Quiz on Interesting Facts about Ireland

What are the two national symbols of Ireland?

• Clover and Bagpipe

• Shamrock and Harp

• Clover and Harp

• Shamrock and Bagpipe

Answer explanation

The correct national symbols of Ireland are Shamrock and Harp.

How were last names first established in Ireland?

• By adding 'O' (son of) or 'Mac' (grandson of) to their father's or grandfather's names

• By using their mother's name

• By adding 'O' (grandson of) or 'Mac' (son of) to their father's or grandfather's names

• By choosing a name themselves

Answer explanation

Last names were first established in Ireland by adding 'O' (grandson of) or 'Mac' (son of) to their father's or grandfather's names.

What percentage of the Irish population is estimated to have red hair?

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%

• 5%

Answer explanation

The correct percentage of the Irish population estimated to have red hair is 10%, as stated in the answer choices.

How many people of Irish descent are estimated to be living outside of Ireland?

• 20 million

• 30 million

• 40 million

• 50 million

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 40 million because it is estimated that around 40 million people of Irish descent are living outside of Ireland.

What event caused much of the Irish diaspora?

• World War I

• Great Famine of the 1840s

• Irish Civil War

• Easter Rising

Answer explanation

The Great Famine of the 1840s caused much of the Irish diaspora as a result of widespread starvation and emigration during that period.

What is the story behind the absence of snakes in Ireland?

• They never existed there

• St. Patrick banished them

• They migrated to other countries

• They were hunted to extinction

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland, which is why they are not found there. This is a popular legend associated with the absence of snakes in Ireland.

Which sport is considered the fastest field sport in the world?

• Soccer

• Hurling

• Rugby

• Cricket

Answer explanation

Hurling is considered the fastest field sport in the world due to its high pace, skill level, and physicality.

Where did the festival of Halloween originate?

• England

• Ireland

• United States

• France

Answer explanation

The festival of Halloween originated in Ireland, making it the correct choice among the given options.

What is the significance of the pagan celebration of Samhain?

• Day of the Dead

• New Year's Eve

• Start of winter

• Celebration of harvest

Answer explanation

The significance of the pagan celebration of Samhain is that it marks New Year's Eve in the Celtic calendar, symbolizing the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

How many citizens in the USA state their primary ethnicity as Irish?

• 40 million

• 36 million

• 30 million

• 20 million

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 36 million because it is the number of citizens in the USA who state their primary ethnicity as Irish.