Top ten little-known facts about Ireland ahead of the Gathering 2013

Ireland is unique in that it is the only country that has townlands, the smallest sections of 'territory' in rural areas. Townlands, not rural route numbers, are used in rural addresses. Townlands vary greatly in size, shape and population. Some of the very large one may be over 3 square miles, while a few of th smaller ones have less that a hundred acres. The names of the vast majority of townlands have names of Irish origin ( do most villages, towns and cities). A few years ago an article in "The Belfast Telegraph" stated that 96% of Northern place names were of Irish origin. Townlands are mentione in the first Census of Ireland, 1659. When tracing one's ancestry of a few generation ago, it usually helps to know the name of the townlands from which the ancestor came.

I agree with brendan gillen, I think. A gold harp with a green background for the Island. Yes!!!

I think that the green flag and the harp background should be the flag for Ireland, both North and South. Keep the tri colour for the republic and the Red Hand for Ulster but combined it should be the green with the gold harp. And while I'm at it, I have just brought out a new book about life in Northern B.C. It's called, Gold Storm in Stewart, by Brendan Gillen

#11. All Irish placenames mean something Dublin means 'blackpool', Tandragee means 'arse to the wind'

I was proud that I already knew most of these facts, LOL...although I learned a few new things, as well!

Remember visiting my late Irish second cousins once removed Davy and George in Magheracloone in Co. Monaghan and the lads listening to the radio to hear the new local obits. George said they listened to make sure they were not listed. Of course the lads did not listen to hear about the new local obits until they had looked after their cattle.