THREE things we never knew about Ireland:
- St Patrick wasn’t Irish! Contrary to popular belief, and despite being the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick was not actually from Ireland. Born in Wales around 386 AD, he was in fact captured by the Irish and sold into slavery, working as a shepherd in the West of Ireland. Later in life, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, helping to spread Christianity in Ireland.
- The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal driving route i the world. The 2,500Km route passes through nine counties and three provinces.
- The shamrock is recognised around the world as a symbol of Ireland and all things Irish. But the harp is actually the official National Symbol of Ireland. You can see the real harp on which the symbol is based in the Trinity College library, which dates back to the fifteenth century.
