The Hill of Tara is where the High Kings of Ireland lived. You can see it directly from the front door of St Columban's, Dalgan Park, Navan, where Irish Columban priests were formed from 1941 onwards. My maternal grandmother grew up in this area.
St Patrick, whose place of birth we do not know, wasn't Irish but probably grew up in Wales. He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland to take care of animals. He escaped six years later and returned as a missionary bishop. He died in Ireland in 461. He is patron saint of Ireland and of Nigeria.
The UST Singers, from the University of Sto Tomas, Manila, sing an Old Irish Blessing. The university is the oldest existing in Asia.
Dóchas Linn Naomh Pádraig (a traditional hymn in honour of St Patrick, with my English translation).
Dóchas linn Naomh Pádraig, Aspal mór na hÉireann,
Bring hope to us, St Patrick, great Apostle of Ireland,
Ainm oirearc gléigeal, solas mór an tsaoil é.
Illustrious, glorious name, he is the great light of the world.
D'fhill le soiscéal grá dúinn d'ainneoin blianta i ngéibheann.
He came back to us with the gospel of love, despite years of captivity.
Grá mór Mhac na páirte, d'fhuascail cách ón daorbhruid.
Great love of the Son, freed all from oppression.
'Sé a chloigh na draoithe,
He who defeated the druids
Croíthe dúra gan aon mhaith.
Hard of heart and no good.
D'ísligh dream an díomais
Brought down the arrogant
Trí neart Dé ár dtréan-fhlaith.
Through the strength of God our powerful lord
Sléibhte, gleannta, máighe,'s bailte mór’ na hÉireann:
Hill, valleys, plains, large towns of Ireland
Ghlan sé iad go deo dúinn, míle glóir dár naomh dhil.
He cleaned them for ever, a thousand praises to our dear saint
Iarr’maid ort, a Phádraig, guí orainn na Gaela,
We ask you, Patrick, pray for us Irish,
Dia linn lá 'gus oíche 's Pádraig Aspal Éireann.
God and St Patrick Apostle of Ireland be with us day and night.