1. Ireland is a small, independent country located in northwestern Europe. Its official name is Ireland, but it is generally called the Republic of Ireland.
2. The ancient language of Ireland is Gaelic. That, and English, are the two official languages of Ireland.3. Ireland is sometimes called the "Emerald Isle" because of its beautiful, green, rolling countrysides.
4. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on the feast day of St. Patrick, March 17.
5. St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland.
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6. The first St. Patrick's Day held in the U.S. was in Boston in 1737. Today more than 100 cities in the U.S. hold St. Patrick's Day parades.