Synopses & Reviews
Bestselling author Christopher Winn takes us on a fascinating journey around Ireland, to discover the tales buried deep in Irish history. Packed full of myths and legends, firsts, birthplaces, inventions, and adventures, this fact book visits each of the four provinces—Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connaught—and unearths the hidden gems that each county in these provinces holds. Discover where people and ideas were born, where dreams were inspired, and where the unforgettable figures of Ireland's past now slumber. You'll be able to visit the holy mountain, Croagh Patrick in Country Mayo, where St Patrick is said to have driven all the snakes in Ireland into the sea. At Lismore Castle in County Waterford you will uncover the bathroom dedicated to Fred Astaire, whose sister Adele was the hugely popular Chatelaine of Lismore in the 1930s and 1940s. On the winter solstice you can bathe in the sunlight that fills the burial chamber at Newgrange, County Meath—the oldest solar observatory in the world. This irresistible compendium of facts and stories will give you a captivating insight into the Irish, and the ideas and events that have shaped the individual identity of every place you visit, and will have you exclaiming again and again: "Well, I never knew that!"
Synopsis
Bestselling author Christopher Winn takes us on a fascinating journey around Ireland, discovering the traditions, triumphs and disasters, foibles, quirks and customs that make up the Irish people. From their peccadilloes to their passions he uncovers entertaining stories and astonishing facts that will amuse and inform in equal measure.
Travel from coast to coast across Ireland and learn how every county contributes to the distinct Irish personality in its own unique and different ways. From County Leitrim, the most sparsely populated county in the Republic of Ireland to County Louth, Ireland's smallest geographic county, discover the site of the first play performed in the Irish language, sail the longest navigable inland waterway in Europe and watch the horse racing at Ireland's first all-weather racecourse. Listen to the memories and tales of ordinary folk from every walk of life and find out from them what it means to be Irish.
This irresistible book, beguilingly illustrated with pen and ink drawings, gives a captivating insight into the heritage, memories and monuments that have shaped each county in Ireland.
About the Author
Christopher Winn writes quiz questions for television as well as for Daily Express and Daily Mail. He is the author of I Never Knew That About England, I Never Knew That About Ireland, and I Never Knew That About the Scottish.