IRELAND

Ireland, also called the Republic of Ireland, has a population of approximately 4.2 million. The country occupies 26 of the 32 counties that constitute the island. The remaining six counties in North-East Ulster are part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Ireland was established through the conclusion of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. The Constitution of 1937 and the Republic of Ireland Act 1948 severed Ireland's last formal links with the United Kingdom. Ireland remained neutral during the Second World War and does not belong to any military alliance. Ireland became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and joined what is now the European Union (EU) in 1973.

Location

Located in Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the republic of Ireland comprises the main part of the island of Ireland, which lies off the west coast of Europe, the rest being Northern Ireland, included in the United Kingdom. The island of Great Britain (rest of United Kingdom) is to the east.

Geography

Strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin.

Capital

Dubin

Language

Irish, English

Population

4,062,235.

Climate

Temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time.

Monetary Unit

Irish Pound (punt)

Largest Cities

Dublin, Cork, Limerick

Principal rivers

Shannon, Suir, Boyne, Barrow, Erne

Places to Visit

Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Monaghan

Air Ports

Dublin International Air Port, Shannon International Airport, Kerry County Air Port