The Emerald Isle enjoys a unique climate receiving gulf stream weather patterns which keep the island quite mild. Rainfall is abundant and the rich glacial soils attribute to 67% of the land being used for agriculture and 10% being used for forestry. Almost 80% of the agriculture area is devoted to pasture, hay and grass silage, 11% to rough silage and 10% to crop production (wheat, oats, barley, potatoes). Cattle and sheep are the main livestock produced in Ireland. Key markets for Irish exports are the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Russia and China. Dairy products comprise most of its exports with beef, processed foods and beverages (beer and whiskey) following closely. Ireland suffered economic decline throughout the 1900s but beginning in the 1990s, the Celtic Tiger has given the country new life, especially with its expertise in the technology markets. There’s plenty of “craic” (good times) to be discovered in the charming pubs with live music. The pubs, found on every street corner, are a mainstay of Irish social life and you will find all ages conversing about the village news.