Talamh an Éisc / Land of the Fish

Talamh an Éisc is the land some 1800 miles to the west of Ireland is sometimes better known by it's English name: Newfoundland, Canada. Talamh an Éiscis or the fishing ground is the only place outside Europe with its own distinctive name in the Irish language. Now - you might be thinking, "big deal". Well... It is a big deal. It has been described as the most Irish place in the world outside of Ireland. Irish settlers first came to this land in the early 1500's, and they have left a heritage of culture that is distinctively Irish. The Irish brought their surnames and place names, their Gaelic games (which later created ice hockey), their folklore, music, and religion.... but most importantly their language. This language is still alive in this area of Canada, and as of June 16th, 2007 the Canadian Government has established an official Gaeltacht (any region where the government recognizes that the Irish language is the predominant language, that is, the vernacular spoken at home). This Gaeltacht is the only Gaeltacht to be recognized outside of Ireland. It is now known as Gaeltacht Bhuan Mheiriceá Thuaidh (or the Permanent North American Gaeltacht).