This work presents an exploration of the Irish identity, looking at the institutions and influences which have defined national character. Examining the influence of island geography and the country's natural resources, the author shows how a predominatly agricultural economy experienced an industrial miracle in the 1960s, producing entrepreneurial giants such as Tony O'Reilly. Exploring the role of the Church, the author looks at the missionary days of Saint Patrick as well as current debates over birth control, sex and the law; he also examines Celtic myths and legends, and asks whether the little people survive today. He studies the ethnic origins of the Irish and key events in Irish history, discusses the significance of the Irish diaspora and examines the question of identity presented by the six counties of Ulster. Also covered are: food and drink; sport and leisure; tourism and leisure; and the Irish abroad. Institutions which are irrefutably Irish - Gaelic football and whiskey, the Irish language and traditional music - are analysed as well as cultural products as diverse as James Joyce's Ulysees, U2 and Riverdance.