George Washington’s troops used the password ‘St Patrick’ when they forced the British out of Boston on March 17th 1776.
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The most Catholic town in the Republic of Ireland is Buncrana, Co Donegal with 94.3% of the population Catholics. The most Protestant town is Greystones, Co Wicklow with 13.3% of the people belonging to the Church of Ireland.
Old Irish folklore says that it is bad luck to take down your Christmas decorations before January 6th.
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Guinness Draught was launched in 1989. Since then over 800 million cans have been sold in over 70 countries.
An old bee-keepers’ saying dating from the 17th century. The earlier the bees swarm, the more time there will be for the pollination of the plants. Later in the year it is leaves less time for bees to collect pollen from flowers in blossom.
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Mallow, Co Cork is home to the world’s most northerly vineyard.
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In medieval Ireland the Chieftains of Ulster would look to marry into Scottish families. They would receive up to 10,000 soldiers as part of a dowry when marrying a Scottish Lady.
The roaring lion used in the MGM films logo is called Cairbre and he was born on 20th march 1927 in Dublin Zoo.
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All images copyright Ireland Calling (unless stated on photo)
