Located in northwestern Europe, the Republic of Ireland is bordered by the United Kingdom, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Irish Sea. It is a land steeped in history, but not particularly well endowed with historical marvels. Ireland is known for its misty green countryside, its culture and tradition (including legends and folklores), and its warm-hearted and friendly people.

The Hibernia of yore, Ireland was too cold and bleak a country for the Romans to colonize. However, the native Celtic people continued to worship the sun till they were converted to Christianity by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The invasions by the Vikings in the 9th century and by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century were two significant events in Irish history. The British began concerted efforts to colonize Ireland in the 17th century but succeeded only a century later. Ireland united with Britain as part of the United Kingdom by Act of Union in 1801. The potato famine of 1845-1849 and the Easter Rising of 1916 were two other turning points in Irish history. In 1921, the Irish Free State was born as a self-governing dominion of the British Empire, though six northern counties which had a Protestant majority voted to stay part of the United Kingdom. The Irish Free State adopted a psuedo republican constitution in 1936 and was renamed Eire. It remained neutral during the Second World War. In 1949, it declared itself as the Republic of Ireland and withdrew from the Commonwealth. It joined the European Economic Community in 1973, now the European Union.

Ireland is a small country with picturesque countryside. If you want to explore some tourist destinations that are off-the-beaten-track, Ireland has plenty of them. To begin with, the Burren region is an extraordinary place with underground springs, caverns, chasms, and cracks. The Federated States of and the area around Killarney are great for hiking and biking as well. Add to it the Aran Islands particularly Inis Meain, Clonmacnois , and Connemara, Galway and Sligo and you are sure to have a wonderful time close to nature.



Ireland is one of those ideal traveling destinations except for one thing: the weather. But you would be foolish to let this stop you. If is should pour down, you can always take refuge in one of the small cities or in Cork the biggest city of the south.

People are supposed to be friendly, but watch out for the swearing. Dublin city can be dirty, that is litter is quite a problem.

Ardee
Arva
Athlone
Avoca
Ballincollig
Ballincollig
Ballintemple
Ballyphehane
Ballyvolane
Bantry
Berrings
Bishopstown
Blackrock
Blarney
Bray
Bundoran
carlow
Carrigaline
Cashel
Clonmel
Crosser walk car park
Dingle
Donegal
Dublin
Dundalk
Ennis
Galway
Glanmire
Glasheen
Glendalough
Glenheights
Grange
Inis Meain
Inis Mor
Inis Oirr
Kenmare
Kildare
Kilkenny
Kilkishen
Killarney
Kilrush
Kiltimagh
Mahon
Maryborough Hill
Maynooth
Monaghan
Monkstown
Mullingar
Myrtelville
Newbridge
Nocka Nocka Land
Ovens
Passage
Ring of kerry
Ringaskiddy
Rosses Point
Rosslare
Skelligs
Skerries
South County Dublin
The Glen
Togher
Tralee
Tullamore
Turners Cross
Waterford
Westport
Wexford
Wilton
Youghal