More about Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is an island country in Europe. It shares the island with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle because of its lush green hills and fields.

A long history

Experts believe Ireland has been inhabited by people for more than 8,000 years. Many of the traditions that are still honored in Ireland began with some of these early people.

The Celtic harp

In the 1500s, King

Henry VIII added the image of a harp to the

currency, or money, of

Ireland. Since then, the Celtic harp has been a symbol of that country.

Today, all Irish currency has the Celtic harp on it. “Eire” (AIR-uh) is the Irish word for “Ireland.”