Kids in Ireland

Today, I thought that I would tell you about what kids are like in my country. All over the world kids play many different roles, so I thought I would tell you about what things were like in Ireland.


I believe that I have said before that family is very important in our culture. When someone first finds out that they are going to having a child it is seen as a blessing. A very important thing that usually takes place first when it comes to a new baby is selecting a name. Meaning is a very important thing, and no one takes choosing a name lightly. It is a tradition to bless newborns, and continue to do so as as they grow up. They are very popular because they are seen as a way to help children pray. Here are some blessings said to babys and children.

Irish Baby Blessing
"A new born babe, rings light to the cottage, warmth to the heart & joy to the soul, for wealth is family - family is wealth"
Blessing for Children
O Thou, to whom to love and be are one,hear my faith-cry for them who are more thine than mine. Give each of them what is best for each. I cannot tell what it is. But Thou knowest. I only ask Thou love them and keep themWith the loving and keeping Thou didst Show to Mary's Son and Thine.
May Saint Patrick guard you wherever you goand guide you in whatever you do-and may his protection be ablessing to you always.

Education is a big deal, but some are trying to find ways to improve education for children. Over the past ten years major steps have been taken to improve teacher development and teacher education. More is being expected of teachers now more than ever, and teachers need proper training to adequately teach their students. There is even a program that is training to improve future teachers and those that are still teaching.When I was younger they had a different education program but, in 1999 they revised the program and introduced a new and more diverse curriculum. The nine areas of study are 1) Irish 2) English 3) Mathematics 4) Social Studies 5) Environmental and Scientific Education 6) Arts Education 7) Physical Education 8) Personal and Health Education 9) Religous Education.

Ireland has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world, as 81% of students complete a second-level education, and 60% of students go on to higher education. From ages six to fifteen, children in Ireland are required to attend a full-time educational institute. There are seven universities in the Republic of Ireland. Each university offers degrees at the Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels.The University of Dublin (Trinity College) was founded in 1592 and it is the oldest University in Ireland.

There are many activities for the children of Ireland to take part in. One of the more popular activities that the children of Ireland enjoy doing is equestrian. Horse racing is often referred to as "the sport of kings." Most children, boys and girls, take part in Gaelic football. Some children in Ireland feel there is a lack of availabity of public facilities such as community centers, youth clubs, swimming pools, indoor and outdoor sports facilities. One of my favorite places to go and visit in Ireland when I was a child was Tara’s Palace. Tara’s Palace is located in Dublin, Ireland. Tara’s Palace is a doll house that recreates three 18th century manor houses, incredibly furnished, plus an antique doll collection and other doll houses. You can learn so much about history just by looking at these houses.

Children are very important in our society and culture. Everyone is a huge fan a children and always treat them with respect. There is a great deal more that I wish to tell you but I am short on time. Children in Ireland have very good lives and are cared for by the government as well as their families and schools.

Fact Of The Day: Rather than saying “goodbye,” an Irish person may say “safe home.” Another common expression is “God bless the work,” a greeting used when entering the company of a person who is working. When we say “great craic” (pronounced “crack𔄭), we mean we are having fun.