FACTS ON IRELAND

• A sex change has never been performed in Ireland.
• In Ireland, St Patrick's Day is both a holy day and a national holiday. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. It was he who brought Christianity to Ireland. According to legend, Saint Patrick used a shamrock to explain God. This small green plant that looks like a clover, has three leaves on it. Saint Patrick told the people that the shamrock was the idea of the Trinity- that in the one God there are three divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The shamrock is also the national flower of Ireland. 'The wearing of the green' on Saint Patrick's day is a reminder of all the green countryside of Ireland. In fact, this island nation is so green it is often called the Emerald Isle.
• Ireland adopted the Harp after the English banned bag pipes from being played during the occupation of Ireland. This is why the Irish have the Harp as a symbol of the country. It appears on bank notes flags and on the famous stout drink Guinnes