Republic of Ireland

---

The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of  Ireland, off the coast of England and Wales. Its capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of writers like Oscar Wilde, and home of Guinness beer. The  9th-century Book of Kells and other illustrated manuscripts are on show in Dublin’s Trinity College Library. Dubbed the "Emerald Isle” for its lush landscape, the country is dotted with castles like medieval Cahir  Castle. 

Well-renowned educational institutions like Dublin City University, University of Limerick and Maynooth University are in the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland is divided into two parts:

1. The Republic of Ireland: A sovereign nation that covers about five-sixths of the island.
2. Northern Ireland: A part of the United Kingdom, covering the remaining sixth of the island in the northeast.

The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea (between Ireland and Great Britain), and the Celtic Sea. The country is characterized by a varied landscape, with rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, coastal plains, and rugged mountains, such as the Wicklow Mountains and the Mourne Mountains.

• Dublin: The capital of the Republic of Ireland and its largest city, located on the east coast. It is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks (like Trinity College and Dublin Castle), and as the birthplace of writers such as James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.
• Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, known for its maritime history, including the construction of the RMS Titanic.
• Cork: The second-largest city in the Republic, located in the south, known for its food scene and cultural events.
• Limerick: A city on the River Shannon, rich in history and medieval architecture.

Ireland has a rich cultural heritage that includes a tradition of storytelling, music, dance, and art. Some key elements of Irish culture include:

• Music: Ireland is renowned for its traditional folk music, which includes instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, and bodhrán drum. Famous Irish bands and musicians include U2, The Cranberries, and The Dubliners.
• Literature: Ireland has produced many famous writers, such as W.B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney, and George Bernard Shaw. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature.
• Irish Language: Although English is the dominant language, Irish (Gaelic) is the official first language of the Republic, and it is spoken in some rural areas known as the Gaeltacht. The language has experienced a revival in recent years.

Ireland has a modern, export-oriented economy. The country has seen significant economic growth in recent decades, often referred to as the "Celtic Tiger" era (1990s–2000s). Key industries include:

• Technology: Major tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook have European headquarters in Ireland, largely due to its favourable tax policies.
• Pharmaceuticals: Ireland is a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Agriculture: Ireland is known for its dairy and meat exports, especially beef and lamb.

Ireland is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Highlights include:

• The Cliffs of Moher, dramatic cliffs on the west coast.
• The Ring of Kerry, a scenic driving route in County Kerry.
• Newgrange, a prehistoric monument older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids.
• The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, a natural rock formation.
• The Wild Atlantic Way, a long coastal route that spans Ireland's western seaboard.