World cultural exchange: Ireland - The land of mystery

When you think of Ireland, what comes to mind? Vast green fields, enchanting Celtic music, or a renowned pint of Guinness? But that's not all! This nation also holds some of the most unique characteristics found nowhere else. Let's explore Ireland's one-of-a-kind features with InterLOG!

1.Unique highlights you can only find in Ireland

1.1 Ireland's National Day - A worldwide festival of green

Every year on March 17th, the whole world turns green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day - Ireland's national holiday. This is an occasion for Irish people to commemorate their cultural heritage with vibrant parades, flowing Guinness, and lively musical performances.

1.2 Ireland is one of the few countries…without snakes

According to legend, St. Patrick drove all snakes from Ireland after they bothered him during his 40-day fast. However, the scientific reality is much simpler. Experts believe snakes have never existed in Ireland since before the last Ice Age. At that time, the entire island was covered in ice and snow, making the environment unsuitable for reptiles. After the ice melted, Ireland separated from the European continent, and land bridges no longer connected it, preventing snakes from migrating there. As a result, Ireland remains one of the few countries completely "immune" to snakes.

1.3 “Four seasons in one day” climate

Living in Ireland, you'll quickly realize that the weather changes very rapidly. A day can start with brilliant sunshine, only to be followed by drizzle, strong winds, and biting cold.

This variability is due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the Gulf Stream. Moisture from the sea brings abundant rainfall, while sea winds constantly change temperature and humidity. Thanks to this, despite the erratic weather, Ireland remains lush and green, truly earning its title as the "Emerald Isle."

The "four seasons in one day" weather is both an advantage and a challenge. The mild climate makes life pleasant, but sudden rain and wind can inconvenience transportation and construction. Nature thrives year-round, yet faces soil erosion and coastal encroachment. The ecosystem is rich and diverse, but the cold climate is a barrier for some plant and animal species, especially migratory birds that struggle with strong winds.

1.4 Celtic music and dance

Ireland is home to traditional instruments like the Celtic harp and Uilleann pipes, and melodies steeped in history. Dynamic dances like Riverdance are not only a source of national pride but also help Irish culture shine on the international stage.

Besides folk music, Ireland is also the birthplace of many legendary bands such as U2, The Cranberries, and Westlife. Among them, Westlife is one of the world's most successful boy bands, with over 55 million albums sold and 14 UK number-one singles. Hits like "Flying Without Wings" and "My Love" have left their mark on the international pop music scene. Their success not only brought Irish music to a global audience but also helped promote the country's culture and image on the global music map.

1.5 Natural wonders in Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher: Formed over 320 million years ago, the Cliffs of Moher were created from ancient river sediments, compressed into rock over time. Atlantic waves and winds eroded them, creating cliffs over 200m high and extending for 8km. This is an iconic tourist attraction in Ireland, featured in many famous films.
• Blarney Castle: Blarney Castle was built in the 15th century by Chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, a powerful clan at the time. It is famous for the Blarney Stone, which is believed to bestow the gift of eloquence upon those who kiss it. Despite many battles and changes of ownership, the castle retains its ancient charm and has become one of Ireland's most historically significant tourist destinations.

• Spike Island Prison: Known as Ireland's "hell on earth," this island has a history spanning over 1,300 years, previously serving as a monastery in the 7th century. In the 18th century, the British built a fortress to protect Cork Harbour. In 1847, during the Great Famine, the island was converted into a prison, holding thousands of inmates, becoming one of the largest prisons in the world at the time. It officially closed in 2004 and is now an important historical tourist site in Ireland.

1.6 Ireland's economy

Ireland is not only famous for its unique culture but also as an important economic hub in Europe. The country is dubbed the "Silicon Valley of Europe," attracting leading technology corporations such as Google, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft to establish their headquarters here.

In addition to technology, Ireland also leads in the pharmaceutical, finance, and agriculture sectors, contributing to its second-place ranking in per capita GDP in the 2023 World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) published by IMD's World Competitiveness Center (WCC). Many large corporations have their headquarters in Ireland, including Medtronic (medical devices), CRH plc (building materials), and Smurfit Kappa (packaging), affirming the country's position on the global economic map.

InterLOG Members Explore Irish Culture

Continuing the #Innovation4Culture international cultural exchange series, InterLOG offered all employees the opportunity to discover the unique cultural aspects of Ireland through an engaging quiz game with attractive prizes.

Through the crossword puzzle challenge, InterLOG members learned more about the land of Guinness with unique characteristics such as its drinking culture, traditional sports, and carefree, liberal lifestyle. Not only did the activity expand knowledge, but it also created a vibrant atmosphere of connection with thoughtful and meaningful gifts, igniting a spirit of discovery and cohesion among employees.

Especially, on this occasion, InterLOG also organized birthday celebrations for members born in March. The cake and valuable gifts were a meaningful birthday wish, spreading care and a spirit of togetherness within the InterLOG family.

The program demonstrates InterLOG's commitment to internal innovation, putting people at the center, and aiming to build a sustainable ESG development model.