Sports & Festivals in Ireland

The Life Story of St. Patrick of Ireland

St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland was born into either a Scottish or English family in the fourth century. He was captured as a teenager by Niall of the Nine Hostages who was to become a King of all Ireland. He was sold into slavery in Ireland and put to work as a shepherd. He worked in terrible conditions for six years drawing comfort in the Christian faith that so many of his people had abandoned under Roman rule. Patrick had a dream that encouraged him to flee his captivity and to head South where a ship was to be waiting for him. He travelled over 200 miles from his Northern captivity to Wexford town where, sure enough, a ship was waiting to enable his escape.

Upon arrival in England he was captured by outlaws and returned to slavery. He escaped after two months and spent the next seven years travelling Europe seeking his destiny. During this time he furthered his education and studied Christianity in the Lerin Monastery in France. He returned to England as a priest. Again a dream greatly influenced him when he became convinced that the Irish people were calling out to him to return to the land of his servitude. He went to the Monastery in Auxerre where it was decided that a mission should be sent to Ireland. Patrick was not selected for this task to his great disappointment. The monk that was selected was called Paladius, but he died before he could reach Ireland and a second mission was decided upon.

Patrick was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in the year 432 and, together with a small band of followers, travelled to Ireland to commence the conversion. Patrick confronted the most powerful man in Ireland, Laoghaire, The High King of Tara as he knew that if he could gain his support that he would be safe to spread the word throughout Ireland. To get his attention Patrick and his followers lit a huge fire to mark the commencement of Spring. Tradition had it that no fire was to be lit until the Kings fire was complete, but Patrick defied this rule and courted the confrontation with the King. The King rushed into action and travelled with the intention of making war on the holy delegation. Patrick calmed the King and with quiet composure impressed the King that he had no other intention than that of spreading the word of the Gospel. The King accepted the missionary, much to the dismay of the Druids who feared for their own power and position in the face of this new threat. They commanded that he make snow fall. Patrick declined to do so stating that this was God’s work. Immediately it began to snow, only stopping when Patrick blessed himself.

While still trying to convince the King of his religion, Patrick grasped at some Shamrock growing on the ground. He explained that there was but one stem on the plant, but three branches of the leaf, representing the Blessed Trinity. The King was impressed with his sincerity and granted him permission to spread the word of his faith, although he did not convert to Christianity himself. Patrick and his followers were free to spread their faith throughout Ireland and did so to great effect. He drove paganism (symbolised by the snake) from the lands of Eireann. Patrick was tempted by the Devil whilst on a pilgrimage at Croagh Patrick. For his refusal to be tempted, God rewarded him with a wish. Patrick asked that the Irish be spared the horror of Judgement Day and that he himself be allowed to judge his flock. Thus, the legend that Ireland will disappear under a sea of water seven years before the final judgement, was born.

Patrick died on March 17th in the year 461 at the age of 76. It is not known for sure where his remains were laid although Downpatrick in County Down in the North of Ireland is thought to be his final resting place. How he became a Saint, was simply due to the era he lived in. During the first millennium, there was no formal canonization process in the Catholic Church. After becoming a priest and helping to spread Christianity throughout Ireland, Patrick was likely proclaimed a saint by popular acclaim. His influence is still felt to this day as Nations the world over commemorate him on  March 17th of every year.

The Malahide Castle, parts of which date to the 12th century, lies close to the village of Malahide, 14 km north of central Dublin in Ireland. It has over 260 acres of remaining parkland estate, forming the Malahide Demesne Regional Park. In 1185, King Henry II gifted the Malahide lands to his loyal subject Richard Talbot. Ever since, the village of Malahide and the Talbot family have been complexly linked. Generations of the Talbot family lived in the castle for an incredible 800 years, giving it a great many stories to tell. The original castle built on the Malahide Castle grounds was actually a wooden fortress, which was then transformed into a stone structure on the very same site as the castle stands today. Over numerous years, rooms were added and  fortified until the castle took on the form it retains now.

The family resided peacefully in the castle for 800 years, with the exception of a brief interruption between 1649 and 1660. This is when the castle was seized by Cromwellian soldiers. During that period the castle was occupied by the Lord Chief Baron of Ireland, Myles Corbet. 

Lord Milo Talbot was the final Baron of Malahide, who lived in the castle until his passing in 1973. Rose, the baron’s sister then inherited the castle before selling it to the Irish State in 1975.  Over the years, this castle near Dublin, Ireland has played an important role in political and social events. As well as welcoming local and international honorary guests. The Talbot family spent centuries collecting and curating the incredible collections of art and furniture that can be seen in the castle today. It’s an exciting and unique glimpse into the life of Irish nobility. 

Expect to spend your time admiring the masterpieces that are hung up all around the house. Admire the antique furniture and see the famed Talbot coat of arms in every form. See the many portraits of those who once lived in the castle, and take a peek into some of the master bedrooms. You’ll also get to explore the Victorian-style nursery and its vintage toy collection. Take a stroll around the beautifully manicured gardens while soaking in the floral scents.

2. It takes place in historic locations

The Púca Festival takes place in some of the island of Ireland’s most celebrated sites. The Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in Athboy, County Meath, was the site of a great Samhain gathering where the ancient Irish lit a fire from which all fires in Ireland were rekindled. And the ruins of nearby Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman fortress will form the perfect backdrop for spectacular projections, storytelling, music, comedy, food and drink from the 27-31 October.

3. It's in Ireland – the home of Halloween

The Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in County Meath was one of the earliest sites to host the festival of Samhain, which celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. At this sacred place, the Celts extinguished the old year’s flames and lit the ceremonial fire to welcome in the new season.

4. It's got an amazing line-up of events

Well, it is Halloween in Ireland, so you should be prepared for anything. Púca presents three breathtaking days and four spectacular nights of music, myth, food, folklore, fire, feasting and merriment across the towns of Trim and Athboy. Contemporary Irish acts reignite Celtic traditions through incredible music and live performances. And when the veil between worlds grows thin, all kinds of spirits and magical creatures may appear as you wander around these ancient places!

The chief exports are wool, agricultural produce, marble, china, and various metals. It is the leading manufacturer of  ironwork, computers, electric motors, medical instruments, and sports equipment. Tourism is also an important source of county revenue and  shipping service connects Galway with the Aran Islands. There are remains of a Franciscan friary, founded in 1296, and Galway is the centre of a Roman Catholic diocese. St. Nicholas’s Church dates from 1320. University College, founded in 1849 as Queen’s College, received a new charter in 1908 as a college of the National University of Ireland. The city has several theatres, including the world-renowned Druid Theatre and An Taibhdhearc, Ireland’s first Gaelic theatre. The city also hosts the annual Galway Arts Festival and oyster and horse-racing festivals. During the late 20th century Galway was among the fastest-growing cities in Europe.

Glimpses of County Galway