Christmas bumper quiz: week one

1. Where are the offices of the Irish Farmers Journal located?

2. At the 2024 Olympics, there were 134 Irish athletes. How many sports did they compete in?

3. The infamous bike shed at Leinster House cost €336,000. How many bikes does it hold?

4. The movie Challengers is based on what sport?

5. In May, a youth rap group called Rhyme Island from Knocknaheeny, Cork went viral. Name their song.

6. How many standard-sized bottles of champagne are in a magnum?

7. Name the county with the biggest population in Ireland.

8. Jim O’ Toole is the CEO of which agri-related state agency?

9. What was the theme of the 2024 Late Late Toy Show?

10. A farmer spreads four 375kg bags of 46% urea on a 50ac farm at the same rate. How many kg N/ha have they applied?

11. Sweden joined NATO in March of this year. How many countries are now in NATO?

12. Cob and Pen are the male and female of which large aquatic bird?

13. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of what?

14. FBD doesn’t stand for Fuschia Bike Dads or Flat Battery Doctors. So what does it stand for?

15. There are five sisters in a room. Anne is cooking. Margaret is reading a book. Kate is playing chess and Marie is doing the laundry. What is the fifth sister doing?

16. This May, Bruce Springsteen played four concerts across Ireland. What year was his first concert in Ireland?

17. In The Sound of Music who was not one of the Von Trapp siblings? Liesl, Elsa, Gretl or Marta.

18. Cathair na Mairt is the Irish name for which Mayo town?

19. What colour is the ‘e’ in the Google logo?

20. From which flower does a vanilla pod come from?

21. When Minister McConalogue decided against suspending the Straw Incorporation Measure, he brought in a new payment. What was it called?

22. Gavin and Stacey will air its final episode of all time on Christmas Day. Name the two writers of the hit series, who also star in the show.

23. The sister sport of hurling – shinty – is played in which country?

24. Name the athlete who was the first to win an Olympic medal for Ireland in gymnastics.

25. Name the second longest river in Ireland.

26. What pastry is used to make profiteroles?

27. Keely O’Grady won the 2024 Rose of Tralee. What country was she representing?

28. The horse Galopin Des Champs ridden by Paul Townend won the 2024 Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown this year. Who was the trainer?

29. What planet in the solar system has the least amount of letters in its name?

30. How many noses does a slug have?

31. The original Féile music festival, which ran from 1990-1997 was also known as what?

32. Name the campaign that Irish Country Living ran in September to raise awareness of mental health in rural Ireland.

33. Storm Ashley arrived in Ireland in what month of this year?

34. Name the first High King of Ireland.

35. Only two Irish bands have won a Grammy Award - U2 was one, name the other.

36. How many farmers in total were accepted to the ACRES scheme? 26,000, 36,000 or 46,000.

37. In 1937, the All-Ireland hurling final did not take place in Croke Park. What stadium was it played in?

38. What year was the first iPhone released?

39. A visitor points to a portrait on the wall and asks who it is? The host replies, “Brothers and sisters have I none, but that man’s father is my father’s son.” Who is pictured?

40. What breed was the sire of the €30,000 heifer at this year’s Winter Fair in Carrick on Shannon?

41. In astrology, what sign is known as the archer?

42. Albert Einstein was born in which country?

43. What drink is traditionally made by fermenting tea with sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts)?

44. How many tonnes of cereals did Teagasc estimate were produced in Ireland this year?

45. One race at the Cheltenham Festival was cancelled this year. For what reason?

a. Bomb scare

b. Animal rights protesters invaded the course

c. Michael O’Leary owned the favourite and Cheltenham wanted him to know how Ryanair customers feel when their flight is cancelled

d. Waterlogged track

46. When making mince pies which way should you stir your mincemeat for good luck?

47. What former Co Down GAA goalkeeper signed a three-year contract with the NFL in March?

48. Who is the current president of the Irish Shows Association?

49. Who was the first TD elected in this year’s general election?

50. The Jungle Book takes place in what country?

Two nights, B&B with dinner on one evening for two people sharing at Cahernane House Hotel, Co Kerry

The luxury four-star Cahernane House Hotel is beautifully situated on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park, just a 20 minute walk from the town centre. The hotel offers 48 spacious guest rooms across three wings. Each of the wings has their own unique ambience. The Manor House boasts original features and old world charm in all its rooms. From antiques relevant to the original period to wooden ceiling beams, every part of the Manor House is unique.

One night, B&B with dinner, for two people sharing at Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Co Derry

Nestled within the historic city walls in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Bishop’s Gate Hotel is an Edwardian gem. This intimate urban oasis features 31 luxurious guestrooms, eight boutique apartments ideal for family escapes, a residents’ lounge, fitness area, and a champagne lounge. Blending timeless elegance with modern luxury, it’s the perfect retreat in a historic setting.

One night, B&B with dinner, for two people sharing at Fernhill House and Gardens, Co Cork

Experience enchanting west Cork at Fernhill’s Georgian Mansion House, where every detail, from the gourmet food to the stunning décor, is inspired by their award-winning gardens designed by Chelsea Gold Medal winner, Mary Reynolds. Ideal for a relaxing break, Fernhill invites you to explore west Cork’s natural beauty, from scenic walks to historic sites and beaches, making it a truly unforgettable getaway.

The winning prizes for this year’s quiz were kindly sponsored by Ireland’s Blue Book.

Do you think you have answered all the questions correctly? Here is everything you need to enter this year’s competition.

Online entries: You can enter the Christmas quiz online. Simply scan the QR code and fill in your answers on our form. Remember, in the interest of fairness, it is one entry per paper so you will need to fill in the code on the back cover of this paper.

Written entries: Type or clearly write your answers in list format and attach Coupon 1 to your answer sheet. Do the same with next week’s answer and Coupon 2. Send both answer sheets in one envelope to: Irish Country Living Christmas Quiz, Irish Farmers Journal, The Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.

Terms and Conditions: Online entries must have the valid codes. Postal entries must have the valid coupons. Closing date for entries is 11 January 2025. Entries with 90+ correct answers will be entered into the prize draw. No staff of the Irish Farmers Journal, nor their family members are eligible to enter. Judges’ decisions are final. Prizes cannot be exchanged for a monetary equivalent.