NIK-LAS.com | Why Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland; also known as, Éire, The Emerald Isle; is the third-largest island in Europe. It lies to the north-west of the European continent and has the island of Great Britain separated by the Irish Sea just to its east. Surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets, the island itself features over 1,448km of spectacular coastline, towering cliffs, clear fresh waters, and sandy beaches.

Ireland is thought to have been inhabited from around 6000 B.C. by people of a mid-Stone Age culture. And about 4,000 years later, tribes from Southern Europe arrived and established a high Neolithic culture. The Celtic tribes settled on the island during the 4th century B.C. invasions by Norsemen. Norman invasions began in the early 12th century and set the stage for Ireland's uneasy relationship with England. The Act of Union of 1800 - in which Catholics (90% of the Irish population) were excluded from Parliament - saw Ireland joining the United Kingdom.

In the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century the subject of Irish home rule was a major debate within the British parliament. After several failed attempts, a Home Rule bill finally passed through parliament in 1914 but was postponed when the First World War started. The Irish War of Independence from 1919-1921 followed and the conflict continued with the Irish Civil War (1922-1923). In 1922, 26 Irish counties gained independence as the Irish Free State and in 1949, they became "Ireland" (a.k.a. the Republic of Ireland) and withdrew from Great Britain.

The remaining 6 counties make up Northern Ireland, the Irish part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland joined the European Economic Community in 1973. Between the mid 1990s and late 2000s, Ireland witness a massive economic boom known as 'The Celtic Tiger', becoming one of the richest countries in Europe.

Today's Ireland is vibrant, culturally rich and ethnically diverse with a youthful outlook. It has a population of approximately 6 million, with Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) being the first official language. While English is mostly spoken everywhere, Gaelic is used by only about 30,000 people, most of whom live in rural areas of the Gaeltachts. The country is known for its rich literary heritage being the only nation to have produced four Nobel Prize for Literature winning authors.

Due to the moderate effects of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, Ireland’s climate is relatively mild, with an average annual temperature of around 10°C but it rains a lot. Snow is very scarce during winter and the coldest winter months have an average daily temperature of 7°C, while summer months feature an average temperature that ranges between 15° to 20°C, and 18 hours of daylight daily during July and August.

Discover its urban hustle, and bustle, the warm vibrant charm, the fresh green mountains, the mystical lakes, or even the majestic castles and wondrous caves. This country offers such a rich diversity in landscape, culture, history and adventure. Its hip, vibrant, cosmopolitan cities are not too big to be overwhelming, and not too small to be boring.

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath), a metropolis pulsates with energy thanks to its excellent restaurants, chic boutiques, legendary pubs, beautiful art galleries, numerous urban parks, fine architecture, fascinating history, plus its panoramic view of the Irish Sea; the “People’s Republic of Cork” (Corcaigh), the southern gem located on the banks of the River Lee is a free-spirited city with a rich cultural heritage, highlighted by its position as the 2005 European Capital of Culture, featuring top gourmet, excellent shops, festivals, fabulous food markets and bars; Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) and Waterford (Port Láirge) are heritage cities loaded with medieval history, the world-renowned Cat Laughs Comedy Festival and great pubs in Kilkenny, the ancient Viking city of Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, it fascinates with its crystal, Light Opera Festival, delightful eateries and the best of ancient Irish history at the Granary Museum; the Irish "Cultural Capital" located on the river Corrib, Galway (Gaillimh), is one of the prettiest cities in Ireland, and also one of the most social, with a laid-back bohemian vibe and an unique atmosphere, this urban beauty combines wonderful pubs, fabulous scenery of mountains and farming valleys, splendid seafood restaurants, and excellent festivals - it hosts over fifty festivals a year, including the Galway Oyster Festival; and Limerick (Luimneach), the country's third largest city reflects its Vikings influence through the atmospheric medieval quarter, the wonderful King John’s Castle and the Museums.

Food is expensive in Ireland. Most small towns will have a supermarket and a weekly farmers' market. The cheapest option for eating out is either fast food or pubs. Many pubs offer a carvery lunch consisting of roasted meat, vegetables and potatoes. Virtually, all traditional Irish dishes include meat (usually lamb and pork), potatoes, and cabbage. Classic Irish dishes are Boxty, Champ, Coddle, and Colcannon.

Visit Ireland for its beautiful villages, emerald green hills, stunning scenery, stately homes, Irish cuisine, pub culture, and great literary history.