culture

The Island of Ireland is 300 by 190 miles and covers 32,600 sq. miles. Ireland is divided into four provinces, sometime known as fields, Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht and into 32 Counties. The Republic consist of 26 Counties and Northern Ireland consisting of 6.

The Republic is a parliamentary democracy headed by a President. Northern Ireland has its own regional government and is part of the United Kingdom.

The population is approximately 5.6 million with 3.9 living in the Republic and 1.7 million in the North. There is a dominance of young people under 30 years old.

For those of you who would like to add some local Irish culture to your lifestyle there are several opportunities around west Michigan to do just that. There are some unique classes for the Musician, Dancer and Linguist. These are taught by some very talented local individuals and most are sponsored by Fenian's Irish Pub in Conklin.

Music Lessons
Date/Time	Lessons	Location
1st Thursday	Beginning Fiddle	Fenian's
3rd Thursday	Fiddle by ear	Fenian's
3rd Thursday 6 - 7pm	Irish Button box	Fenian's
Each Wednesday 6 - 7pm	Irish Tin whistle	Fenian's

Irish Language (Gaelic)
Each Thursday 7pm	Modern Irish	Fenian's

Irish Dance
Each Thursday 7 - 8.30pm	Ceili Dancing	Knights of St Casimir Hall 649 6th St, Grand Rapids
Each Thursday 8.30pm	Irish Step Dancing	649 6th St
Starting in September	Kitchen dancing (Ceili)	Fenian's

Irish Jam Sessions for the Musician
Each Wednesday 7pm	Traditional Irish Music	Fenian's
Each Friday 9pm	Open Mike (Variety)	Quinn & Tuites, Grand Rapids

Irish Genealogy
1st Saturday 2.30pm	Genealogy	Fenian's