This is a great book to read about the Irish
Basically, the Irish Scholars kept much of the written part of Western Civilization alive while Europe when thru the Dark Ages - They saved much of our written Western tradition - part of Cahill's "Hinges of History" series.
They are a unique culture - and it's odd because it's strongest influences on modern society these days are from immigrants, not the locals. I've been told it's much easier to make a living in an Irish band in the US then in Ireland - well, trad. bands - not necessarily U2 - LOL
I'm obscenely proud to be part Irish.
RB