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17th of March is Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Lá Fhéile Pádraig). The day is a cultural and religious celebration that marks the death date of patron saint of Ireland (c. AD 385–461).
While Saint Patrick's Day is an Irish festival, it is recognised in more countries than any other national festival. It has even been celebrated in space by astronauts on board the International Space Station.
We're honoring St. Patrick's Day and the culture and heritage of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by bringing together all our fantastic free learning resources on Ireland.
Explore the history of Ireland
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The Life of Saint Patrick
Who was Saint Patrick? This extract from Alban Butler's 18th Century work on the lives of the saints tells the story of Ireland's patron saint.
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to access more details of The Life of Saint Patrick
Level: 1 Introductory
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What was the Easter Rising?
How close did the Easter Rising come to achieving the aims of its leaders?
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to access more details of What was the Easter Rising?
Level: 1 Introductory
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Coming to America: The Making of the Irish-American Diaspora
Why did the Irish emigrate to America in such vast numbers for over three centuries? What was their experience in America? What impact did they make on American life?
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to access more details of Coming to America: The Making of the Irish-American Diaspora
Level: 1 Introductory
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Wholly Trinity: Abortion, Art and Activism in Ireland
"…art can assist people to learn not only about the objective forces at work in the society in which they live, but also about the intensely social character of their interior lives. Ultimately, it can propel people toward social emancipation." (Angela Davis).This short film, produced collaboratively by The Open University, Alliance for Choice ...
Watch now
to access more details of Wholly Trinity: Abortion, Art and Activism in Ireland
Level: 1 Introductory
Explore the history of Ireland
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The Life of Saint Patrick
Read now to access more details of The Life of Saint PatrickWho was Saint Patrick? This extract from Alban Butler's 18th Century work on the lives of the saints tells the story of Ireland's patron saint.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
What was the Easter Rising?
Watch now to access more details of What was the Easter Rising?How close did the Easter Rising come to achieving the aims of its leaders?
Level: 1 Introductory
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Coming to America: The Making of the Irish-American Diaspora
Read now to access more details of Coming to America: The Making of the Irish-American DiasporaWhy did the Irish emigrate to America in such vast numbers for over three centuries? What was their experience in America? What impact did they make on American life?
Level: 1 Introductory
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Wholly Trinity: Abortion, Art and Activism in Ireland
Watch now to access more details of Wholly Trinity: Abortion, Art and Activism in Ireland"…art can assist people to learn not only about the objective forces at work in the society in which they live, but also about the intensely social character of their interior lives. Ultimately, it can propel people toward social emancipation." (Angela Davis).This short film, produced collaboratively by The Open University, Alliance for Choice ...
Level: 1 Introductory
Explore the culture and literature of Ireland
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Three Irish poets - introduction
Read now to access more details of Three Irish poets - introductionA look at three female Irish Poets – Ellen O'Leary, Katharine Tynan and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.
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Beaghmore Stone Circle
Watch now to access more details of Beaghmore Stone CircleDiscover the legacy of the first farmers in the Beaghmore Stone Circle landscape of Neolithic, Norman and Plantation farmers throughout Northern Ireland.
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What is poetry?
Learn more to access more details of What is poetry?Have you always wanted to try to write poetry but never quite managed to start? This free course, What is poetry?, is designed to illustrate the techniques behind both the traditional forms of poetry and free verse. You will learn how you can use your own experiences to develop ideas and how to harness your imagination.
Level: 1 Introductory
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“Pobal Teanga Faoi Bhláth”: why Good Friday Agreement affects the Irish language
Read now to access more details of “Pobal Teanga Faoi Bhláth”: why Good Friday Agreement affects the Irish languageWhy has The Good Friday Agreement left a mark on the Irish language? Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh traces the language's history and recent revival.
Level: 1 Introductory
Explore Ireland's cities and future
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20 things you might not know about Belfast
Read now to access more details of 20 things you might not know about BelfastBelfast is a fascinating place. Here are some facts about the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The Good Friday Agreement: 25 Years On
Learn more to access more details of The Good Friday Agreement: 25 Years OnA Peace Of Us is a podcast series featuring voices beyond the political institutions exploring the impact the Good Friday Agreement had on the arts, sports, communities and the lives of people in Northern Ireland. Alongside this podcast, you will find a series of guest essays, local music, art and more.
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The Belfast linen industry
Read now to access more details of The Belfast linen industryA trip to the tailors reveals the true fabric of Belfast history.
Level: 1 Introductory
Discover more with OpenLearn Ireland
OpenLearn Ireland is a section of the OpenLearn website that offers free learning content from The Open University for all who are interested in Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland and the culture, developments and events on the island. Select OpenLearn Ireland to find out more.
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