Ireland is an island located to the west of Great Britain and is divided into Northern Ireland; which forms part of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which occupies the remaining five-sixths of the island.

The countries’ highlands found in the north, west and south are generally barren, however the central plain is extremely productive and the climate is mild and moist; warmed by the south-westerly winds. The rains, which are generally heavier in the west part of the country; are responsible for the green grass of the isle and for the large stretches of peat marshes; which are a source of valuable fuel.

The coastline of Ireland is quite irregular; thus contributing to many natural harbours. The small islands of Aran, Blasket, Achill and Clare located off the western coast are but some of the small islands which form part of the Republic of Ireland. The country’s capital city is Dublin which is also the largest city of this republic.

The Republic of Ireland was formed in 1922; when 26 counties seceded from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in an action known as the Partition of Ireland, brought about by complex constitutional development in the early twentieth century. The remaining 6 counties remained within the UK, known as Northern Ireland. The 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland form 7 regions: East Coast and Midlands, South East, Dublin, North-West Ireland, West Ireland, Shannon and South West.

The population in The Republic of Ireland is largely Celtic and also Roman Catholic despite not having an officially established church. The Gaelic and English are the official languages with English being the most practiced. Gaelic is more common in the west part of the country.