Who St. Patrick really was, Ireland’s most enchanting castle, and why Ireland is snakeless

[ ] As St. Patrick's Day approaches, we travel to the Emerald Isle, where historic treasures and a vibrant culture intermingle against a natural backdrop that is endlessly magnificent. [SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC]( [VIEW ONLINE]( [SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC]( [National Geographic]( [THE COMPASS]( [Ireland]( As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, we travel to the Emerald Isle, where historic treasures and a vibrant culture intermingle against a natural backdrop that is endlessly magnificent. This week we discover [who Saint Patrick really was]( and why he has a day, find the truth behind [why Ireland is snakeless]( and take a road trip through the [Irish countryside’s wild beauty](. Let’s explore [Ireland](. HISTORY & CULTURE [St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated for centuries. But what are the holiday's origins, and who exactly was St. Patrick? Learn about the patron saint of Ireland, why St. Patrick's Day is associated with four-leafed clovers, and how the American Revolution contributed to the growth of this once minor religious holiday.]( PRODUCED/EDITED BY CRYSTAL BERG [Who was Saint Patrick and why does he have a day?]( St. Paddy’s Day is mostly a U.S.-based event, though cities around the world do celebrate with lots of green and lots of beer. [READ MORE]( [EMAIL] [WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?]( Get Nat Geo’s unique take on history, travel, science, animals, and photography delivered straight to your inbox. up for Nat Geo Newsletters]( [The Donoghue twins sit inside their caravan at the Ballinasloe horse fair in County Galway, Ireland.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY BIRTE KAUFMANN, INSTITUTE [Life with the Irish travellers reveals a bygone world]( One photographer spent four years gaining unprecedented access to this close-knit community. [READ MORE]( ANIMALS [According to tradition, St. Patrick chased Ireland's snakes into the sea.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY CORBIS [Snakeless in Ireland: Blame ice age, not St. Patrick]( One man is credited with taking all snakes out of Ireland, but science tells a different story. [READ MORE]( [A bog bush cricket perches amid the heath in Europe, where the singing insects are thought to be good luck.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY CISCA CASTELIJNS, MINDEN PICTURES/NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION [6 surprisingly lucky animals around the world]( Ireland is one of the few countries whose folklore lacks wildlife. [READ MORE]( TRAVEL DREAM NOW, GO LATER [Paths edging the Cliffs of Moher provide some of Ireland’s most spectacular views.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY MNSTUDIO, GETTY IMAGES [Road trip through the Irish countryside’s wild beauty]( In the Burren, discover dramatic seaside cliffs, flower-adorned hills, and a feast of local produce. [READ MORE]( [The Ha’penny Bridge was the first pedestrian pathway to cross the River Liffey in Dublin.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS HILL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION [What’s the secret behind Dublin’s storytelling magic?]( As Ireland’s capital re-opens, the city pays tribute to its literary heroes. [READ MORE]( [Lough Dunlewy and the iconic mountain of Errigal are seen here in winter, but the landscape provides a spectacle in any season.]( PHOTOGRAPH AND CAPTION BY TREVOR COLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC YOUR SHOT [A local photographer’s guide to Donegal, Ireland]( Explore the best things to do and see in Donegal, Ireland, through the lens of a National Geographic Your Shot photographer. [READ MORE]( [Diners enjoy a meal at an outdoor cafe on Pottinger's Entry, one of the historic, narrow passageways in Belfast, Northern Ireland.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY IAN DAGNALL COMMERCIAL COLLECTION, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO [Top 10: Menu items to enjoy in Ireland]( The Emerald Isle has long had the raw ingredients for world-class cuisine and top-notch drinks. [READ MORE]( [Ashford Castle’s manager, James Knight, stands with his Irish wolfhounds.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY TOM PARKER [Stay in an Irish castle like royalty]( Here’s where to find Ireland’s most enchanting castle. [READ MORE]( [A weaver (at left) displays his handmade fabric at his shop in Clifden. He used moss to dye the wool green and onion peel to dye it brown, according to an article in a 1951 issue of National Geographic.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY DORTHEA SHEATS, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC [For St. Patrick’s Day, 17 pictures that transport you to Ireland]( Here are some of our favorite pictures of the Emerald Isle. [READ MORE]( [RELATED: THE BEAUTY OF IRELAND CAPTURED IN ENCHANTING PHOTOS +]( [SHOP]( [DONATE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [TRAVEL]( [READ OUR LATEST STORIES]( [SHOP]( [DONATE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [TRAVEL]( [FB]( [Twitter]( [IG]( Clicking on the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply. This email was sent to: {EMAIL}. Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored. This email contains an advertisement from: National Geographic | 1145 17th Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036 [Stop all types of future commercial email]( National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences. [Manage all email preferences]( with the Walt Disney Family of Companies. © 2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.