factoids:
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St. Patrick had a very limited education, and is said to have been self-conscious about his weak writing skills.
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In the days of sailing ships, Irish sea captains often carried pebbles from Scattery Island, the home of the Saint Cannera, the patron saint of sailors.
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There are seven huge stone forts on the Aran Islands: Dun Aonghasa, Dun Ducathair, Dun Eoghanachta and Dun Eochla on Inishmore; Dun Chonchuir and Dun Fearbhai on Inishmaan, and Dun Formna on Inisheer. The preface "Dun" means "fort of a chieftain."
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Ireland was once densely forested, but was practically denuded of tree cover in the 17th century.
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Grace O'Malley, known as the "Queen of the Pirates," commanded a ship with a crew of over 200 men off the west coast of Ireland the 1500's. Read "Queen of the Pirates"
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The tune of the "Star Spangled Banner" was composed by the great blind harper Turlough O'Carolan, who died about 35 years before the American revolution.
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Medieval laws in Ireland allowed a man to divorce his wife if she damaged his honor through infidelity, thieving or making a mess of everything.
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Tallaght in Dublin is an old name that means "The Plague cemetery."
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Killyleagh Castle, in County Down, Northern Ireland, is the oldest occupied castle in Ireland. Built in the 13th century, it is still in use as a private home.
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Temple Bar district in Dublin got its name because it was the site of the first Jewish temple built in Ireland. The word "bar" refers to the refusal by Catholics to allow Jews to enter any of the stores in the area.
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