- What is the flag of Northern Ireland and what does it represent? What is the national flower of Northern Ireland? What is the Northern Ireland coat of arms? Who is the patron saint of Northern Ireland?
- What is the population of Northern Ireland? What is the capital city? Name 5 places you can visit in Northern Ireland.
- Name the largest cities in Northern Ireland and their populations.
HOW IRELAND GOT ITS NAME
There is an old legend about Ireland. The legend tells us that the famous green Isle was at one time hidden under water. The water only retreated for a short while every seventh year. During the time when the island appeared out of the water it looked so green and beautiful that many brave people tried to build homes and remain on it. Then the beautiful island would be swallowed up by the sea again and disappear for another seven years.
It was known, however, that the island could be saved from the sea only by burying a peace of iron in its heart as soon as it appeared out of the water. Since that time iron was believed to be a luck-bringing metal.
When another seven years passed and the island appeared out of the water, a certain brave man came to it and buried his sword in its heart. After that the island was not swallowed up by the waves again. Because of this legend the island came to be known as ironland or Ireland. It is because of this tradition that iron is always believed to be lucky by the Irish, and when a piece of iron is found in the form of a horseshoe, it is put up for luck above the horse door.
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