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Ireland

Ireland is a small, independent country in northwestern Europe. It is often called the Republic of Ireland. Dublin is the capital and largest city.

The country occupies about five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the British Isles. The remaining one-sixth of the island is occupied by Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It's said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible, and its people seem put on earth expressly to restore faith in humanity...More Information on Ireland.

Full country name:Eire ( Republic of Ireland)
Area: 69,000 sq km
Population: 3.96 million
Capital City: Dublin
People: Irish; small immigrant populations
Language: English, Gaelic
Religion: 95% Roman Catholic, 3.4% Protestant
Government: Democracy
Head of State: President (Republic) Mary McAleese
Head of Government: Prime Minister (Republic) Bertie Ahern

History of Ireland

The Irish people are mainly of Celtic origin, with the country's only significant sized minority having descended from the Anglo-Normans. English is the common language, but Irish (Gaelic) is also an official language and is taught in schools...More on Ireland History.

Also Read: Ireland - A Short Background

Overview of Ireland's Economy

GDP: US$113.7 billion
GDP per capita: US$29,300
Annual Growth: 4.3%
Inflation: 4.8%
Major Industries: Computer software, information technology, food products, brewing, textiles, clothing, pharmaceuticals, tourism
Major Trading Partners: EU (esp. Germany, Italy & Hungary), US & Switzerland
Member of EU: Yes

Also Read: A special feature on Economy of Ireland

Political System of Ireland

- Government And Political Condition
- Foreign Relations
- Defense and Military

Climate, Vegetation and Fauna

Ireland's fauna does not differ markedly from that of England or France. The great Irish deer and the great auk, or garefowl, were exterminated in past history times. Since the island became developed, species such as the bear, wolf, wildcat, beaver, and native cattle have disappeared. Small rodents living in the woods and fields remain, as do small shore birds and field birds. No serpents are found in Ireland, and the only reptile is the lizard. Sedges, rushes, ferns, and grass are the principal flora.


Population and People:The population of the Irish Republic in 2001 was around at 3,840,838, giving the nation an overall population density...Ireland's Population.

Culture: Music is the backbone of Irish culture: in every country pub you'll find someone striking up a tune of an evening..More about Culture of Ireland.

Education: rish determine on Western education began 14 centuries ago. From the 6th to the 8th century...more on Education in Ireland

Languages: Roman Catholics are 93 % of the people of Ireland, and 4 % of the people are Protestants. Protestant groups...more on languages spoken in Ireland

Life and Lifestyle: The capital and largest city is Dublin, with a population (1996) of 953,000. Cork is the second largest city and a major port, with a population of 180,000. Other cities and towns include Limerick (79,000), Galway (57,000), and Waterford (44,000).

Envoirnment: Small-beaked and wing-clipped, Ireland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean which...more on Envoirnment in Ireland


Facts for the Traveler

Visas: For citizens of the EU and most Western countries no visa is required. UK nationals born in Great Britain or Northern Ireland do not require a passport to visit the Republic.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC 0
Dialling Code: 353
Electricity: 230V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Also Read:Money and Cost Required

When to Go in Ireland

If you go to Ireland in July or August, you can expect reasonably warm weather, longer days and a lively menu of festivals. However, this is peak season, which presents some challenges if you're wanting a bit of solitude.

Spring and autumn can also be delightful seasons, with smaller crowds of tourists. Winter weather can be downright inhospitable, but Ireland (the west coast in particular) does look beautiful in the rain, and there's nearly always a pub nearby to duck into. However, in many Irish towns restaurants and B&Bs close down around October and don't reopen until Easter. With a few advance phone calls you can avoid getting stranded somewhere with no place to sleep or eat.

Also Read: Getting Around Ireland | Ireland: Getting There and Away

What to See in Ireland

Major Tourist Attractions in Ireland
- Dublin: In the wake of a remarkable economic boom, Dublin's landscape...
- Cork: The Irish Republic's second largest city is a surprisingly appealing place...
- Derry: The River Foyle curves picturesquely around the old walled town of Derry...
- Galway: Galway (Gaillimh) is the administrative capital of County Galway. Its university...

Other Tourist Attractions in Ireland
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