People & Culture. The Irish consume in average 131.1 liters of beer per year - the 2nd highest per-capita consumption after the Czech Republic. Famous Irish breweries include Guinness, Smithwicks (Kilkenny), and Harp Lager. The three most famous symbols of Ireland are the green Shamrock, the harp, and the Celtic cross.
This three leaf clover called the shamrock is one of the most widely recognized symbols of Ireland and is often referred to as the unofficial symbol of this country. The official symbol is actually the Irish harp instead.
Halloween traces back its origins to the Gaelic festival of Samhain, a harvest festival held on 31 October to mark the end of summer. Samhain became associated with All Saints (1 November) from the early Middle Ages and the two progressively merged over the centuries, creating Halloween.
Since 1981, Slane Concert has been held annually on the grounds of Slane Castle, at the initiative of its owner, the 8th Marquess Conyngham. Artists who have performed at Slane include David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N' Roses, R.E.M., The Verve, Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna and Oasis.
