Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, has a rich history and culture, with over 35 million Americans reporting Irish ancestry. The island has lush vegetation due to its oceanic climate and frequent rains. The Celts have lived in Ireland for over 2,000 years, and the country has a fantastic archaeological record. English rule was tumultuous, with various skirmishes and rebellions, but now Northern Ireland is safe to visit. Ireland has a high standard of living and a good economy supported by tourism. Tourists can visit castles, hike, fish, take cooking classes, and play golf. Dublin and Belfast are bustling cities, and driving is on the left.
Ireland, the ‘Emerald Isle’, is a land of beauty and mystery. It has a troubled and turbulent history that has given birth to music, art, dance and literature. Over 35 million Americans have reported Irish ancestry, and the Irish policeman on the streets of New York is a cultural icon on both sides of the pond.
Ireland is an island bounded on the east by the Irish Sea and on the west by the cold North Atlantic Ocean. It has an oceanic climate with few extremes of heat or cold, and this, combined with the frequent rains, gives the island the lush vegetation that has given it its nickname the ‘Emerald Isle’.
Celts have lived in Ireland for over 2,000 years and the island itself records human habitation as far back as 8,000 BC This long history means that Ireland has a fantastic archaeological record in its peaty soil. The Celts ruled Ireland as a country of separate kingdoms until King Henry II of England decided that Ireland seemed like a great prize to improve his kingdom. In 1171 he sent troops to subjugate the Irish and told them that he would now be their overlord.
English rule never got along well with the Irish and various skirmishes, insurrections and rebellions were common in the following centuries. The Protestant Reformation did not reach Irish shores and as a result, over 600,000 Irish citizens died when Oliver Cromwell conquered the island.
Ireland is still predominantly Roman Catholic and tourists can see old churches and crosses dotting the countryside. Now that the skirmishes between the British and the Irish Republican Army have ended, Northern Ireland, the section still under British rule, is also a safe area to visit.
Ireland has a high standard of living and this has made the small island attractive to immigrants. Ireland also has a good economy, supported by tourism. People love to go to Ireland. It is still a largely rural country and retains its charm and sense of identity. English speakers will be understood there and people are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors.
The Emerald Isle has numerous attractions for tourists, including the famous Blarney Castle in County Cork. Many castles are open for tours and small villages still have their market days when farmers drive their cattle through the town square. Tourists can also cycle or cross-country hike, and the fishing is always good. Some places offer cooking classes and golf is also popular. Dublin and Belfast are large bustling cities and Ireland is served by Dublin and Shannon international airports. Driving is on the left, as in Britain, and US citizens will need a valid passport to enter the country.
The website www.discoverireland.com has lots of information about visiting Ireland, with attractions, accommodation and ideas on what to do.
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