Pokémon in Ireland

The Pokémon franchise first reached in October 1999 with the release of Pokémon Red and Blue Versions on Game Boy alongside the .http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/computimes/1999/1018/99101800086.htmlhttp://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=67447208&postcount=14
==Pokémon video games==
All English-language Pokémon games have been released in Ireland. New games are released on the same day as the rest of Europe, which has sometimes been several months after their respective releases in . The Generation I games as well as its spin-offs released during that time in that region were handled by John Menzies (through THE Games), which was Nintendo's Irish distributor until 2001.
In-store Pokémon events have dwindled in Ireland in recent years, which has culminated in Nintendo of Europe deciding to no longer work in Ireland. This has meant that Pokémon gamers in Ireland have not been able to as easily receive Pokémon such as the Michina Arceus, requiring players to travel to the north of the island to Belfast (which, being part of Northern Ireland, is in ) to attend in-store events that occur there to receive their event Pokémon.
Furthermore, players wishing to compete in the must also travel to the United Kingdom or mainland Europe.
==Pokémon animation==
The English dub of the Pokémon animated series aired in Ireland on on September 4, 1999. It aired during , the channel's afternoon segment aimed towards children. It aired all episodes of the original series and Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire that were dubbed into English (excluding The Bicker the Better and Who, What, When, Where, Wynaut?).
Previously, the animated series has also aired on several that are also widely available throughout Ireland, including ,http://www.independent.ie/national-news/beware-the-pokemon-plague-386552.html and .
As most UK channels are available in Ireland via cable and satellite providers, the animated series is still viewable in Ireland, with Pokémon: Black & White previously airing on Disney XD.
===Netflix===
It was announced that the Pokémon animated series would be coming to Netflix, a subscription-based on demand service available in a wide range of countries, including Ireland. Beginning from March 1, 2014, episodes of Pokémon: Indigo League and Pokémon: Black & White were available, as well as the movies White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram.
==Pokémon Trading Card Game==
Cards for the Pokémon Trading Card Game were originally sold in Ireland at the same time as they were released in the United Kingdom. For several years in the early 2000s, many primary schools across the country banned children from bringing in Pokémon cards, as they were presenting challenges for both parents and teachers.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/smother-love-378755.html
==Pokémon merchandise==
Pokémon merchandise was also sold to coincide with the release of Red and Blue in 1999.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/move-over-furby-pokemons-about-to-take-over-399454.html
During the early 2000s, , Ireland's largest dairy foods producer and supplier, produced special Pokémon-themed products.http://www.independent.ie/business/glanbias-cool-linkup-to-pokmon-364290.html
===Pokémon manga===
Pokémon manga translated into English by VIZ Media is sold in Ireland. Currently available series include the popular Pokémon Adventures series and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!.
==Community==
boards.ie, the largest Irish Internet forum, has a dedicated Pokémon forum.
==Trivia==
*In June 2001, Pokémon was one of the topics in the listening comprehension section of the Ordinary Level Spanish exam.http://www.independent.ie/education/latest-news/from-pokemon-to-actor-burt-reynolds-342588.html
==External links==
* The official United Kingdom & Ireland Pokémon website (full website)
* boards.ie Pokémon forum
==References==
==Related articles==
it:Pokémon in Irlanda