  • Gallic
  • leprechauns
  • covered
  1. Ireland is a state on an island in theAtlantic Ocean .
  2. The Irish speakGallic .
  3. Ireland iscovered in green fields, hills and forests.
  4. The symbols of this country are the green color and the famousshamrock .
  5. It was the very place where the ancient legends of fairies, elves andleprechauns appeared.
  6. One of the most popular Irish holidays isSt. Patrick's Day .
  7. One of the important parts of St. Patrick's Day is aparade .
  8. Irish music is veryrecognizable .
  9. The traditional instruments are bagpipes, flute andharp .
  10. The wandering musicians were calledbards .

LOOKING FOR MAIN DETAILS

Circle T if the sentence is true. Circle F if the sentence is false.

  1. This country is home to about 5 million people. T F
  2. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated only in Ireland. T F
  3. The legend of the zombie appeared here. T F
  4. Ireland is often called the Emerald Island. T F
  5. Leprechauns is kind. He wants to give everyone a pot of gold. T F