The
culture of Ireland includes customs and traditions,
language,
music,
art,
literature,
folklore,
cuisine and
sports associated with
Ireland and the
Irish people. For most of its recorded history, Ireland's culture has been primarily
Gaelic (see
Gaelic Ireland). It has also been influenced by Anglo-Norman, English and Scottish culture. The
Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland in the 12th century, while the 16th/17th century
conquest and
colonization of Ireland saw the emergence of the
Anglo-Irish and
Scots-Irish (or Ulster Scots). Today, there are notable cultural differences between those of
Catholic and
Protestant (especially
Ulster Protestant) background, and between
travellers and the settled population.