Ireland

Ireland is an island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. It is split into two parts: the Republic of Ireland, which is its own country, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is known for its green lands, gentle weather, and rich history.

The island has a long and interesting past. It was home to Gaelic people with their own kings and traditions. Later, Vikings from Scandinavia came and settled in Ireland. In the Middle Ages, the English also came and took control for a time. In the 1800s, a big problem called the Great Famine made many people leave the island. In the early 1900s, Ireland worked for independence, which led to the creation of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland staying with the United Kingdom.

Today, Ireland is famous for its culture, including traditional music, dance, and sports like Gaelic games. The Irish language and customs are still important to the island. Ireland is also known for its beautiful scenery, with many mountains, rivers, and forests that draw visitors from all over the world.

Name

The names Ireland and Éire come from an old word, Ériu, which means "fertile soil". This idea also gave us the Classical Latin name Ivernia, which people sometimes change to Hibernia.

History

Main article: History of Ireland

Prehistoric Ireland

Main article: Prehistoric Ireland

During the last ice age, much of Ireland was covered in ice. By about 14,000 years ago, Ireland was separated from Great Britain. The earliest signs of people in Ireland date back to around 33,000 years ago. By around 8,000 years ago, people lived there more permanently.

Around 4,000 years ago, new settlers brought farming, animals, and built large stone structures. The Bronze Age began around 2,500 years ago, bringing new tools, weapons, and ways to make things.

Celts

Main article: Celts

How and when Ireland became linked to the Celtic culture is not fully known. Some believe Celtic groups brought their language and customs to Ireland around 3,000 years ago. Others think the culture grew from local groups mixing with traders. Evidence from old graves and tools shows changes in how people lived.

Late antiquity and early medieval times

Main article: History of Ireland (800–1169)

The first written records about Ireland come from writers in ancient Greece and Rome. The Romans called Ireland "Hibernia." Ireland had many small kingdoms, but by the 7th century, leaders began to think of a single high king. Christianity arrived in the 400s, brought by missionaries like Saint Patrick. Monasteries grew, and Irish scholars kept learning alive during a time when much of Europe lost many books.

Norman and English invasions

Main articles: Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, History of Ireland (1169–1536), and Tudor conquest of Ireland

In 1169, Norman knights landed in Ireland, invited by a local king. The English king later took control, and Norman rule began. Over time, the Norman rulers mixed with Irish people, and English control weakened. By the 1500s, English kings began to take more direct control again.

Gaelicisation

From the 1300s, Norman settlers in Ireland started to adopt Irish customs and language. Laws were made to try to stop this, but Irish culture remained strong. By the late 1400s, English control was only strong around Dublin.

Kingdom of Ireland

Main article: Kingdom of Ireland

In 1542, the English king declared himself King of Ireland, strengthening control. The 1600s were a difficult time with wars, and many people died from fighting, famine, and disease. Religious differences grew.

1798 Rebellion

Main article: Irish Rebellion of 1798

In 1798, a group wanted an independent Ireland and started a rebellion with help from France. The rebellion was stopped, but it showed strong feelings for independence.

Union with Great Britain

Main article: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

In 1801, Ireland and Britain joined to form the United Kingdom. Ireland faced hard times, especially during the famine of the 1840s. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Irish people wanted independence.

Partition

Main article: Partition of Ireland

In 1921, a treaty split Ireland. Most of the country became independent as the Irish Free State, later the Republic of Ireland. Six counties stayed with the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland, leading to differences between groups there.

Independence

Main articles: History of the Republic of Ireland and Economy of the Republic of Ireland

The new Irish state faced challenges but gradually gained more independence from Britain. During World War II, Ireland stayed neutral. The economy grew strongly in the 1990s, known as the "Celtic Tiger," but faced a serious downturn after 2008.

Northern Ireland

Main articles: History of Northern Ireland and Economy of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a history of tension between groups who want to stay with the United Kingdom and those who want to join a united Ireland. In the late 1960s and 1970s, violence increased between these groups. A peace agreement in 1998 helped reduce the fighting, and Northern Ireland now has a government that includes both main communities.

Politics

The island of Ireland is divided into two parts: the Republic of Ireland, which is its own country, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. People can move freely between the two.

The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a president and a parliament. Its capital city is Dublin. Northern Ireland has its own local government but is led by the UK government, with Belfast as its capital. The two parts of Ireland sometimes work together on certain matters through special groups.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Ireland

Ireland is in the north-west of Europe, between latitudes 51° and 56° N, and longitudes 11° and 5° W. It is separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea and the North Channel, which is only 23 kilometres (14 miles) wide at its narrowest point. To the west is the northern Atlantic Ocean, and to the south is the Celtic Sea, which lies between Ireland and Brittany, in France. Ireland has a total area of 84,421 km² (32,595 mi²), with the Republic of Ireland covering about 83 percent of the island. Ireland and Great Britain, along with many smaller nearby islands, are often called the British Isles.

The island has a ring of coastal mountains surrounding low plains in the center. The highest mountain is Carrauntoohil in County Kerry, rising to 1,039 meters (3,409 feet) above sea level. The most fertile land is found in the province of Leinster. The west is mostly mountainous and rocky, with beautiful green views. The River Shannon, Ireland's longest river at 360.5 km (224 miles), starts in County Cavan and flows through Limerick.

Main article: Geology of Ireland

Ireland's rocks and landforms vary widely. In the west, around County Galway and County Donegal, the rocks are similar to those in the Scottish Highlands. In the north and south, there are older rocks from a time when continents were moving. Along the southeast coast, near County Wexford, there are granite rocks. In the southwest, around Bantry Bay and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains, the rocks are folded and changed by heat and pressure. Much of central Ireland is covered by limestone, which makes the land fertile. The west coast area known as the Burren has special rock features called karst.

Main article: Climate of Ireland

Ireland's weather is mild and changes often, earning it the name "the Emerald Isle" because of its green landscapes. The climate is influenced by moist winds from the Atlantic Ocean, which keeps temperatures comfortable without extreme heat or cold. Rain falls throughout the year, but it is usually light, especially in the east. The west gets more rain and sometimes strong winds, especially in autumn and winter. Snow and hail can occur, but they are not common. Inland areas experience warmer summers and colder winters than coastal regions. Ireland can have very cold weather and occasional heat waves.

Flora and fauna

Main articles: Fauna of Ireland, Flora of Ireland, and Trees of Britain and Ireland

Ireland has fewer animals and plants than places like Great Britain or Europe because it was connected by an ice bridge long ago. You can find 55 types of mammals there, but only 26 are native. Common animals include the red fox, hedgehog, and badger. Others like the Irish hare and pine marten are less common. The coast is home to many sea animals, and about 400 types of birds have been seen, including the barn swallow.

The island has many different places to live, such as farmland, woodlands, forests, peat bogs, and coastal areas. Farming takes up much of the land, leaving less space for wild animals. Ireland has no snakes and only one type of reptile, the common lizard. In the past, Ireland had animals like the Irish elk and wolf, but they are no longer there. Today, Ireland is not very forested, with most woods being non-native conifer trees. Some native woods remain, especially in places like Killarney National Park.

Ireland’s land is mostly used for farming, which affects wild plants and animals. Fields cover much of the land, but hedgerows help protect some wild plants. Changes in farming rules are helping to protect these important plants and animals. Many areas that could grow forests are still used for grazing by deer and sheep, which makes it hard for forests to grow back naturally.

Demographics

Main articles: Irish people, Demographics of the Republic of Ireland, and Demographics of Northern Ireland

The population of Ireland is just over 7 million, with about 5.1 million living in the Republic of Ireland and 1.9 million in Northern Ireland.

People have lived in Ireland for over 9,000 years. Many groups have lived there, including the Vikings, Normans, Welsh, Flemings, Scots, English, Africans, and Eastern Europeans, all adding to Irish culture.

Ireland's largest religious group is Christianity, mainly Roman Catholicism, which is followed by many people in the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, many people follow Protestant denominations. There are also growing Muslim and Jewish communities, and some people do not follow any religion.

Divisions and settlements

Further information: Provinces of Ireland, Counties of Ireland, and City status in Ireland

Traditionally, Ireland is divided into four provinces: Connacht (west), Leinster (east), Munster (south), and Ulster (north). Ireland has 32 traditional counties. Twenty-six are in the Republic of Ireland, and six are in Northern Ireland. Dublin is the largest city, while Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland.

Further information: List of metropolitan areas in Ireland

Migration

The population of Ireland dropped in the second half of the 19th century. Many people left the country looking for better lives. Many Irish people moved to England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Since the late 20th century, Ireland has become a place where many people from other countries move to live. Many people from Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Latvia have come to Ireland. The Republic of Ireland has seen many new families move there.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Ireland

The two official languages of the Republic of Ireland are Irish and English. Irish was the main language for thousands of years and is still spoken by some people, especially in certain areas. English is the main language spoken today.

Irish is taught in schools, and there are special schools where children learn in Irish. In Northern Ireland, English is the main language, but Irish is also recognized. Other languages are spoken there too, especially by people who have moved from other countries.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Ireland and Culture of Northern Ireland

Ireland's culture includes traditions from long ago, mixed with influences from people who came later and modern media. It is seen as one of the Celtic nations of Europe, along with Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany. This mix of cultures is shown in designs called Irish interlace or Celtic knotwork, which are still popular today in jewelry, art, music, and dance.

Religion has always been important in Ireland, shaping its history and identity. Ancient traditions blended with Christian beliefs brought by Saint Patrick, and later missions spread these ideas across Europe.

Since the 20th century, Irish pubs have become places where people around the world experience Irish culture through food, music, and traditions.

Arts

Literature

Main article: Literature of Ireland

Ireland has greatly influenced world literature. Poetry in the Irish language is very old, with examples from the 6th century. Famous writers include Jonathan Swift, known for Gulliver's Travels, and modern authors like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. Irish writers have won the Nobel Prize for Literature, and their works are celebrated worldwide.

Music and dance

Main articles: Music of Ireland and Irish dance

Music has been part of Irish life for thousands of years. Traditional Irish music and dance became very popular in the 1960s and continue to be enjoyed globally. Groups and musicians have mixed traditional sounds with modern styles, creating a unique Irish influence in music today.

Art

Main articles: Art of Ireland and Architecture of Ireland

Ireland's earliest art includes carvings from long ago and beautifully decorated books from the middle ages. Over the centuries, Irish painters and sculptors have gained recognition, and today's artists continue to explore new ways to express Irish culture.

Drama and theatre

Main article: Irish theatre

Ireland has a rich tradition of theatre. The Abbey Theatre in Dublin and An Taibhdhearc in Galway are national theatres. Playwrights like Seán O'Casey and Brian Friel are known around the world for their powerful stories and plays.

Science

The Irish philosopher Johannes Scotus Eriugena was a leading thinker in the early Middle Ages. Explorers like Ernest Shackleton made important discoveries in Antarctica. Scientists such as Robert Boyle helped found modern chemistry, and John Tyndall discovered the Tyndall effect. Ireland is home to many universities and researchers who continue to make important discoveries.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Ireland

See also: List of Irish sports people

Gaelic football is the most popular sport in Ireland, with many clubs across the island. Other popular sports include hurling, soccer, and rugby. Ireland also excels in boxing, with several Olympic medalists, and in golf, where players like Pádraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy have achieved great success.

Field sports

Main articles: Gaelic games, Rugby union in Ireland, Rugby league in Ireland, Association football in the Republic of Ireland, and Association football in Northern Ireland

Gaelic games like football and hurling are very popular and are played by many people. Rugby and soccer also have strong followings, with Ireland fielding national teams in both sports. The country has produced successful players and teams in these sports over the years.

Boxing

Main article: Boxing in Ireland

Ireland has a strong tradition in boxing, with many athletes winning medals in the Olympics and other competitions. Famous boxers include Michael Carruth, Wayne McCullough, and Katie Taylor, who have brought pride to the country with their achievements.

Other sports

Main articles: Horse racing in Ireland, Athletics in Ireland, and Golf in Ireland

Horse racing and golf are very popular in Ireland, with many people enjoying these sports. Athletics also has many participants, and Ireland has produced successful athletes in running and other track events.

Recreation

The west coast of Ireland, especially Lahinch and Donegal Bay, is known for its great surfing conditions. Scuba diving is growing in popularity, with many beautiful underwater sites to explore. Ireland also offers excellent fishing, with many lakes and rivers perfect for anglers.

Food and drink

Main article: Irish cuisine

Irish food has deep roots in the country's history and landscape. Traditional dishes often use simple ingredients like potatoes, meat, and vegetables. Over time, new styles of cooking have emerged, combining old traditions with new ideas from around the world. Ireland is famous for its whiskey, stout (especially Guinness), and other drinks like cider and Irish coffee, which are enjoyed both at home and internationally.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of the Republic of Ireland and Economy of Northern Ireland

See also: International Financial Services Centre, Dublin

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have different sizes and ways of measuring their economies. The Republic of Ireland makes more goods and services than Northern Ireland. This means people in the Republic of Ireland usually have more money to spend.

Even though the Republic of Ireland uses the euro and Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling, there is growing business activity between the two parts of the island. This is helped by their shared history as part of the European Union.

Regional economics

Below is a comparison of the regional GDP on the island of Ireland.

Northern Ireland trade comparison

Below is a comparison of the goods being sold and purchased between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, compared with the goods being exported and imported between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland:

Cost of living comparison

Below is a comparison of the monthly cost of living and average wage after tax in Northern Ireland versus those in the Republic of Ireland in 2023:

Economic history

Main article: Economic history of Ireland

Ireland's economic past has been shaped by many factors. Before 1921, when the island was divided, Ireland faced many challenges. Important events include land changes in the past and difficult times in the 1840s.

Major industries

Tourism

Main article: Tourist destinations in Ireland

Ireland has many places that people visit from around the world. There are two special areas called World Heritage Sites: the Brú na Bóinne complex and the Giant's Causeway. Other popular spots include Bunratty Castle, the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, Holy Cross Abbey, and Blarney Castle. Important old monasteries like Glendalough and Clonmacnoise are also visited by many.

Dublin, with places like the Guinness Storehouse and the Book of Kells, gets many tourists. Other popular areas are the west and southwest, including the Lakes of Killarney, the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry, Connemara, and the Aran Islands in County Galway. Beautiful old houses, such as Castle Ward, Castletown House, Bantry House, Strokestown Park, and Glenveagh Castle, are also popular. Some of these houses have been turned into hotels, like Ashford Castle, Castle Leslie, and Dromoland Castle.

Energy

Main article: Energy in Ireland

Electricity in Ireland is now shared between the Republic and Northern Ireland. Both areas are also connected to Great Britain and mainland Europe for electricity. In Northern Ireland, there have been problems with getting enough power. In the Republic, the main electricity company has had trouble keeping its power stations up to date.

Gas in Ireland is also shared across the island, with pipelines connecting different places. Most gas comes from fields off the coast of County Mayo and County Cork. Ireland also uses peat, a type of plant material, as an old source of energy, especially in rural areas. However, there are concerns about protecting peatlands because they are important for the environment.

Ireland is working hard to use more clean energy, like wind power. Big wind farms have been built in places like Cork, Donegal, Mayo, and Antrim. But sometimes people near these farms don’t like them because they think they look ugly. Ireland also has one main place to store power, at Turlough Hill.