Ireland, like its varied landscapes, is a county of contrasts. Its culture and heritage is an amalgam of the various groups that settled here. From Celtic mythology to Saint Patrick, the spiritual world carved its place in Ireland's history. Religion gave way to political motive and oral tradition evolved into a literature that was forever transformed. A country the size of a small U.S. state, its rich history, its artistic contributions, and its inspiring struggle that brought it liberty is nothing less than mesmerizing.