We love the Irish Sea, and not just because it has some of the best ferry routes and operators in Europe. Here are 10 things you probably didn't know...

1. Over 12 million passengers and 17 million tonnes of traded goods pass between Great Britain and Ireland via the Irish Sea every year.
2. The Irish Sea was originally a long, freshwater lake.
3. During World War I the Irish Sea became known as 'U-Boat Alley' when the US entered the war in 1917.
4. In 1997, a 50 mile long rail tunnel linking Dublin and Holyhead was proposed. It would cost an estimated €20 billion. Other suggestions such as bridges between Scotland and Northern Ireland and Bridge-Tunnel combinations have also been suggested over the years.
5. The Irish Sea is also known as the Mann Sea, Manx Sea and Celtic Sea.
6. Economically, the Irish Sea is worth approximately £6 billion per year.
7. There are 17 active oil and gas drilling platforms in the Irish Sea.
8. 742 wind turbines are currently either operational or under construction in the Irish Sea.
9. Leatherback turtles visit the Irish Sea every summer.
10. The endangered Pink Sea Fan coral is only found in certain areas of the Irish Sea, as well as around a dozen species of whale, dolphin and porpoise that are commonly seen.

What's great about the Irish Sea? Share your favourite bits #WeLoveTheIrishSea