Ireland

Ireland is located in NW Europe, and comprises the majority (26 counties) of the mainland of Ireland. Six counties in the north of Ireland ( Ulster ) comprise Northern Ireland and cover an area of just over 5,000 square miles. Ireland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean with the Irish Sea separating it from Gt. Britain. The main river in Ireland is the River Shannon. Ireland has some mountainous areas, with the highest peak being in County Kerry at approx. 3,400 feet.

Travel Insurance for Ireland:
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Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Ireland
 

The native people of Ireland , the Celts, arrived in approx. the 4 th century BC. In the 8th century Ireland began being invaded by the Vikings. The British tried to colonize Ireland at several points in history and it took them until the 1800s when Ireland joined with Britain and became known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland . The terrible potato famine hit in the mid 1800s which forced many to leave and seek better lives in America . In 1921 following a civil war the southern counties of Ireland gained status as self-governing to become the Irish Free State . However, the six counties in the north of Ireland , which were mainly protestant, remained under British rule. In 1936 the Irish Free State became known as Eire and then as the Republic of Ireland in 1949 when it left the Commonwealth. In 1973 Ireland joined the European Community. Struggles to unite the divided north and south of Ireland continues between the Republicans and Unionists.

The population is mainly Celtic and English. The dominant religion is Roman Catholic, with some Church of Ireland and others. English is the main language although Gaelic (Irish) is also spoken.

Ireland is known most fondly for its beautiful green countryside (and corresponding rain), its friendly inhabitants, lively music, shamrock and tales of leprechauns. St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 th, is widely celebrated.

Dublin , the capital city of the Republic of Ireland , is a popular tourist attraction with lots of interesting history. The city has plenty of parks, castles, museums, shopping, good pubs and, of course, Guinness. The 250 year history of Guinness can be explored at the Guinness Storehouse where you can sample the wares and also enjoy a view of the city. The River which runs through the city is the River Liffey. Another attraction is the Writer’s Museum which includes works by many famous authors and poets. There is also a separate James Joyce museum, and the National Art Gallery .

The southwest of Ireland encompasses the Cork Kerry area and is one of the most popular destinations in Ireland with its miles of beautiful coasts, mountains, rivers and lakes. County Cork is well known for its golfing, as well as cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities such as fishing. Killarney in County Kerry is popular for hiking, climbing and biking and Kerry has plenty more for the outdoor enthusiast, including watersports such as sailing, diving and windsurfing. There are plenty of cultural activities, museums, castles and gardens, etc. County Cork is also a popular area with its mild climate where palm trees grow and there are places to visit such as the city of Cork , and Blarney . Blarney Castle is the location of the famous Blarney Stone where the legend is that kissing the stone will give one great powers of conversation, or make you ‘full of the Blarney ’.

Located on the western coast of Ireland , the medieval city of Galway is a thriving cosmopolitan and cultural centre, with much history mingling amongst its modern day lifestyle. It offers great musical events and festivals, live pub music and buskers, as well as theatre and good restaurants. It is also convenient for making a trip to the nearby islands, the Aran Islands being the most well-known, which are located just off the entrance to Galway bay. People arrive from all over the world to watch the horses compete at the famous annual Galway Races during July and August. The Galway Arts Festival is another popular attraction. Galway is known for its good golf courses, sailing and fishing as well as its castles and museums. The economy is driven mainly by agriculture, fishing, and the quarrying of marble.