general information

Republic
Capitale: Dublin
Area: 70 300 km2
Currency: euro

Population: 4,7 million
Population density/km2: 67
EU member since 1973
National holiday: March 17

language: English and Irish Gaelic

• 9000 is the number of the approximate number of public houses in Ireland

• 81% of the surface area of Ireland is agricultural land.

• In Ireland, people can vote in elections if they have lived there for a long time, even if they are not Irish nationals.

• The number of Irish people who were born in Ireland and live elsewhere is an estimated 50%

• Ireland is known as The Emerald Isle. Green is the lucky colour here.

• While there are two official languages, Gaelic and English, English is the mother tongue of the great majority. Only 70 000 Irish people use Gaelic everyday. Since 2007, Gaelic has become an official EU language.

• The highest cliff faces in Europe are found in Ireland.

Cashel. St Patrick's rock, probably the most impressive site in Ireland, is also the oldest remnant of Irish Christianity. At the beginning of the 12th century, the rock was donated to the Church which soon afterwards had the first house of worship built there, Cormac's Chapel. This masterwork in Irish-Romanesque style has beautiful decorated portals. The not so well preserved cathedral, on the other hand, is entirely Gothic, with typical lanced arch windows. In 450, St Patrick converted the King of Munster by explaining the mystery of the Holy Trinity to him, using a three-leafed shamrock.


The unique beauty of Ireland's landscape and its rich historic, literary and artistic associations have long made it a favourite resort of tourists. Encompassing a wealth of natural beauty within its modest dimensions, Ireland boasts a landscape which is as much diverse as it is gratifying. The scenic grandeur is set off by Ireland's position. Standing in the path of both the prevailing westerly winds of the Atlantic and the warming currents of the Gulf Stream, Ireland enjoys an equable climate which gives the country its unique fresh appearance.

To see

Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara. On the shore of Galway bay stands on the site of the 7th century stronghold of the king of Connacht, Guaire Aidhneach. Its medieval banquets are unique and distinctive, preserving the castle's special association.

Dunguaire Castle