This Week:
Volume 18 Issue 35 - 2010-09-03

Click of the Wrist
Eire

Volume 18 Issue 35 2010-09-03

Ireland. Eire. Erin. Hibernia. Whatever you call it, everyone becomes a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating the history and culture of Ireland. This week, we take a look at some of the most well-loved traditions from the Emerald Isle.

History of St. Patrick's Day

According to this History Channel video, the patron saint of Ireland wasn’t even Irish. He was kidnapped from Britain and spent several years in Ireland as a slave, only to escape and eventually return to Ireland as a priest. March 17 marks the day of his death in 461 AD.

A Guide to Irish Fairies

Are they real, or simply a lively piece of legend and imagination? Believe what you will, the creatures of Irish myth include more than leprechauns. There’s the dullahan, the black-robed horseman; changelings, the ill-tempered fairy babes exchanged for mortal babies; banshees, and many others.

Leprechaun Watch

Leprechauns are elusive creatures, rarely glimpsed by human eyes. You can improve your chances, though, thanks to the “leprechaun fairy watch webcam,” hidden in a field in Tipperary, Ireland. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one of the wee folk, you can report it to the site.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades

Whether you’re in Dublin, Dubai, or one of dozens of points in between, chances are there’s a St. Patrick’s Day parade going on. This site offers info on parades and other St. Patrick’s events around the world—along with links to plenty of pubs to enjoy the spirit of the day.