Ireland Fun Facts
- 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.

- Currently, there are 8 times as many people who speak Polish in Ireland as people who speak Gaelic.

- This New House: Over one-third of all the houses now standing in Ireland have been built in the last nine years.

- “Hibernia” is the name ancient Romans called Ireland. It may come from the word “hibernus,” which simply translates as “wintry.” Some, however, say it comes “Ivernia,” a latin version of “Erin,” Ireland’s mythological name. The Romans, by the way, never managed to make Ireland a part of their empire.

- I’ll just take the hangover, thanks - One traditional Irish cure for a hangover was to be buried up to the neck in moist river sand.

Irish Quote of the Week:
“A golf course is nothing but a poolroom moved outdoors.”
- Barry Fitzgerald, “Going My Way”

FREE STORY
Return to Belfast: Some things had changed drastically since I finished University there in 2000. But old prejudices still affect daily life.

STORY OPEN TO IRISH CROSSINGS MEMBERS:
Forty Acres of Color Powerscourt is one of Europe’s most over-the-top garden estates.

Ireland Blog...from all around the Web
- You never imagined how serious people are about chewing gum in Ireland.

- Careful behind the wheel - Random breath testing back after a court fight.

- If you like traditional Irish music, there’s no better singer on earth than Niamh ("neeve") Parsons. Legally download two songs from her new CD here: Legally download two songs from her new CD here

- Prefer Rock N’ Roll? Try this nice pro-quality video of U2 performing "Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own" at 2005 Grammies.

- Here’s a cool site of very old Irish newspaper stories - this page is from a Kerry newspaper the month the Titanic sank, but you can check out lots of other stories too.

- Irish Sticker Shock! - go here to see house prices all over Ireland.

- Enter this city contest, and you could Get your ramblings put up an a wall in Limerick.

Enjoy the Irish in You - get your membership in Irish Crossings

That's all for this week. I am going to a slightly new publishing system. Because many people have asked me to send this ezine a bit more frequently, it will now be sent every 10 days. Most issues will be short, like this one, but once every month you'll get a bigger one, with more full-length articles in it. I hope you like this approach - and I certainly welcome any comments or suggestions you have. You can always send me a message by simply replying to this email.
Slan,
Robert Sullivan

Are you a golfer? Get some great free gifts when you book a “Dream Links” tour of the most amazing courses in Ireland with our recommended tour guide.

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