Greetings from Ireland,
 

This week we have had a sample of almost every season & climate! We went from wind and rain, to snow yesterday, and the sun is shining this morning!
 

There are many things Ireland is famous for, St. Patrick's Day, Guinness; but there are some things you may not know about our Emerald Isle.
 

Here are some interesting & fun facts about Ireland....how many do you already know?
 

Happy reading!
 

Ireland is a lot more than the "Island of Saints and Scholars." Today, this little island is associated with A-list Hollywood actors, world-class pop rock musicians, top authors, Guinness, some of the world's most stunning scenery. We've even staked a claim to the White House! Read on for more...
 

Famous symbols of Ireland...
 

The harp, also known as the national symbol of Ireland, the Celtic cross, the shamrock and the Irish wolfhound are all well known Irish symbols.
 

Religion...
 

According to Census 2011, most of the Irish population identifies themselves as Roman Catholic (84%).
 

National language...
 

Ireland's national language is Irish, but it is spoken as the everyday language only in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) regions - chiefly in Galway, Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Donegal, and Waterford. In all other parts of Ireland, English is the spoken language.
 

Music...
 

Ireland's most famous musical export is U2. Other acts that have achieved international success include The Boomtown Rats, Thin Lizzy and more recently Boyzone, Westlife and Damien Rice.
 

Hollywood factor...
 

The cream of the crop includes Michael Fassbender, Pierce Brosnan, Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell.
 

The world of literature...
 

The list of Irish writers goes on and on, with each generation producing several new word wizards. A sample includes James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, William Trevor, John McGahern, and Emma Donohue.
 

Patron Saint...
 

Saint Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland in around 430. St Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland, and indeed all over the world, on March 17th.
 

Our capital - Dublin...
 

Dublin was founded by the Vikings in 988 and was originally called Dubh Linn (which means Black Pool in Irish).
 

First Saint Patrick's Day parade...
 

Boston was the proud host with an event organised by the Charitable Irish Society in 1737.
 

The White House...
 

James Hoban, a Kilkenny born architect, won a competition to design the original White House.
 

Famous outlaws...
 

Grace O'Malley (Queen of the Pirates) operated off the west coast of Ireland and Ned Kelly (son of an Irish convict) was an infamous Australian outlaw.
 

Highest mountain...
 

Killarney, County Kerry is home to the highest mountain - Carrantouhill, part of the mountain range the McGillycuddy Reeks.
 

Longest river...
 

The river Shannon rises in County Cavan and is approximately 240 miles long. It contains 3 lakes, Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg.
 

Irish delicacies...
 

Drisheen is a type of pudding made from cow's, pigs or sheeps blood. White pudding is a mixture of pork, cereal, bread, fat and suet. Periwinkles are sea snails boiled in salted water.
 

Guinness...
 

No trip to Ireland would be complete without sampling a pint of the black stuff! It's said that no matter where you go in the world, only in Ireland will you be served the most velvety, and creamiest pint of Guinness.
 

Bailey's Irish Cream...
 

Invented in the 1970s, this hugely popular liquor, composed of is added to everything from coffee to cheesecake.
 

Irish pubs...
 

Stumble upon a "trad night", throw in the customary singsong, a bit of Irish dancing and you're in for an evening of craic!
 

A sporting nation...
 

Irish people are very passionate about Gaelic games - football, hurling, handball and camogie. Rugby and soccer are also very well supported in Ireland. Golfing stars from the island include former World Number One Rory McIlroy and U.S. PGA champion Padraig Harrington. Among Ireland's athletic stars are Dervla O'Rourke, and Katie Taylor is an international boxing champion.
 

The great outdoors...
 

The Cavan Way, The Dingle Way and the Kerry Way are just some of the country's scenic walking routes that offer a great opportunity to sample Ireland's breathtaking countryside.
 

Sense of humour...
 

There's nothing like the Irish sense of humour, wit and play with words. Have a look at the below examples:
 

"not backwards in coming forwards" - means a person is not shy.

"no flies on him" - means a person is not easily deceived.

"she has a tongue that would clip a hedge" - means a person who gossips.

"come for a day and stay for a week" - means someone outstaying their welcome.
 

Just a few facts to ponder over - for a small island we certainly have a lot going for us!

Your friend in Ireland,

Robin