No. 3: Irish musicians

Everybody knows about U2, and rightfully so.

Although only two members (Bono and drummer Larry Mullen Jr.) of the quintessential Irish rock group actually hale from the Emerald Isle, the band will forever be associated with Ireland.

But the country has given the world many other great musical acts.

Whether you're a fan of Enya, Sinéad O'Connor, Damien Rice, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy or Van Morrison, you owe Ireland a debt of gratitude the next time you rock out ... or whatever it is people do while listening to Enya's music.

And that's not even considering the phenomenon that is Celtic Woman. Those angel-voiced Irish lasses could sign the phone book on PBS and we would give it a listen.

No. 2: Guinness and Jameson

It seems stereotypical, but when something tastes as good on your lips as Guinness or Jameson Irish Whiskey, it's hard to argue its rightful place on this list.