A very happy St Patrick’s Day from The Big Shoot, to clay shooting enthusiasts and any other internet travellers who find their way to us.

Both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are beautiful places with rich, vibrant histories. Below are some quick and interesting facts about their respective capital cities.

Dublin

• Home of Ireland’s national treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript more than a thousand years old. Created by Celtic Monks, it features the four gospels of the New Testament and an abundance of stunning artwork. It is currently on display within the long room library at Trinity College.
• Twinned with Liverpool England, Barcelona Spain and San Jose California.
• Boasts the only bridge in Europe that is as wide as it is long. The O’Connell Bridge crosses the River Liffey, which passes directly through the city.
• Also features the oldest pub in Ireland. It is believed that the Brazen Head in Dublin should take this title, since a pub has stood upon this site since the year 1198.
• Stars of page, stage and screen have hailed from Dublin, from James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker to Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell. Music stars of Thin Lizzy and U2 did as well.

Belfast

• While you might have missed the fleeting mention in the famous Hollywood movie, the one and only HMS Titanic was built right here.
• A third of the population of Northern Ireland resides within Belfast city limits.
• Has been occupied since the Bronze Age and tourists can still visit Iron Age Fortresses.
• Renowned for its wide variety of architecture, reflecting a volatile history. Victorian designs rest beside Edwardian and even Art Deco offerings.
• The birthplace of famed writer CS Lewis, actor and dramatist Kenneth Branagh, musicians Katie Melua and Gary Moore, television personalities Colin Murray and Christine Bleakley, as well as political figures Gerry Adams and Paddy Ashdown.