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Ireland at a Glance

Ireland, or officially the Republic of Ireland, is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is an island in north-western Europe which has been divided politically since 1920. The country is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. The island of Ireland historically consists of 32 counties, of which six, collectively known as Northern Ireland, have remained as part of the United Kingdom since the rest of Ireland gained self-government in 1922. Between the mid 1990s and late 2000s, Ireland saw massive economic boom (called 'The Celtic Tiger'), becoming one of the richest countries in Europe. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most visited sites in the country, with the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs dated as being about 320 million years old, formed when Ireland was under water during the Carboniferous Period.
Area84421 Square KilometersCapitalDublinPopulation4.6 MillionOfficial LanguagesIrish, EnglishCurrencyEuroTime DifferenceIndia is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Ireland. (IST-4:30hrs.)ISD Code+353Boundary-
  • Visa Requirements

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    If you wish to visit Ireland for a period of less than 3 months, on holidays, then you can apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa for either a single entry or multiple entries. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return.

  • Overview

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    Ireland is a place where religion and religious practice have always been held in high esteem. The majority of people on the island are Roman Catholics, however, there is a significant minority of Protestants who are mostly concentrated in Northern Ireland. Ireland's culture has been primarily Gaelic, but is has also been influenced by Anglo-Norman, English and Scottish culture.

  • Overview

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    Irish food is known for the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Most cooking is done without herbs or spices, except for salt and pepper. Foods are usually served without sauce or gravy. The most common everyday beverage in Ireland is tea. Popular alcoholic beverages include whiskey, beer, and ale. Coffee mixed with whiskey and whipped cream is known throughout the world as "Irish coffee."

  • Colcannon

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    The Irish consume more potatoes than most countries in the world. Colcannon is a famous Irish potato dish, which is typically whole or chopped potatoes cooked in onions, cream, butter and cabbage.

  • Soda Bread

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    Ireland is known for its homemade soda bread, which has a crusty consistency and is made from whole-wheat flour and buttermilk. Spices, herbs and fruits can be added to the bread to vary the flavor or to add some spice. Additions that provide extra depth and flavour can include currants, berries, caraway seeds, red pepper, fresh rosemary or thyme.

  • Irish Stew

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    Irish stew is a filling, flavourful peasant dish made with the cheapest, most readily-available ingredients. The root vegetables added further flavor and thickening power, as well as filling sustenance.

  • Overview

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    Ireland has many festivals, most of which take place annually. The most famous by far is the St Patrick's Festival which takes place in every county all over Ireland and celebrates Irish culture the world over.

  • Dublin Pride

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    This is a joyful and colourful celebration in Dublin with a 10 day programme of events culminating in a huge parade through the streets of Dublin on the final Saturday. In the days leading up to the parade there will be music, art, film, workshops and a range of special events including the Pride Run and the Picnic in the Park, both held in the Phoenix Park.

  • The Galway Arts Festival

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    It is an annual arts festival that takes place each July in Galway City. It is an international celebration of the performing and visual arts and an important showcase for the Irish arts. Every year around 150,000 people attend the event annually. Founded in 1978, the festival continues to grow as a major attraction for national and international visitors.

  • Dublin Horse Show

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    The Dublin Horse Show is one of Dublin's traditional social highlights. While the riders fight it out for the Aga Khan Trophy, everybody even remotely interested in equestrian sports gathers in the stands and the exhibition halls.