The Republic of Ireland covers over 70 000 square kilometres and consists of four provinces and 26 counties. Most of the island is a central plain, ringed by low mountains in the west and south and by lowlands in the east.
The Shannon river – the longest river forms many important lakes. The seacoast is wild and beautiful.
The weather is mild and wet. Most of the soil is rich and fertile, suitable for farming and cattle raising.
Among the first inhabitants of Ireland were Druids. In about 300 BC Ireland was conquered by the Celts (Gaels) who brought their language into the country. In 432 AD Patrick (later St. Patrick – Patron Saint of Ireland) brought Christianity and taught people to read and write. Schools and monasteries were built there. The Gaelic literature and music started.
From the 5th to 8th century it was the golden era of Irish culture. This era ended when the Vikings invaded Ireland. Freedom and prosperity were replaced by oppression, troubles and injustice. The Norman conquest followed under Henry II – the King of England in the 12th century.
Henry VIII, who took the title of King of Ireland in the 16th century, imposed his Protestant religion on the country. During the reign of King William of Orange (17th century) religious persecution increased. Catholics could not buy land, they had no right to trade, vote or to be educated.
After 1801 Daniel O’Connel fought and won Catholic emancipation. Another great leader was Charles Parnell. Thanks to him Ireland started to manage its internal affairs independently again.
In 1845 the Great Famine hit Ireland. The population was reduced from over 8 million to about 4,5 million.
In 1899 the Sinn Féin started (it means “we ourselves“). At first Irish supported passive resistance to the British rule. Later the Sinn Féin organized an army of volunteers – the Irish Republican Army. In 1922 the Irish Free State with 26 Catholic counties came to existence and 6 Protestant counties formed Northern Ireland. In 1949 the State was renamed to the Republic of Ireland and left the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Today the population of Ireland is 3,5 million inhabitants, but more than 20 million people of Irish origin live in other English-speaking countries.
The Republic of Ireland is an independent country with a democratic political system. The president is elected for 7 years by the direct vote of people. The Government is responsible to the House of Representatives which together with the Senate form the National Parliament.
The Irish flag is a tricolor with vertical stripes of green, white and orange. The national anthem is called The Soldier’s Song.
Rivers are full of fish – fishing is very important for their economy, as well as farming. There is a lot of peal, which is used as a fuel. Tourism has also become one of the fast growing industries.
Ireland is a land of contrasts. Music and dancing go from generation to generation. There are schools for riding horses. The Irish are friendly and relaxed people. Their pubs are famous for dark beer – stout. Also Irish whiskey and linen have had a long tradition.
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