Ireland

Ireland is an island nation in northwestern Europe, known for its rolling green landscapes, rich cultural heritage and strong traditions in music, literature and folklore. The country occupies most of the island of Ireland, while Northern Ireland, which belongs to the United Kingdom, is located to the northeast. Ireland has a population of around 5 million people and the capital is Dublin, located on the east coast. Ireland's landscape is characterised by green meadows, mountains, lakes and dramatic cliffs along the Atlantic coast. The climate is mild and humid with a lot of rainfall, which contributes to the country's nickname: "The Green Isle" (Éire in Irish). Nature is an important part of Ireland's identity, with well-preserved national parks and coastal routes such as the Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland has a long and complex history. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has strong roots in Celtic culture. Christianity was introduced in the 5th century by, among others, the saint St. Patrick, who is still celebrated every year on 17 March. For a long time, Ireland was ruled by Great Britain, but after the struggle for independence in the early 20th century, the country became independent in 1922 as the Irish Free State, and later the Republic of Ireland.