Not only were the Irish monks meticulous beekeepers, they also lived in hive-shaped structures known as 'Clochán', or beehive huts.

Bunratty Castle in beautiful County Clare - Built in 1425, it is the most complete & authentic medieval fortress in Ireland.

South Solar room in Bunratty Castle.

Restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour - it's home to a magnificent Tudor ceiling.

St Gobnait's Well at Ballyvourney, #Cork.

One of Gobnait’s miracles was that she rousted her bees from their hives in order to chase off evil invaders from her native land.

The custom of eating pancakes in February has very ancient roots. During the Roman festival of Fornacalia ('Feast of the Ovens') sweet flatbreads called 'Alita Dolcia' were eaten & sacrificed. In Christian times, the pancake is associated with absolution before Lent. Enjoy Shrove Tuesday.

It is Shrove Tuesday - from the word ‘Shrive’ - meaning to obtain forgiveness by way of Confession and penance. Traditionally pancakes were eaten on this day as a sign of absolution (being 'the food of angels') and to rid the house of dairy & sugar before the Lenten fast.

St Valentine's Tomb - Whitefriar Church, Dublin.

Gifted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1836, the casket contains Saint Valentine's bones and a vessel tinged with his blood.

The shrine of St Valentine in Dublin - On Valentines Day it's popular for engaged couples to attend Mass here and to receive a blessing of rings beside his relics.

The Claddagh ring is a traditional faith ring that's given in Ireland for engagement or friendship. Originating in the fishing villages of Galway, its 'giving heart' symbolises love and fellowship, and the crown, loyalty.

The enjoining of hands around symbols of fertility is impressed deeply in the Irish psyche. Whether it's the modern heart or ancient cord.