In general, meat and dairy production releases lots of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. As such an important part of Irish culture, farming now turns out to be both a blessing and a curse.
For as long as historians can remember, the environment has been a key part of Irish culture and society. Irish mythology believes in fairies, which the Irish call aos sí. According to myth, the aos sí live in the Irish landscape, specifically in hills, fairy rings (which are circles of mushrooms), hawthorn trees, woods and hills called sídhe. The aos sí look like humans, but they have magical powers. They are related to the leprechaun, a small old man who gives out a purse filled with gold. These might seem like silly myths, but wandering through the Irish countryside, you can start to understand why ancient Irish people believed in fairies and leprechauns. The hills and forests are so green and alive that they really do seem full of magic.
Today, most people in Ireland don't believe in fairies. But the environment's natural wonders remain a point of pride for Irish people, as well as a popular destination for tourists. The lakes and forests of County Wicklow, the soaring heights of the Cliffs of Moher and the crazy hexagonal stones of the Giant's Causeway are just a few famous natural sites in Ireland. So beyond laughing sadly about the rain, Irish people can boast proudly of their beautiful country.
