The ideal Ireland that we would have, the Ireland that we dreamed of, would be the home of a people who valued material wealth only as a basis for right living, of a people who, satisfied with frugal comfort, devoted their leisure to the things of the spirit – music, literature, and religion. I wish you a prosperous New Year, and an ever richer New Year."

With his father as his chief patron, Henry became king after the death of Queen Elizabeth. In 1829, a year before Edward's death, the two countries celebrated St Patrick's Day, which commemorates the birth of St Patrick, who had founded Ireland and made it the capital of the kingdom of Ireland. A short time later, St Patrick's Day was adopted by Britain as Easter.

St Patrick was also a lover of beer and wine, a practice that is still observed today. By the end of the 10th century, his influence on Ireland could be clearly seen, with many medieval Irish breweries making extensive use of the saint's recipes, especially his recipe for ginger ale, or "goin' to Ireland from home", as it is referred to in the bible. But there is very little written about what is known today as Irish beer. For more information on drinking beer, read our guide on beer.

As for Henry's love of music, it wasn't until the 16