I Never Knew That About Ireland

By Christopher Winn

Book Overview

A fascinating journey through the lesser known details of Irish history

Packed full of myths, legends, inventions, and adventures, I Never Knew That About Ireland visit's each of the island's four provinces, unearthing hidden gems of history. Discover where ideas were born, where dreams were inspired, and where unforgettable figures from Ireland's past now slumber. Did you know...

- That the holy mountain Croagh Patrick is where St Patrick is said to have driven all the snakes in Ireland into the sea?
- That the burial chamber at Newgrange is the oldest solar observatory in the world?
- That there is a bathroom in Lismore Castle dedicated to Fred Astaire?
- That Coca Cola began its path toward success on the Emerald Isle?
- That the designs for the White House, the Sydney opera house, and the Louvre Pyramid sprang from the minds of Irishmen?

Famous for their culture, the Irish are full of facts and stories you never knew. This compendium sheds light on those little-known historical gems, giving captivating insight into Ireland, its people, and its past. A perfect companion for an Irish vacation, for reminiscing on past visits, or for those whose hearts have never left, this book will have you exclaiming again and again: "Well, I never knew that "

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1250088577
• ISBN13: 9781250088574
• Release Date: March 2016
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Excellent

I am actually from Ireland, and I purchased these for my children and grandchildren. I learned so much information that I didnt know, this book is an excellent gift.

WALK ON LAND OF REAL HISTORY: IRELAND - ANOTHER INTERESTING FACT... IRISH/POLISH & POLISH/IRISH M

Irish Trivia on Tap : 600 Questions to Measure Your IQ (Irish Quotient) Another interesting relatively(pun intended)unknown fact, except to Irish and Polish is that: More Irish marry Polish, and more Polish marry the Irish more than any other peoples - outside of Poland and Ireland, of course. There is a better than 50% chance that every Irish name you hear or see, probably has some Polish uncle or connection, as is the same with any Irish name you see or hear has some Polish aunt or connection. The Polish Trivia Book and Irish Trivia.. The connection seems to stem from a Catholic people who have both been to hell and back in their histories. Both the Irish and Polish tend to not sit around and, will always, fight back when needed,i.e., both very proud Catholic cultures. Both Irish and Polish are very proud of culture and country and willing to die for their freedoms. The English to the Irish are like the Russian Communists to the Polish. Ireland and Poland has stood up to both and survived. God's Playground: A History of Poland, Vol. 2 and The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History of the Poles and Their Culture and The Everything Irish History & Heritage Book: From Brian Boru and St. Patrick to Sinn Fein and the Troubles, All You Need to Know About the Emerald Isle (Everything Series). Dia Duit!; (hello/pleased to meet you, in Gaelic) - Cheshch!; (hello/good-bye, in Polish). Poles and Irish marry the Italians the 2nd most and thirdly the Germans/Austrians/Cubans.

Interesting read

Actually bought this as a gift, but did take time and read about places I had been in Ireland, think I will have to borrow it back after Christmas.

For real travelers or dreamers

This is a different kind of travel book. Not a guidebook in the Frommer's or Lonely Planet tradition, but just as valuable for learning more about the country of Ireland. This book covers the four province of Ireland: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. Each county within the four provinces are featured. At the end of each section there is an "I Never Knew That..." section. Some things that I bet you never knew about Ireland: -- In 1822, Richard Martin put through Parliament the first Animal Rights Bill and two years later founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. -- Rosslare has an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes of sunshine every day. (Living in Washington State, that sounds like paradise!) -- You have heard of Stonehenge but did you know that the Grange Stone Circle is made up of 113 stones and is the largest prehistoric stone circle in Ireland (it dates from around 2000 BC). -- The DeLorean (the famous car from Back to the Future) was built in Ireland and caught the eye of Hollywood producers. --Sophie Pierce was the first woman to make a parachute jump, the first person in the world to fly solo from Cape Town to London and the first woman in Ireland and Britain to gain a commercial pilot's license. Unfortunately she fell out of a tram and was killed. Winn has written a book with a warm personable tone. I felt as if I were listening to a fun friend who loved Ireland and knew neat trivia about each region. There is something for everyone as there are facts and stories about famous people, true crime, myths and inventions. Although color photos would have been nice, the numerous black and white sketches add charm to this book. Winn is a writer, quiz master and producer for theater and television. He has also written I Never Knew That books about England, Scotland, Wales and London. Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful book for trivia buffs and armchair travelers!