Ireland

Ireland
source
Conventional long name	Ireland
Native name	Éire

Ireland is an island nation located in Northwest Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Celtic Sea to the south, and the Irish Sea to the east. The country shares a border with the United Kingdom, specifically Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Ireland is home to many notable landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Giant's Causeway. The country's diverse landscape has been shaped by its unique geological history, with notable features such as the Burren and Wicklow Mountains.

Geography

Ireland's geography is characterized by its rugged coastline, with many notable headlands, bays, and peninsulas, such as Mizen Head, Galway Bay, and the Dingle Peninsula. The country's interior is home to many lakes, including Lough Neagh, Lough Corrib, and Lough Derg, as well as several major rivers, such as the River Shannon, River Liffey, and River Lee. Ireland's landscape has been shaped by its unique glacial history, with notable features such as the Drumlin hills and Esker ridges. The country is also home to many notable mountains, including the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Mount Brandon, and Lugnaquilla. Ireland's geography has been influenced by its location near the Gulf Stream, which brings warm waters from the Equator and helps to moderate the country's climate. Notable geologists who have studied Ireland's geology include Charles Lyell, William Conybeare, and Roderick Murchison.

History

Ireland has a rich and complex history, with many notable events and figures, including the Norman invasion of Ireland, the Tudor conquest of Ireland, and the Act of Union 1800. The country was also home to many notable monastic settlements, such as Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, and Monasterboice. Ireland's history has been shaped by its relationships with other countries, including the Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Scotland, and Kingdom of France. Notable historical figures from Ireland include Saint Patrick, Brian Boru, and Michael Collins. The country's history has also been influenced by its strategic location, with many notable battles and sieges taking place on its soil, including the Battle of the Boyne, Battle of Aughrim, and the Siege of Limerick. Ireland's history has been studied by many notable historians, including Thomas Babington Macaulay, William Lecky, and W.E.H. Lecky.

Culture

Ireland is known for its rich and vibrant culture, with many notable festivals and traditions, such as St. Patrick's Day, Samhain, and the Celtic festivals. The country is home to many notable writers, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. Ireland's culture has also been shaped by its unique music and dance traditions, including traditional Irish music and Riverdance. The country is home to many notable museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Notable artists from Ireland include Francis Bacon, Louis le Brocquy, and Mainie Jellett. Ireland's culture has been influenced by its relationships with other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many notable actors and actresses from Ireland have made significant contributions to the film industry, including Colin Farrell, Pierce Brosnan, and Saoirse Ronan.

Economy

Ireland's economy is a high-tech economy with a strong focus on pharmaceuticals, software development, and financial services. The country is home to many notable companies, including Intel, Microsoft, and Google. Ireland's economy has been shaped by its unique taxation policies, including the corporation tax rate of 12.5%. The country is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, and has a strong trade relationship with other EU member states, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Notable economists who have studied Ireland's economy include John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman, and Joseph Stiglitz. Ireland's economy has also been influenced by its strategic location, with many notable ports and airports, including Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, and Cork Airport.

Government

Ireland is a parliamentary republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. The country has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Dáil Éireann and the Seanad Éireann. Ireland's government has been shaped by its unique constitution, which was adopted in 1937. The country is a member of the European Union and the Council of Europe, and has a strong relationship with other EU member states. Notable politicians from Ireland include Éamon de Valera, Michael Collins, and Mary Robinson. Ireland's government has been influenced by its relationships with other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. Many notable diplomats from Ireland have made significant contributions to international relations, including Seán MacBride, Frank Aiken, and David Donoghue.

Demographics

Ireland's population is approximately 4.9 million people, with the majority living in the Greater Dublin Area. The country has a diverse population, with many notable ethnic groups, including the Irish people, Irish Travellers, and New Irish. Ireland's demographics have been shaped by its unique history of immigration, with many people moving to the country from other EU member states, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Notable demographers who have studied Ireland's population include Thomas Malthus, Karl Marx, and Emile Durkheim. Ireland's demographics have also been influenced by its relationships with other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many notable sociologists from Ireland have made significant contributions to the study of social inequality, including Karl Popper, Theodor Adorno, and Herbert Marcuse. Category:Countries of Europe