Best thing about Ireland according to Abu Dhabi students? The rain

“BEAUTIFUL” is not a word many Irish people choose to describe the weather but, according to a group of English language students from Abu Dhabi, the rain is the best thing about Ireland.

As part of a language programme under way at Cork English College, a group of 100 United Arab Emirates (UAE) students had a chance to showcase their own culture in a welcoming ceremony attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin.

Dressed in their national costumes that would put Ladies’ Day at the Galway races to shame, the group of 60 girls and 40 boys gave visitors a chance to sample the foods, past- times and traditions of the UAE.