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To coincide with the celebration for St Patrick''s Day, the Basque Language Academy Euskaltzaindia''s publication of the second edition of its magazine Erlea takes the reader on a trip around the country known as the Emerald Isle.

Erlea, published by the Royal Basque Language Academy (or Euskaltzaindia), is run by local celebrated novelist Bernardo Atxaga. The cultural magazine is dedicating its second edition to Ireland and Irish literature and, in conjunction with Irish writer and journalist Paddy Woodworth, has produced a selection of "the best poems" from the island, which Atxaga himself took the personal responsible of translating. "That was the hardest part of developing this edition," admitted the author of Obabakoak during a presentation of the magazine''s publication held at the Euskaltzaindia headquarters. The publication of the edition on Ireland has been timed to coincide with Saint Patrick''s Day, Ireland national saint''s day.

In order to "recreate the atmosphere" of Ireland the 130-page second edition of Erlea, includes "Txomin Artola''s Irish album" with photos taken by the Gipuzkoa-born musician during his stay in Ireland, which also includes his comments and impressions regarding the country. In addition to various articles on the history and literature of Ireland, the magazine includes sections with information and reviews about the latest literary releases in Basque, as well as a number of short stories.

The second edition also includes interviews with Atxage himself, as well as with ex-cyclist Marino Lejarreta and obituaries for the recently-deceased Euskaltzaindia manager Juanjo Zearreta and the writer Joxemiel Bidador.