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. [ ] [SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC]( [VIEW ONLINE]( [SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC]( [National Geographic]( [THE COMPASS]( [Ireland]( PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS HILL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION 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. In this edition, see how determination led this photographer to find the [luck o' the Irish]( uncover the surprises revealed by a ["DNA atlas" of Ireland]( and [travel to Donegal]( with a local photographer. Let's explore [Ireland](. SCIENCE [Boys stand near their school in Galway, Ireland.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY A.W. CUTLER, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION [Irish ancestry surprises revealed by new DNA map]( The genetic atlas revealed new information about health risks, ancient political borders, and the influence of Vikings. [READ MORE]( SHARE [F]( [T]( HISTORY & CULTURE [Lee Johnson, left, with his pony Gypsy in the Clondalkin district of Dublin. Says Abell of this photograph which made the cover of the September 1994 issue of National Geographic, "“They didn't know National Geographic-- clearly I was an American, I had a camera. And courteously, in a state of pure bewilderment, they stopped, stood behind their pony, and stared me down.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY SAM ABELL, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION [The beauty of Ireland captured in enchanting photos]( A photographer shares the challenges and joys of documenting Ireland for National Geographic. [READ MORE]( [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. [WATCH VIDEO]( ANIMALS [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]( [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]( TRAVEL DREAM NOW, GO LATER [A classic view of autumn hues on Donegal's most iconic peak, Mount Errigal, which can be readily climbed in two hours.]( PHOTOGRAPH 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]( SHARE [F]( [T]( [In Leitrim, Ireland, a group of mummers dressed in straw costumes prepares to perform for neighbors in the run-up to Christmas.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY RONAN O'CONNELL [These masked singers continue an Irish Christmas tradition]( For centuries in Ireland, mummers would arrive at homes unannounced in an age-old holiday custom. Now, after a long lull, these disguised revelers are back in force. [READ MORE]( [Grace O’Malley’s exploits on the stormy seas off Western Ireland made her an Irish legend.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY KARL-HEINZ RAACH, LAIF / REDUX [On the trail of Ireland’s legendary pirate queen]( As Ireland marks 100 years of independence, a tourist route is being dedicated to this 16th-century rebel. [READ MORE]( [Established in 1840, the Temple Bar is a Dublin landmark.]( PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL CARILLET, GETTY IMAGES [Everything to know about Dublin]( Here's how to plan the best possible trip to this easy-to-love city. [READ MORE]( SHARE [F]( [T]( [RELATED: WHAT’S THE SECRET BEHIND DUBLIN’S STORYTELLING MAGIC? +]( [WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?]( Be sure to [check your inbox]( next week to find out. [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]( from National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences. [Manage all email preferences]( with the Walt Disney Family of Companies. © 2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.