This is an island nation with a total area of ​​70.279 km², located in the north of the Atlantic Ocean. Quite unusual because of its location - the country is located on the third largest European island and is washed by Atlantic Ocean on three sides - north, south and west and the Irish and North Seas from the east. Ireland shares a common border only with Great Britain.

The Amazing Geography of Ireland

The coastline of the country is rocky and heavily dissected by a number of major bays - Lough Foyle, Galway, Donegal, Dingle and Shannon. Numerous rocky islets are concentrated along the Irish coast. very idiosyncratic. The surface of the island is mostly flat, and a large part of the interior is occupied by the Central Lowland. Low mountains are located on the outskirts of the island - the highest of them is Carantuill, more than a thousand meters long.

Ireland time

Time zone of the state Ireland: Ireland UTC00:00 or GMT. Ireland time throughout its territory is the same - the country has one time zone.

Climate of Ireland

Although geography the region as a whole is quite harsh, however, due to the fact that the northwestern and western coasts of the island are washed by the Gulf Stream, Ireland's climate temperate oceanic, warm and humid. There is also a predominance of warm westerly winds.

Ireland weather

In winter, the average temperature ranges from 4-7 ° C, in summer 16-21 ° C. In winter, the weather is warm, but there is high humidity, but snow is rare. Average water temperature in the sea: in winter 6-10°C, in summer months 12-17°C. In general Ireland weather quite unpredictable - according to the locals themselves - "four seasons in a day." The rains are not strong, but they happen often, showers can change bright sun several times a day.

Nature of Ireland

This country has an unusually beautiful nature - due to the mild climate, the island is covered with greenery all year round, for which it received its unusual name - emerald. Unique nature of ireland- one of the first reasons due to which the country is visited by a large flow of tourists from all over the world all year round. And this is not surprising - after all, what can you not find here - here you can see endless wastelands of heather, and Celtic forests, and peat bogs, and green hills, and sheer cliffs along the coast, whose height sometimes reaches two hundred meters. Among the plants there are northern, alpine and species characteristic of the South European nature. The nature of this region, like

Ireland is considered to be one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Its islands, immersed in malachite greenery, attract travelers from all over the world. Moorlands and peat bogs, crystal lakes and expressive coastlines - the beauty of these places is unparalleled. Friendly residents of the country are always happy to have guests.

Ireland on the Atlas of the World and Europe

Ireland occupies most of the island, the territory of which it shares with another no less colorful state.

Where is?

Republic of Ireland or Eire- an island state that has spread its territories in the boundless waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The main island on which the country is located has the same name - Ireland.

It is adjacent to a number of smaller islands. Ireland is washed by the waters of several world reservoirs at once: the Irish and Celtic seas, the North and St. George straits, from the north and west - by the waves of the Atlantic.

Who does it border on?

The state borders only with, namely, with, a country within the United Kingdom of Great Britain. On the other sides it is washed by the seas.

Climate

temperate marine The climate creates favorable conditions for living in this area. here are quite mild, the temperature never drops below 10°C. cool and fresh, not sweltering with heat. The average temperature of the warm season is around 20°C.

How to get from Russia?

There are no direct flights from Ireland. Most convenient fly through the UK. There are many planes departing for Ireland daily. Also, between Foggy Albion and Eire, water communication is well established.

From other countries, you can also fly to Ireland, but the number of flights limited. The need for a transit visa depends on the time of your stay in a particular country during connecting flights and the general conditions of the visa regime of a particular state.

Read also why the UK and Ireland are not on the list of Schengen countries.

You can buy a plane ticket to the points closest to Ireland using this search form. Enter departure and arrival cities, date And number of passengers.

Detailed map of the state with cities in Russian

The Republic of Ireland is divided into 4 provinces:

• Ulster;
• Leinster;
• Munster;
• Connacht.

The provinces, in turn, are divided into counties, in total there are 26 counties in the state.

Capital

Dublin- Irish capital and main port of the country. A significant historical heritage of Ireland is concentrated in this city, which makes Dublin the largest tourist center. The most famous fort in the capital is Dublin Castle. This ancient palace served as a protective fortress and the residence of kings.

Another popular place Trinity College. Education Centre was founded at the end of the 16th century and produced many significant people on a global scale. The city has many museums and old houses. But the heart of Dublin is its emerald parks. The largest arrays are Phoenix Park and Herbert Park.

Large settlements

Tourism in the country

Most often, travelers come here who have already heard about local traditions and who are eager to see all the delights of the country with their own eyes.

Things to do?

Any country is famous for its folk "highlights". Ireland has several of them:

• Pubs- to visit Ireland and not taste the most delicious ale would be an unfortunate omission;
• Irish establishments are ready to treat the visiting guest with delicious dishes, accent cuisine is made for meat;
• Bagpipes- the main folk instrument of the country, making the music of Ireland so cheerful. Be sure to listen to this music and don't forget to give a "penny" to the numerous street musicians;
• souvenir shops and shops are ready to offer you the most popular goods: shamrock - a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and, of course, elite alcohol - Irish whiskey and the world-famous Baileys liquor.

What to see?

They go for color. Ancient fortresses in the middle of luscious green valleys - what could be better? There are many of them in this country. The tourist is recommended to draw up a trip program in such a way as to see the most majestic buildings of a bygone era. The museums of the country are ready to replenish your “Irish baggage of knowledge” and surprise you with Celtic paraphernalia. A particularly interesting program National Museum of Ireland.

And yet, the soul of Ireland is hidden in its amazing nature. Be sure to wander through the endless wastelands and valleys, go to the coast and visit the country's reserves, for example, national park Glenveh.

Holidays in Ireland will certainly leave indelible mark in your memory. Have a nice trip!

Economic- geographical position Ireland

Ireland is a Western European state that occupies most of the island of the same name.

The Atlantic Ocean washes the territory from three sides. The northern border is with Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, with which Ireland directly borders in the east.

The countries are separated from each other by the North Channel, St. George's Channel and the Irish Sea. The length of its maritime borders is 1448 km, and land borders - 360 km.

The island itself, and therefore the country, is located on important air and sea routes between Europe and North America, which makes the country's geographical position advantageous for the development of the economy.

Communication with the European continent and the UK is supported by air and ferry services. All types of transport are developing within the country. Flights from Dublin operate to all big cities– Cork, Shannon, Kerry, Sligo, etc.

Rail links are established not only within the country, but also with Northern Ireland. Most of the settlements are covered by bus service.

Near the west coast there are many islands, which can be reached by regular ferry flights. Ireland carries out all communications with the countries of the world by air and sea transport.

Rapid economic growth began in the 1990s, inflation and the trade deficit fell sharply. Until the 1990s, agriculture was an important sector of the economy, then industry came to the fore, accounting for 38% of gross income and 80% of all exports.

The country is included in European organizations and unions - WTO, EU, OSCE, UN, CE, etc.

The main factor in the sustainable growth of the Irish economy is its exports. The country exports machinery and equipment, food products, non-ferrous metal concentrates.

Foreign trade partners are:

• Germany,
• Great Britain,
• France.

Ireland produces more food than it can consume in its domestic market, so the food industry accounts for about 10% of total exports.

Imports mainly include raw materials and materials for machine building, textile industry products, and some food industry products.

Ireland's import partners are mainly its neighbors - Germany, France, Great Britain, and also the USA.

For eight centuries, Ireland was a British colony, and only in 1921 was the Anglo-Irish Treaty signed, which proposed the formation of an Irish Free State.

It was this official name that the country bore until 1937. It was part of the British Commonwealth from 1922 to 1949.

As the Republic of Ireland, the country began to be called from 1949 and the connection with the British Commonwealth was terminated.

Remark 1

Thus, the economic and geographical position of Ireland is favorable, the country managed to defend its independence and, using its advantageous geographical position, but without having great variety mineral resources, became one of the industrial-agrarian countries Western Europe.

Natural conditions of Ireland

The relief of Ireland was influenced by the Caledonian and Hercynian folding, volcanic eruptions and Quaternary glaciation.

Occupying the outer part of the shelf for geological history, Ireland has repeatedly been subjected to transgressions and regressions from the sea.

The central plain, composed of red sandstones and limestones, occupies the inner part of the island and was formed during one of the Paleozoic transgressions. It rises above the sea by only 60 m. Within its limits there are separate hills rising by 180-300 m.

The outskirts of the plain are higher, represented by an island plateau, the height of which reaches 600 m. Low mountains rise along the edges of the island - these include the massifs of the western outskirts of Connemara, with a height of 819 m, Mayo - 807 m. The Donegal massif in the northwest, its height 676 m and two massifs in the east of the island - Morne, with a height of 852 m and Wicklow - 926 m above sea level.

The last two massifs belong to the Caledonian folding and form sharply defined peaks. The mountains located on the southern outskirts of the island belong to the Hercynian folding, so in the southwest are the Kerry Mountains, where the highest point of the country is located - Mount Carrantwill, whose height is 1041 m.

The northeastern part is occupied by the Ant Rim plateau and lowlands. Glaciation in the highlands left its traces in the form of circuses, deepened valleys, and in lowlands - drumlins, wagons, runoff hollows, moraines.

Ireland lies within the maritime temperate climate, which is characterized by unstable cyclonic weather, with frequent rains, fogs, and winds.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the winter in Ireland is mild, with an average January temperature of +5, +8 degrees. The temperature of a cloudy and cool summer is kept at around +14, +16 degrees.

The average amount of precipitation per year in the east is 700-800 mm, in the west their amount increases to 1000-1500 mm, and in the mountains more than 2000 mm falls annually. Most of the precipitation occurs in winter.

Natural resources of Ireland

Ireland does not have a wide variety of mineral resources, but those that are found in its bowels are quite significant.

The richest deposits of copper were discovered in Avoca, and deposits of barite in Badlino. In the production of non-ferrous metal ores back in the 70s, the country became a leader among European states.

Zinc reserves are 9 million tons, lead - 1.7 million tons. There are silver and proven gold reserves.

Coal reserves are 29 thousand tons, natural gas - 20 billion cubic meters. m.

For the construction industry, sand, gravel, and stone are mined. Great importance in the country has peat, the extraction of which in year goes by at the level of 5 million tons. Peat briquetting plants process it for energy needs.

As a result of high humidity, not only a dense river network was formed in the country, but also an abundance of lakes and swamps. The rivers that do not freeze during the year are used to generate electricity and for navigation.

The most significant river of the island is the Shannon, which crosses Ireland from east to west. The length of the river is 386 km.

Tectonic, glacial, karst lakes formed on the Central Plain. The largest lakes are Loch Corrib, Loch Mask, Loch Ree.

The country's soils are infertile. Where there are limestone outcrops on the surface, barren limestone heaths and heaths spread. Podzolic soils formed in the dry regions of the Central Plain. Swampy peatlands become fertile after drainage. High air humidity contributes to the development of acidic soils, they are characterized by a deficiency of phosphorus. To increase the fertility of the soil, lime is applied and phosphate fertilizers are applied.

The climatic and soil conditions of Ireland are unfavorable for the growth of trees, therefore characteristic feature The landscape of the country is treeless. Small, forested lands occupy only 1% of the area, but grasses grow well everywhere and provide a fodder base for livestock. Available meadows are used for grazing.

Secondary school №91 RAO

in economic geography

Economic and geographical characteristics

Ireland

Checked Completed

Kotik T. V. Kuzmenko L. Yu.

Moscow 2006

Business card of the country

Ireland (Irish Republic) is a state in Western Europe.

The capital of Ireland is Dublin.

Area - 70,238 sq. km.

Main religion: Imsko-Catholic.

Monetary unit: euro.

Legislature - bicameral parliament

2.KEY FEATURES

ECONOMIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION

Position in relation to neighbors:

Ireland borders the UK

Ireland has territorial disputes with the UK over Northern Ireland.

Position in relation to the main sea and land transport routes:

Since Ireland is on an island, underdeveloped land routes are balanced by developed sea routes.

Main trading partners: Great Britain, Germany, France, USA. Total length railways- 1,947 km, roads - 92,294 km. Seaports: Dublin, Cork, Waterford.

Position in relation to the main fuel and raw materials

CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL CONDITIONS AND RESOURCES

Size of reserves and distribution of minerals

Ireland is located almost entirely in the system of the British Caledonides of the north-east strike. There are a metamorphic zone (crystalline schists, gneisses, migmatites and granites of the Upper Precambrian) and non-metamorphic zones (sandstones, shales, conglomerates, spilites and tuffs of the Lower Paleozoic). On the geosynclinal complexes of the north-west of Ireland, orogenic strata of the Devonian and Carboniferous (red-colored sandstones, conglomerates, mudstones, carbonate and coal-bearing rocks) occur with unconformity. Mesozoic marine deposits and Paleogene plateau basalts are developed in the northeast. In the extreme south, the Hercynian zone stretches, composed of shales and limestones of the Devonian and Carboniferous systems.

Of the minerals, there are large reserves of peat; in the Upper Paleozoic depressions - small deposits hard coal(Counties Kilkenny and Carlow); in the central part of Ireland - a post-magmatic lead-zinc deposit (Shelly-Silvermines); in the Avoki area - a copper-pyrite deposit; in carboniferous limestones - bedded phosphorites. Reserves of explored natural gas - 11.311 billion cubic meters(2005)

Water resources

Due to strong waterlogging, a dense network of rivers, as well as lakes and swamps, has formed. The rivers are full-flowing all year round, do not freeze, are used for navigation and electricity generation. The most significant - r. Shannon, crossing most of Ireland from east to west. The lakes are predominantly of tectonic-glacial or karst origin (on the Central Lowland). Most large lakes- Loch Corrib, Loch Mask, Loch Ree.

forest resources

Broad-leaved forests (mainly oak) were heavily exterminated already in the Middle Ages and now occupy only about 1.5% of the country's territory, remaining only in some mountainous regions. Many artificial (mostly coniferous) plantings. Relic subtropical plants grow in the southwest (for example, the strawberry tree).

The relief of the territories

The most dissected are the western and southwestern shores, rocky and steep (up to 600 m), fjord in the north and rias in the south. In the formation of the relief, the Caledonian and Hercynian folding, faults and volcanic eruptions associated with Alpine movements, as well as Quaternary glaciation, played an important role. In the mountains, glaciation left traces in the form of circuses, overdeepened valleys, glen, and on the lowlands - a cover of bottom moraine, drumlins, eskers, runoff hollows, etc.

Low mountains rise along the edges of the island. The massifs of Connemara (819 m) and Mayo (807 m) in the west, Donegal (676 m) in the northwest, Morne (852 m) and Wicklow (926 m) in the east of the island belong to the Calydonian folding and are composed mainly of granites, shales, sandstones and quartzites, which form sharply defined peaks rising above the smoothed surface of the mountains. Mountains and uplands of the southern edge of the island (including the Kerry Mountains in the southwest with highest point Ireland - Mount Carrantwohill, 1041 m) belong to the Hercynian folding and consist mainly of sandstones and limestones.

Soil resources

Sod-podzolic soils predominate in the Central Lowland, mountain podzolic soils in the mountains, and peat-bog soils on poorly drained plateaus and lowlands. On limestones there are humus-calcareous soils. The predominant type of vegetation is meadows and moorlands that turn green throughout the year. About 20% of the area of ​​Ireland is occupied by peat bogs, overgrown with reeds, cotton grass, and heather.

Agro-climatic resources

The climate is temperate, oceanic, with unstable weather, with frequent strong winds. The average temperature in July is from +13º C in the west to +15º C, +16º C in the south; January - from +5º C in the east to +7º C in the west. Light, drizzling rain and cloudiness in all seasons, especially in autumn and winter. Annual rainfall varies from 1500 - 2500 mm in the southwest and west to 750 - 1000 mm in the center and east. Snow rarely falls and melts quickly.

Grade agroclimatic resources for industrial development

and agriculture

Ireland is an agro-industrial country.

The mild climate favors the development of agriculture, and the location

resources implies the growth of industry.

Population

58991.5 thousand people (17th place in the world). The average density is 242 people. per 1 sq. km. Urban residents - 80%. Natural population growth 2

in terms of population, Ireland (3.917.336 people) is in 121st place.

English - 78%, Scots - 9%, Irish - 5%, Welsh (Welsh) - 1.5%. In addition, 500 thousand Jews live in the country, 480 thousand people from India, 400 thousand Jamaicans, 250 thousand people from Pakistan, 160 thousand Germans, 140 thousand Poles, 130 thousand Normans, 110 thousand Italians, 110,000 US Americans, 70,000 Canadians, 70,000 Chinese, 60,000 Australians, 50,000 Afrikaners, 50,000 Guyanese, 45,000 Spaniards, 40,000 French, 20,000 Russians, etc. a significant number of immigrants from the Commonwealth countries are constantly arriving, as a result of which the non-white population is growing rapidly.

The majority of the inhabitants of the Republic of Ireland (95%) are members of the Roman Catholic Church, 2.8% belong to the Anglican Church, 0.4% are Presbyterians, 0.2% are Methodists, 0.1% are Jews. A small number of believers belong to other concessions. Freedom of conscience is observed in the Republic. In Northern Ireland, the religious majority are Protestants, of which Presbyterians make up 23%, adherents of the Anglican Church - 19% and Methodists - 4%. Roman Catholics - 28%. Political and religious confrontation persists between the Catholic and Protestant communities.

Industry

Ireland is a small, developed country focused on foreign trade. Ireland is the most trade-dependent country in the world: according to 2002 data, in billions of US dollars, exports were 86.6, imports 48.6 and GDP 118.5, so the sum of exports and imports is 114% of GDP. The growth of the economy in 1995-2002 was 8% per year, the growth of industrial production in 2002 was 6%. Agriculture, once the most important sector of the economy, now lags far behind industry, which accounts for 38% of GDP, 80% of exports and 28% of the workforce. Ireland has a total population of 3,924,140 (July 2003) and a workforce of 1.8 million (2001). Unemployment in 2002 was 4.3%. The main types of goods produced are textiles, clothing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machine tools, transport equipment, electronics, glass and crystal. Ireland produces 23.53 billion kWh of electricity (2001), of which thermal power plants produce 95.9%, hydroelectric power plants 2.3%, other 1.8%, nuclear 0%.

In the 70s of the twentieth century, Ireland was the poorest state in the EU, with a high level of emigration. In the 1990s, low tax rates, economic stability, high level universal education at the lowest labor cost in the EU, as well as a competent policy of the country's leadership, attracted a large number of foreign companies (transnational corporations), which placed their production facilities in Ireland for the production of machine tools, transport equipment, electronics software. Manufactured products are intended mainly for export - Ireland is too small and a poor country for its domestic market to be of interest to TNCs. In addition to the production of industrial goods, many TNCs are engaged in the production of services in Ireland. Microsoft Corporation exported software from Ireland in 2000 worth 1 billion Irish pounds (1.269 billion Euros). By 2000, the average salary in Ireland approached the average level for the EU (a programmer in 2000 received from 20 to 50 thousand (and more) Irish pounds per year (25-63 thousand Euros)), so TNCs began to gradually transfer the production of electronics and equipment from Ireland to countries with cheaper labor, mainly to Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, etc.

Ireland may soon become the most expensive country in the Eurozone, according to a report released by the Forfas agency. In 2002, Ireland ranked second in the euro area in terms of consumer prices; Finland was in the lead. However, in the near future, Ireland may take first place: currently, prices in the country exceed average level in the Eurozone by about 12%.

However, for high value-added services, such as software and software manufacturing, Ireland is still attractive to TNCs because of the benefits tax terms, although in 2001-02 the pace of economic development, especially in the field of high-tech exports, slowed down by half against the background of the global economic downturn.

It is positive for the development of the industry that immigrants from Ireland, who held high positions in companies in the USA and Great Britain, when concluding international trade deals, often, for patriotic reasons, preferred Irish partners, which played a positive role in the development of Ireland in the 90s .

CHARACTERISTICS OF AGRICULTURE

Agriculture, which employs 15% of the country's able-bodied population, provides 11% of GNP, the main crops are turnips, potatoes, barley, sugar beet, wheat, and the production of meat and dairy products is developed.

Milk products

Ireland has a long and successful history as a producer of high quality dairy products. Dairy products have become a staple in the agricultural sector, with a turnover of over 2.5 billion euros in 2001, employing over 9,000 people for the production of finished products and 27,000 dairy farmers. The impetus for the development of the industry was the entry of Ireland into the EU in 1973. Irish dairy products have long been export-oriented. In 2002, 30.5% of all dairy products were supplied to the UK, 37.2% to other EU countries, and 15% to North America. In the CIS countries, Irish dairy products are almost unknown. Only 0.1% is supplied to Russia and China. The world famous brand is “Kerrygold”. Ireland's main competitors in this industry are Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

In 1992, the turnover in the production of dairy products was 2.231 billion Euros, which was 5.57% of GDP, and in 2000, the turnover was 2.530 billion Euros, which was 2.46% of GDP. The decrease in the share of dairy products in GDP was not due to a decrease in the production of these products, but to the rapid growth in other sectors of the economy, which significantly outpaced the growth in dairy production. The GDP of the entire state in 1992 was 40.034 billion Euros, and in 2000 it was 102.910 billion Euros. GDP growth during this period amounted to 95%, and the growth in dairy production - 16%.

Characteristics of the infrastructure complex

Transport

There are 3,312 km of railways in Ireland, of which 1,947 km are broad gauge, 1,365 narrow gauge (used to transport peat to power plants) (2002), 92,500 roads (of which 115 km are motorways, 5,457 km are unpaved) (1999) . Waterways - 700 km (1998). Natural gas pipelines 7,592 km. Ports and marinas: Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross, Waterford. Merchant fleet - 26 ships, including several foreign vessels registered under the Irish flag for convenience, including two German (2002). Airports with a fixed runway - 16, of which one with a runway length of more than 3,047 m.

Automobile transport

Due to left-hand traffic on Ireland's roads, foreign drivers and pedestrians must take extra care. Tourists driving on the wrong side of the road make several accidents every year. Road conditions are mostly normal, but when leaving the main highways, the roads become narrow (usually a lane in each direction) and winding. Roads are much more dangerous in summer and on weekends due to increased traffic. Since the country is moving to the metric system, most of the road signs are marked in both miles (black inscription on a white background) and kilometers (white and green signs). One mile in Ireland is equal to 1609 m. Road signs are bilingual in English and Irish.

Taxi fares are moderate, but availability depends on the time of day. Bus service in cities mainly good quality, but many buses are overloaded and often late.

Air transport

There are air links between major cities. From Dublin, planes fly to Cork, Shannon, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Carrickfinn, and Kerry airports. Several companies also organize charter flights to anywhere in Ireland and the UK.

Aer Arann operates year-round air transportation to the Aran Islands. From Caislean, Inverin, Connemara, County Galway airports.

Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland. The company was founded in April 1936. Its main shareholder is the government of Ireland (95%). Aer Lingus operates scheduled and charter flights.

Discount airline Ryanair has the most low prices for air transportation. Ryanair expects to carry 30 million passengers in 2004, overtaking Lufthansa and British Airways.

Developed road network and mild climate, ancient castles and glory

The “Green Country” attracts many tourists.

Ireland is a charming country, with a considerable variety of landscapes,

charming with its unspoiled modern industry nature, mountains and evergreen valleys, numerous clean rivers and streams.

In addition to the natural appeal, the elegance of the styles of the cities and the picturesqueness of the villages beckons.

Ireland has a rich historical heritage. Its historical sights date back more than 7,000 years ago. Ireland has its own language, music, songs and traditional dances. There are wonderful theatres, museums and galleries.
Every evening in every corner of the country there are some kind of celebrations and cultural events that guests are free to join, where they can meet some of the most friendly and hospitable people in the world.

Education

The long and honorable tradition of excellent Irish education is recognized throughout the world. As far back as the Middle Ages, Ireland was one of the main providers of education in the Western world. Education in Ireland is currently the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science (DES). It governs all aspects of education, including courses of study, curriculum, and national examinations. Regular attendance at daytime classes is compulsory in Ireland for children aged 6 to 15 and is free for most Irish students.

The Irish education system traditionally includes three basic level Elementary (duration 8 years), secondary (5 or 6 years) and the third level, which offers a wide range of opportunities, including vocational and technical training, degree, diploma and higher post-degree levels. IN last years there is an increasing emphasis on the concept of lifelong learning, which is reflected in the opportunities provided by the Irish education system.

Outline of the Irish education system

Elementary education Duration 1-8 years
Secondary education Duration 5-6 years
Universities Undergraduate Master's diplomas Graduate degrees and research	Technological institutes National certificates, diplomas and degrees Master's diplomas Graduate degrees and research Professional Qualifications	Educational colleges Undergraduate Master's diplomas Graduate degrees and research	Independent colleges Undergraduate Master degrees Professional Qualifications	Subsequent education Vocational, technical and craft training

Ireland is an unusually quiet country. Life here flows along a calm streamlined channel. Everything is solid and accurate. The economy of the Republic is currently one of the most rapidly developing in Europe. Some of the main sectors of the Irish economy are the computer industry, financial and stock markets, telecommunications, agriculture, and tourism.

The name of the country comes from the Irish Éire and is translated quite simply - as a state. Relatively small in area (70.2 thousand square kilometers), Ireland is located on the third largest island in Europe, which bears the same name. Almost one-fourth of the country's population, which is 1.4 million people, lives in the capital, the city of Dublin. The length of the island from east to west is about 300 kilometers, from north to south - 450 kilometers. In the east it is washed by the Irish Sea, in the west, north and south it borders on the Atlantic Ocean. The joint border with Great Britain is 360 kilometers. The highest geographical point The island is Mount Carantuill, its height is 1041 meters.

Ireland is rightfully considered one of the the best places to spend your holidays, different from the beach holidays in the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea. There are other points that attract travelers here: the presence of an extensive excursion program, due to the historical past of the country, the famous Irish beer, unforgettable nature rightfully attract many European tourists here.

For Russian travel enthusiasts, the road here is not so easy, although the recently opened direct flight Moscow - Dublin (only in the high season, in summer) undoubtedly corrects the situation. Ireland also attracts many students from different countries who come here to improve their English language. Well, the magnificence of nature, which no advertising booklet is able to convey, attracts many photographers and artists to the country.

Current time in Dublin:
(UTC 0)

However, both representatives of bohemia and fans of hard rock will find something to entertain themselves here. Dublin theater troupes, as well as the famous conceptual rock parties, are just a few that Ireland has prepared for tourists. Well, the transcendent hospitality of the locals towards visitors has long become a legend - guests here do not experience any difficulties.

How to get to Ireland

Aircraft

Since Ireland is an island, you can get there either by air or by water. With airplanes, everything is quite simple - the main airport, and by and large the only one where you can fly from other countries - Dublin Airport. It is here that the planes of the national Irish airline Aer Lingus, as well as the largest low-cost airline Ryan Air in Europe, fly. Planes of these airlines fly from almost every major European city, in addition, there are flights from other airlines. The air ticket search form will help you to understand all the variety of flights, where you can see both the options and the cost, and immediately purchase a ticket in a few clicks. As for direct flights, they appear in the high season from Moscow, also year-round residents of St. Petersburg can fly from the Finnish Lappeenranta Airport, where the already mentioned low-cost carrier Ryan Air flies from Dublin.

Ferries to Ireland

Since Ireland, as already noted, is an island, ferry traffic is highly developed here.

Ferries from Dublin go to ports such as Holyhead (UK, near Liverpool) and Cherbourg (France). Tickets can be purchased on the websites of companies and. In total, up to 8 ferries per day run on the route, 2-3 hours on the way. In addition, from the port of Dun Laare (a few kilometers south of Dublin) there are 7 more flights per day of the Stena Line. You can also sail from Dublin to the Isle of Man by the company's ferries and there is also a Dublin-Liverpool ferry, the company serves the route.

Ferries from Rosslare go to Cherbourg (France, Stena Line and Irish Ferries), Roscow (France, Irish Ferries), Pembroke (UK, Irish Ferries) and Fishguard (UK, Stena Line).

Cities and regions

The Republic of Ireland is made up of four historic provinces, which in turn are divided into 26 counties. Counties are the main administrative-territorial units of the country, which arose during the period of Anglo-Norman domination after the 12th century. The modern borders were determined by an act of the Government in 1898.

In the north of the island, 9 counties unite Ulster, six of which are part of Northern Ireland and the rest are part of the Republic of Ireland.

In the east of the island is Leinster which includes Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Kildare, Louth, Layish, Meath, Longford, West Meath, Offaly, Wicklow and Wexford.

The province is located in the south of Ireland Munster. It consists of the counties of Clare, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary.

The main destinations on this route are Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Caherseewin, Glenbay and Killorglin. The total mileage is about 170 kilometers.

Traveling through these places, you can see numerous historical monuments and beautiful natural places. Travelers will be able to see Ross Castle, erected in the 15th century, the building of Macross House (19th century), which later became a museum, reservoirs of killarney and the park of the same name of national importance, the houses of Derrinan and O'Connell, Black Valley, the temple of St. Michael, erected in the Middle Ages, Skelling Islands, the ring of druids, the monastery of the Franciscan monks and many other interesting places and buildings.

You can travel this route by car. But there are other, more interesting ways, such as walking paths and bike paths along roads built many years ago.

This is a route that is in high demand among visitors to the Emerald Isle. In the summer, numerous bus tours are organized to these beautiful places.

Main interesting places Ireland by Category:

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Movement around the country

Almost the entire transport system in Ireland can be called public property on both sides of the Irish border. The roads of the two parts of the country developed independently of each other, and the railway network was formed for the most part before Ireland was divided.

Irish Cuisine

You can change money at exchange offices, travel agencies, hotels, but a more favorable rate is usually in banks, working on weekdays from 10.00 to 16.00, on Thursdays from 10 am to 5 pm. At ATMs available in almost every branch of the bank, you can withdraw cash around the clock from plastic cards of international payment systems. Traveler's checks are also used, for cashing which you must have an appropriate plastic card. There is no limit on the number of checks.

Since almost all tourists visiting Ireland do not avoid Dublin, it makes sense to read our article about "Shopping in Dublin", where you will learn about the nuances of shopping in the Irish capital, read about