The Emerald Isle is divided into the Republic of Ireland (Eire) with the capital Dublin and Northern Ireland, with the capital Belfast. The latter is still part of the United Kingdom, while Eire or Ireland – which covers 85% of the territory – gained independence in 1922. In total, Ireland is divided into 32 counties with nearly 6 million inhabitants.
Cities of Ireland: Dublin and Others
The main cities of Ireland are Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. Ireland is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the northeast by the North Channel. To the east, it is washed by the Irish Sea which, to the southwest, connects with the ocean through the St. George’s Channel and the Celtic Sea. To the west, Ireland is characterized by the landscape created by the cliffs, such as the Cliffs of Moher, while, gradually moving south, the coast shifts to golden beaches, long inlets, and well-developed peninsulas. The center of the Isle is instead formed by plains and stretches touched by rivers that often form lakes and marshes, such as in the Shannon.
Ireland: The Climate
The climate of Ireland, temperate but rainy, ensures mild summers and cold winters but rarely freezing. Off the coast of Ireland lie several islands, the largest of which is Achill Island, while probably the most famous are the Aran Islands. Due to its history of dominations, invasions, and intense religious and political conflicts, the Irish people today appear proud, forward-looking, warm, and hospitable. The St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is one of the most celebrated in Southern Ireland.
Numerous options for accommodation in Ireland offer low-cost holidays, even at very popular prices.
Documents and Health Advice for Ireland
European citizens can enjoy free public healthcare by presenting the Health Card, which replaces the former E111 form. Travel documents: passport or identity card valid for travel abroad.
Ireland Fact Sheet
- Country: Ireland
- Area: 84,500 km2
- Capital: Dublin (Eire), Belfast (Northern Ireland)
- Population: 6 million inhabitants
- Language: English, Gaelic
- Religion: majority Catholic, minority Protestant
- Form of government: the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland (Eire) and Northern Ireland, with a parliamentary monarchy, which is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Major cities: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Belfast, Derry
Useful Information about Ireland
- Currency: Euro – Eire, Pound Sterling – Northern Ireland (€0.61)
- International dialing code: +353
- International vehicle registration code: IRL
- Driving side: left
- Entry documents: Identity Card or Passport
- Required vaccinations: None
- Electric current: 220 V 50 Hz
- Measurement units: Imperial system. Distances use miles, yards, feet, and inches. Weights use stones, ounces, and pounds. Volumes use gallons and liters. The metric system is less common
- Time zones: -1 hour (compared to Italy)
- Fixed-date holidays: common to both states: January 1: New Year’s Day; March 17; April: Easter Monday; April: Easter; May 1: Labor Day; December 25: Christmas; December 26. Only in Ireland (Eire): first Monday of June; first Monday of August and last Monday of October. Only in Northern Ireland: last Monday of May, Spring Bank Holiday; July 12: Orangemen’s Day, celebration of the Protestant victory at the Boyne
- Climate: humid
- Average temperatures: The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 4 degrees, the warmest is July with an average of 18°
- Transport: national airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair; all airlines have direct flights to Ireland. Trains from Paris Artesia-Trains, also Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, and French Railways
- Airports: many Irish cities have airports: Belfast City Airport, Belfast International, Cork Airport, Derry Airport, Donegal Airport, Dublin Airport, Galway Airport, Kerry Airport, Knock Airport, Shannon Airport, Sligo Airport, and Waterford Airport
