How is Ireland different from Northern Ireland?

Ireland is located on the island of the same name in Atlantic Ocean and takes up most of it. The capital of Ireland is Dublin, which is recognized as one of the oldest cities in Europe.

According to numerous reviews, Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. And for its rich nature it is often called the Green Island. In addition, Ireland is a mysterious country where descendants of the freedom-loving Celts still live, and each of its towns is full of mysterious burials, the remains of ancient settlements and medieval castles. Today it is a popular tourist region, where travelers from all over the world strive to get to. They say that anyone who has visited Ireland once will certainly want to come here again.

Capital	Dublin
Population

Population density	60.3 people/km²
	English and Irish
Religion	Catholicism predominates
Form of government	parliamentary republic

Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

Ireland is dominated by moderates maritime climate. Since the western and northwestern coast of the island is washed by the warm Gulf Stream, it is quite humid and warm here. Moreover, winter in Ireland comfortable and soft, and summer is not hot at all. IN summer period the air temperature fluctuates between +15...+20 °C, and in winter - +4...+7 °C.

It is worth saying that the weather in this country is unpredictable: rain here can be replaced by sun several times a day. The average annual rainfall is about 1200 mm of precipitation, with the largest part occurring in the western part of the island.

The most favorable time to travel to Ireland is from early July to mid-September.

Nature

Ireland lies on the island of the same name and occupies most of its area (70,273 km²). The eastern coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Irish Sea, and the western, northern and southern - Atlantic Ocean. The shores of the island are mostly rocky and with many bays, the largest of which are Galway, Dingle, Shannon and Lough Foyle. Also on the outskirts of the island there are small mountains, and near its coast there are a large number of small rocky islands.

The island's surface is generally flat, and at its center lies the vast Central Lowland, which is replete with peat bogs and lakes. The waters of Ireland are represented by many rivers ( Shannon, Blackwater, Lee, Shure etc.) and lakes ( Lough Neagh, Lough Mask, Lough Derg, Killarney). A series of canals crosses the country from west to east ( Ulstensky, Royal, Bolshoi and Logansky).

Thanks to its mild climate, Ireland is covered in greenery throughout the year. The flora here is mainly represented deciduous trees and alpine plants.

Attractions

Ireland is an interesting country, the main attractions of which date back to the Middle Ages and prehistoric periods. Moreover, here you can see not only a huge number of ancient castles and fortresses, but also many natural wonders.

First of all, it should be noted Dublin, which is one of the oldest cities in Europe (IX century). It is notable not only for its beautiful landscapes ( Dublin Bay and the River Liffey), but also medieval streets, squares and cathedrals. The most outstanding attraction of this city is considered to be the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral. It is also worth highlighting the obelisk in honor of Duke of Wellington, square "Fifteen Acres", Dublin Castle, residence of the English Viceroy of Ireland Blackrock House, a maze of streets around Temple Barpark, street O'Connall Street and library Chester Beatty.

Small towns located near the capital are also very interesting. For example, in Dan Leray notable are the city yacht club building Town Hall and other ancient buildings.

Among other cities it is necessary to highlight Cork which is famous for its many ancient cathedrals and museums, Waterford, founded by the Vikings back in 914, and Donegal, where the legends about the famous headless horseman came from.

Also one of the most famous attractions in Ireland is Newgrange, which is a huge mound surrounded by stone blocks. Not far from it there are two more ancient mounds - Nauth and Daut.

Well, among the main natural tourist sites, the most famous are the amazing natural formations called Giant's Causeway. Also popular is Connemara, which is located in the county Galway. Remarkable and Aran Islands, where there are mysterious ancient structures created by unknown tribes.

Nutrition

Irish cuisine is simple: it is based on hearty meat dishes from lamb or pork. One of the most popular dishes that you can try at any local restaurant is traditional stew. Moreover, the stew is prepared according to a variety of recipes, although most often it includes lamb neck, potatoes, onions and spices. Also worth a try stu(stewed lamb brisket), Gaelic steak(beef fillet with whiskey) and Dublin codel(a mixture of sausages, bacon and potatoes). In addition, all kinds of potato dishes (soups, pies, dumplings, buns, etc.) are widespread in Ireland. One of the most famous potato dishes here is colcannon, made from mashed potatoes and cabbage. To others traditional dish Boxty pancakes are considered to be made from potatoes.

Fish and seafood dishes are also very common in Irish cuisine. Moreover, young herring, which is called white byte(white food). You can also see dishes made from red algae on the local menu.

Well, and one more distinctive feature local cuisine is the widespread popularity of cheese, which is even called here "white meat", and an abundance of traditional baked goods.

As for drinks, when talking about Ireland, it is impossible not to mention dark beer and whiskey. The most famous beer that can be tasted in any pub in the country is "Guinness". Irish whiskey is also very popular, and its taste is much milder than Scotch. In addition, it is worth trying real Irish coffee with cream and whiskey.

Accommodation

All Irish hotels comply international classification and is inspected annually by the Irish Hotel Federation, so the living conditions and quality of service here always correspond to the declared category. Moreover, the price of accommodation here necessarily includes breakfast ( Buffet). Most Irish hotels have pubs and free parking.

If we talk about the hotels themselves, then their choice here is truly colossal: from upscale 4 and 5* hotels to guesthouses and small private boarding houses. Travelers most often stay in hotels of the format Bed&Breakfast, where guests are offered cozy rooms and home-cooked food. Such establishments are scattered throughout the country and are considered one of the most available options accommodation.

In rural areas of the country, accommodation is possible in ancient castles with medieval interiors. Of course, the cost of living in such hotels is quite high, but in addition to traditional services, guests have access to golf courses, swimming pools and spa centers.

Entertainment and relaxation

Ireland is a very distinctive and multifaceted country, so here everyone can find entertainment to suit their taste. They work in every city art galleries, museums, nightclubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Great place for leisure time, an Irish pub can be used, where people come to chat with friends or make new acquaintances. Fans of classical music are first recommended to visit National Concert Hall in Dublin. Many Irish towns host dinner pageants and concerts. open air. Performances with local dances are organized almost everywhere.

Fans of active outdoor entertainment will also like it in Ireland. The country has a great many peninsulas and bays with excellent places, as if created specifically for practicing any kind of water sports. There are also many excellent fishing spots here. The country is famous for its golf clubs and hippodromes.

And, of course, we can’t help but mention Irish holidays and festivals. Of these, the most famous are Oyster Festival, Jazz Festival, Early Music Festival, Irish Gourmet Festival, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, Authors Week Literature Festival, November Opera Festival And Theater festival. Also notable St.Patrick 's Day(March 17), which is accompanied by fireworks, colorful shows, concerts and a sea of beer.

Purchases

Ireland is very developed country, so shopping here is very pleasant and exciting. The best place for shopping, of course, is Dublin. In this city you can buy literally everything - from designer clothes to antiques. Moreover, there are six large shopping districts, where numerous shopping centers, boutiques, department stores, jewelry stores and bookstores are concentrated.

Of course, there are plenty of shops in other Irish cities too. There is, of course, less choice there, but the prices are lower. Moreover, only in Galway you can buy the famous Claddagh rings, and in Limerick- real Waterford crystal.

Among the most popular Irish souvenirs, it is worth noting all kinds of goods with green shamrocks, records with national music, figurines of fairy-tale creatures and local musical instruments. Of course, the best souvenirs from the country can be whiskey, beer and milk liqueur Baileys.

It must be borne in mind that citizens of countries that are not part of European Union When making purchases, you should always take a special “tax free” form, which guarantees monetary compensation when leaving the country (12-17% of the cost of purchases).

Transport

After the modernization of roads in Ireland, the demand for domestic flights has significantly decreased. Therefore, now within the country planes fly only between Dublin, Donegal and Kerry. The bus network covers almost everything settlements, A Railway connects the capital with all major cities. The small islands that dot the western coast of the country can be reached from any nearest port, of which there are many.

If we talk about urban transport, it is represented by quite comfortable buses. In Dublin, buses are double-decker and painted bright green. Tickets are purchased from drivers, and it is much more profitable to buy not a one-time ticket, but a pass for a certain number of trips or days. In addition, tourists can purchase a discount card in Dublin Dublin Pass, which provides a number of significant discounts, including on travel. Also in major cities Ireland There are taxis, however, their services are quite expensive: $3 per pick-up and $1.5 per kilometer.

Companies providing car rentals are found everywhere. In order to use their services, you will need to have international rights, two credit cards, insurance and collateral ($500-1000). In addition, the driver must be between 23 and 79 years old.

Connection

Ireland can boast of excellent telephone quality. Moreover, in all cities of the country, telephone booths and pay phones are installed everywhere, so there will be no problems with communication here. It is worth considering that calls from telephone booths are the most profitable option, but negotiations from hotels are the most expensive.

Irish cellular also has excellent quality (GSM 900/1800). International roaming is available to all subscribers of major Russian operators.

The Internet in Ireland is ubiquitous: there are Wi-Fi hotspots in almost all hotels, airports and shopping centers. And often it is free. If we talk about Internet cafes, they are not particularly popular in Ireland, and therefore are few in number.

Safety

Ireland is an absolutely safe and friendly country, the crime rate here is extremely low. Of course, this does not mean that in this country you should neglect the general rules of personal safety, since pickpockets and scammers still occur here.

Ireland is absolutely safe from a medical point of view. You will not need any special vaccinations to travel here.

Business climate

Ireland is a major economic, industrial and business center Europe, where the offices and representative offices of the world's largest companies are based. The key sectors of the economy here are: production medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and mechanical engineering, information Technology. The main body that regulates the financial life of the country is Central Bank of Ireland. In addition, the main banking institutions in Europe are presented here, which are divided into three categories: industrial, settlement and commercial. The country also has the Irish Stock Exchange, which is considered one of the oldest in Europe.

It is worth saying that as a result of the recent financial crisis, the banking sector and the country's budget have suffered seriously. But even despite this, Ireland is attractive for entrepreneurs. This is explained by the fact that the tax rate here is one of the lowest in the EU (12.5%).

Real estate

In Ireland, the procedure for selling real estate is no different from the generally accepted schemes in Europe. Therefore, any foreigner can easily buy a home or commercial property here. True, there are some reservations: the purchase cannot be completely disposed of within seven years, and the maximum limitation on the area of the purchased land plot is two hectares.

The main criterion that determines the cost per square meter is its location, so housing prices in the center of the capital are quite high here. Moreover, according to analysts, their growth is expected in the near future.

The locals are quite friendly and welcoming, but in Ireland, as in any country, there are restrictions for foreigners general rules and norms of behavior. Thus, it is not customary to tip in Irish pubs, and, according to tradition, pub visitors buy drinks not only for themselves, but also treat others. In addition, it is not recommended to start conversations with Irish people about feminism and religion, as well as relations with Great Britain. Smoking is prohibited in local restaurants, hotels and cinemas.

Visa information

To visit Ireland, Russian citizens will need to obtain a visa.

Irish visas can be of several types: tourist, transit, student and business visas. The processing time for visa applications is no more than 30 days. The Irish Embassy in Moscow is located at: per. Grokholsky, 5.

Southern and Northern Ireland. Historically, the northern coast of the island is part of Great Britain, and the rest is a separate country with the same name - Ireland.

Similarities

These countries have differences, but also have a lot in common. Let's start with what unites these two worlds:

Ireland and Northern Ireland are united common roots: It is believed that the ancestors of the current Irish were immigrants from the territories of the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Population. In both countries, the Irish are considered the indigenous population.
Geographical position. You can’t argue that both states are located on the territory of the same island. Therefore, they have the same climate zone (temperate maritime), soil types (podzolic and marshy), flora and fauna;
State structure. Both countries have established a parliamentary republic. In Northern Ireland, the legislative body is called the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Religion: Even before the split into two states, the Christian religion predominated on the island. Since ancient times, it was believed that Christianity was brought to the island by Saint Patrick, who came from the north (Great Britain). But evidence was found that Christianity began to emerge in Ireland long before the arrival of Patrick - in the south of the country.
Administrative division: both states are divided into counties. Northern Ireland includes 6 counties, and 26 belong to the Republic of Ireland.
State languages. Despite the fact that the countries are different, they have the same language - English - due to common roots and close proximity to each other. Although for quite some time the Irish authorities have been trying to replace the official language with purely Irish. At the beginning of the 21st century, bills were even passed that banned signs on the entire coast of Ireland. English language.
Currency. Since Ireland joined European Union(since 1999) another currency was introduced on its territory - the euro, as in Northern Ireland.
Irish folk music and dance. From ancient times to the present day, both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, folk music has been quite homogeneous, incendiary and recognizable throughout the world.
Holidays. In both Northern and Southern Ireland some national holidays are still celebrated: Christmas, New Year, Easter Monday, May holidays.

A little history

It is worth mentioning the reason why Ireland split into two separate states. For eight hundred years, the island of Ireland was considered a colony of Great Britain, and naturally the indigenous people did not agree with this. But it was only at the beginning of the 20th century that the conflict reached its climax.

In 1921, 6 counties separated from Ireland and are now part of Northern Ireland. Later, in 1949 the rest of the island declared itself independent state. Until now, residents of the Republic of Ireland (RI) do not like the British and people from Northern Ireland.

Differences

From the above, we can conclude the following differences between the two countries:

The Republic of Ireland is a free and independent state, while Northern Ireland is part of Great Britain.
Population: despite the fact that both countries were previously inhabited by the Irish, in our time most of the inhabitants of Northern Ireland are British (English, Scots).
Languages and dialects. The official languages of the two countries are similar, but in Ireland the officially recognized second language is Irish. Also, in Northern Ireland, unlike its neighbor, the Scots language is used. And in Southern Ireland, oddly enough, the second most popular language is Polish.
National holidays. National Irish holidays include: St. Brigid's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Beltane, Lughnassad, Mabon, Samhain, St. Stephen's Day. These holidays have survived from pagan times, and are still celebrated in Southern Ireland to this day. British national holidays are popular in Northern Ireland.
Religion. Both countries are Christian states, but in Northern Ireland the majority is Protestant, like the British.
Independence. The Republic of Ireland dreams of including Northern Ireland. And residents of Northern Ireland have long considered themselves part of Great Britain.
Mentality. Any resident of Southern Ireland will be outraged and offended by the statement that he is part of Britain;

If Northern Ireland is almost entirely saturated with the culture of England, then the Southern Irish still remain authentic. For example:

In Northern Ireland, as in England, residents prefer tea as a drink. In Southern Ireland, the national drinks are beer (the famous Guinness is from there), whiskey and Irish coffee (with the addition of liqueur).
In the Irish language there are no specific words denoting consent or refusal - you will not hear an equivalent of our “yes” or “no” from the lips of an Irishman.
In Northern Ireland, the pub is considered a place where you can have a good drink. For the southern Irish, the pub (or “pub” as they are called there) is a place where you can while away any leisure time. This is a place for Friday parties, for families with children, and for cultural events such as a music concert.
Foul language and swearing are encouraged in Southern Irish culture. A certain amount of insults directed at the interlocutor is considered an indicator of friendliness and trust.
In Southern Ireland, holidays are usually celebrated in a pub or somewhere else. Inviting a stranger to a family celebration is considered bad form.
In Ireland it is not customary to react emotionally to compliments. They will respond briefly and coldly to any compliment, or will not agree with it at all.

Ireland is an amazing country, called the “Emerald Isle” precisely because it is full of natural resources. This is a country with a small area. It is somewhat reminiscent of the UK with its left-hand streets and double-decker buses.

Capital of Ireland?

The majority of Ireland's population lives in its capital, Dublin. In turn, he is considered one of the most interesting cities planets. Dublin is a county located in a bay of the Irish Sea. It is the main port city, as well as the center of cultural and political life countries.

Official language?

There are two in the country state languages- This is English and Irish. However, on the streets you will only hear English spoken, as Irish is spoken by a small part of the population, only about 38%. Irish is considered an endangered language, so the Irish government is trying hard to counteract it and popularize it with the help of the media - in the country there are many television and radio channels and programs broadcast in Irish.

Currency?

You can safely take euros with you on vacation, as this is the official currency of Ireland. In some large shops and tourist centers you can also pay in dollars or pounds sterling, but they are accepted at a not very favorable rate.

Timezone?

Time difference with Belarus in summer time is 3 hours. This means that if it is noon in Minsk, then in Dublin it is only 9 o’clock in the morning. In Ireland, the clocks are changed twice a year. This means that on March 25th at midnight the clocks will be moved forward by 1 hour, and on October 25th they will be moved back an hour.

Climate?

Ireland's climate can be described as temperate maritime. Part of the country's coastline is washed by the warm Gulf Stream. That's why all year round Comfortable temperatures prevail here - summers are not hot, and winters are mild and not too cold. However, Ireland cannot boast of stable weather. At any time it can start to rain and then suddenly change to sunshine.

Average monthly air and water temperatures in Ireland, °C

Jan

Feb

March

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

But I

Dec

During the day

+11

+14

+16

+17

+18

+16

+12

At night

+10

+13

+14

+12

Water

+12

+14

+13

+12

What time of year is best to visit the country?

The most favorable time to visit Ireland is considered to be from July to September. Since it is at this time that the days are long and therefore many establishments are open late. Of course this is the most popular time for beach holiday and for sightseeing. In addition, in the summer there is no sweltering heat. However, summer is the peak tourist season and, accordingly, prices in the country rise significantly.

Economic situation?

Ireland has developed energy, chemistry, and metallurgy industries. The country is also involved in mechanical engineering, food and furniture industries. The mild, humid climate allows for raising livestock and growing crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes and sugar beets. Ireland also has small deposits of minerals such as ore, natural gas, peat. Fishing is also developed in the country.

Political situation?

The country has a calm and stable political situation, which has a beneficial effect on the development of tourism. Overall, Ireland can be considered one of the safest places to travel in Europe.

Religious affiliation of the population?

Religion in the country is represented mostly by Catholics. There are about 96% of them. Approximately 3% of the population is Protestant, and only 1% are other religions. However, the role of the church in Everyday life Irish people are very large. The Irish simply cannot imagine their day without going to church on Sunday.

Customs rules and regulations?

The import of national currency into the country is not limited, but only an amount equivalent to 190 euros is allowed to be exported.
If you are coming from a non-EU country, then per adult you are allowed to bring no more than two hundred cigarettes, or one hundred small cigars, or fifty cigars, or two hundred and fifty grams of tobacco; one liter of alcohol with a strength of over 22% or two liters of alcohol with a strength of up to 22%; up to 250 ml eau de toilette; personal goods in the amount of 175 euros per adult and 90 euros for a minor child.
The country has a law banning the import of meat and dairy products, as well as narcotic and toxic substances, weapons, ammunition and explosive products.

Visa?

To visit Ireland you will need to obtain a visa from the embassy.
To do this, you need to have the following documents with you:
Passport valid for at least 6 months before the visa expiration date, as well as a copy of its last and penultimate page
2 color matte photographs size 3.5 X 4.5
Application form filled out in English
Certificate from work with the seal and signature of the manager. It must indicate the place of work, position, salary, company contacts and work telephone numbers.
Bank statement confirming the availability of funds in the account
Hotel reservation and air ticket
You also need to write a document agreeing to carry out all the necessary actions to open a visa.
All documents must be in English, or translated into English and certified by a notary. In addition to this, it will be necessary to provide originals and copies of the same documents in the original language.

Main attractions?

Trinity College Dublin - the college is designed in Victorian style and is the most important educational institution countries. There is also a library here, which contains the oldest Christian manuscript - the “Book of the Celts”.
You can also visit Dublin Prison and the most famous castle in the country - Blarney. In the castle there is a witch's stone, according to legend, given by a witch to St. Patrick, which every tourist must kiss as a sign of respect for the traditions of Ireland
Bunratty Castle was built several centuries ago. The castle has a throne room where theatrical performances are held every day.
The Rock of Cashel is the ruins of a majestic fortress that was burned in the 17th century
The Ring of Carrie is the pearl of Ireland, a place with the most picturesque nature. This is the coast in the southwest of the country.
The Cliffs of Moher are an international landmark. It is a seven-kilometer row of almost identical rectangular rocks rising above the ocean.

Holidays and festivals?

Special holidays in Ireland are:
March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, who is the patron saint of this country
October 31st – Halloween. All Saints' Night, on which it is customary to dress in costumes, go from house to house and beg for sweets.
December 25 – Christmas.

What should you visit first?

If you find yourself in Ireland, then first of all we recommend that you visit Newgrange - this is a mystical and mysterious city. It is located a few kilometers from Dublin. There are several giant stone slabs here, the origin of which no one has yet been able to explain. Every year on the day of the spring solstice, a ray of sun enters the hole in one of the slabs and begins to give off an amber color. Every year a huge number of tourists come to admire this phenomenon.

National cuisine?

The main ingredients in national Irish cuisine are meat and potatoes. Here you should definitely try Irish stew made from lamb with potatoes, black and white pudding - pork skin sausage with or without blood, boxty - grated potato pancakes, somewhat reminiscent of our shingles.
One of the most popular desserts in Ireland is Guinness pie - a fruit pie made with dark Guinness beer.
From soft drinks The most preferred is tea - the Irish drink it a lot and often.
Alcoholic drinks deserve special attention - Guinness beer or Stout. The country also produces about 100 varieties of real Irish whiskey, the most famous of which are Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, Jameson and Locke’s.

How much is it customary to tip in the country you are visiting?

Typically, in bars, cafes and restaurants, tips are already included in the bill and amount to 10%. If tips are not included, then you can leave the waiter or bartender about 10%. In Ireland, it is also customary for taxi drivers to leave a tip, also about 10% of the total amount.

Where can I exchange money?

If you come to Ireland and need to exchange money, you can do this at the airport, banks, hotels, travel agencies or at an exchange office. It is worth remembering that you may be refused to exchange a $100 bill due to security reasons. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and if you need to withdraw a certain amount of money from your card. This can be done through an ATM, which are present everywhere.

Until what time are shops, bars, cafes, restaurants open?

Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:30.
Stores in the country are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00. On weekends, many shopping centers are open until 21:00.

What are the popular resorts in the country?

Monart Spa Resort - here you can be alone with nature, away from the bustle of a noisy city
Dublin is the capital and historical center of Ireland, rich in numerous historical attractions. It is also the island's largest port.
Killarney is a small town located on the border of the national park. The heart of the city is three lakes: Upper, Lower and Middle
Cork is Ireland's most famous resort. This is where the jazz festival takes place every year. It is also the bohemian capital of Ireland
Galway attracts visitors with its ancient architecture. The town is also famous for its Aquarium.

Crime situation?

As previously reported, Ireland - safe country However, sometimes there are cases of petty pickpocketing. Crime is rare, but racist attacks have been reported in some places, so tourists are still advised to avoid poorly lit areas, especially in large cities. We do not recommend carrying a passport, as well as large sums of money and valuables. It is best to leave such items in a hotel safe.

First of all, it is necessary to note Dublin, which is one of the oldest cities in Europe (9th century). It is notable not only for its beautiful landscapes (Dublin Bay and the River Liffey), but also for its medieval streets, squares and cathedrals. The most outstanding landmark of this city is the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral. Also worth highlighting is the obelisk in honor of the Duke of Wellington, Fifteen Acre Square, Dublin Castle, the residence of the English Viceroy of Ireland Blackrock House, the labyrinth of streets around Temple Barpark, O'Connall Street and the Chester Beatty Library.

Small towns located near the capital are also very interesting. For example, in Dun Leray the city yacht club, the Town Hall building and other ancient buildings are notable.

Among other cities, it is necessary to highlight Cork, which is famous for its many ancient cathedrals and museums, Waterford, founded by the Vikings back in 914, and Donegal, where the legends about the famous headless horseman originated.

Also one of the most famous attractions in Ireland is Newgrange, which is a huge mound surrounded by stone blocks. Not far from it there are two more ancient mounds - Naut and Daut.

Well, among the main natural tourist sites, the most famous are the amazing natural formations called the Giant's Causeway. Also popular is Connemara, which is located in County Galway. The Aran Islands are also noteworthy, where there are mysterious ancient structures created by unknown tribes.

All attractions case for reference

Kitchen

Irish cuisine is simple: it is based on hearty meat dishes made from lamb or pork. One of the most popular dishes that you can try at any local restaurant is traditional stew. Moreover, the stew is prepared according to a variety of recipes, although most often it includes lamb neck, potatoes, onions and spices. Also worth trying are stu (stewed lamb brisket), Gaelic steak (sirloin of beef with whiskey) and Dublin codel (a mixture of sausages, bacon and potatoes). In addition, all kinds of potato dishes (soups, pies, dumplings, buns, etc.) are widespread in Ireland. One of the most famous potato dishes here is colcannon, made from mashed potatoes and cabbage. Another traditional potato dish is boxty pancakes.

Fish and seafood dishes are also very common in Irish cuisine. Moreover, young herring, which is called white byte (white food), is considered a special delicacy here. You can also see dishes made from red algae on the local menu.

Well, another distinctive feature of the local cuisine is the widespread popularity of cheese, which is even called “white meat” here, and the abundance of traditional baked goods.

As for drinks, when talking about Ireland, it is impossible not to mention dark beer and whiskey. The most famous beer that can be tasted in any pub in the country is Guinness. Irish whiskey is also very popular, and its taste is much milder than Scotch. In addition, it is worth trying real Irish coffee with cream and whiskey.

Accommodation

All Irish hotels comply with the international classification and are inspected annually by the Irish Hotel Federation, so the living conditions and quality of service here always correspond to the declared category. Moreover, the price of accommodation here includes breakfast (buffet). Most Irish hotels have pubs and free parking.

If we talk about the hotels themselves, then their choice here is truly colossal: from upscale 4 and 5* hotels to guesthouses and small private boarding houses. Travelers most often stay in Bed&Breakfast hotels, where guests are offered cozy rooms and home-cooked food. Such establishments are scattered throughout the country and are considered one of the most affordable accommodation options.

Entertainment and relaxation

Ireland is a very distinctive and multifaceted country, so here everyone can find entertainment to suit their taste. Each city has art galleries, museums, nightclubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues. An Irish pub can be an excellent place to spend leisure time, where people come to chat with friends or make new acquaintances. Fans of classical music are first advised to visit the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Many Irish towns host dinner theater shows and open-air concerts. Performances with local dances are organized almost everywhere.

And, of course, we can’t help but mention Irish holidays and festivals. Of these, the most famous are the Oyster Festival, Jazz Festival, Early Music Festival, Irish Gourmet Festival, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, Authors Week Literary Festival, November Opera Festival and Theater Festival. Also noteworthy is St. Patrick's Day (March 17), which is accompanied by fireworks, colorful shows, concerts and lots of beer.

Purchases

Ireland is a very developed country, so shopping here is very pleasant and exciting. The best place for shopping is undoubtedly Dublin. In this city you can buy literally everything - from designer clothes to antiques. Moreover, there are six large shopping districts, where numerous shopping centers, boutiques, department stores, jewelry stores and bookstores are concentrated.

Of course, there are plenty of shops in other Irish cities too. There is, of course, less choice there, but the prices are lower. In addition, only in Galway you can buy the famous Claddagh rings, and in Limerick you can buy real Waterford crystal.

It is necessary to keep in mind that citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union should always take a special “tax free” form when making purchases, which guarantees monetary compensation upon departure from the country (12–17% of the cost of purchases).

Transport

After the modernization of roads in Ireland, the demand for domestic flights has significantly decreased. Therefore, planes currently only fly within the country between Dublin, Donegal and Kerry. The bus network covers almost all populated areas, and the railway connects the capital with all major cities. The small islands that dot the western coast of the country can be reached from any nearest port, of which there are many.

If we talk about urban transport, it is represented by quite comfortable buses. In Dublin, buses are double-decker and painted bright green. Tickets are purchased from drivers, and it is much more profitable to buy not a one-time ticket, but a pass for a certain number of trips or days. In addition, in Dublin, tourists can purchase a Dublin Pass discount card, which provides a number of significant discounts, including on travel. There are also taxis in major cities in Ireland, however, their services are quite expensive: $3 per ride and $1.5 per kilometer.

Companies providing car rentals are found everywhere. In order to use their services, you will need to have an international license, two credit cards, insurance and a deposit ($500–1000). In addition, the driver must be between 23 and 79 years old.

Connection

Irish cellular communications also have excellent quality (GSM 900/1800). International roaming is available to all subscribers of major Russian operators.

Safety

Ireland is absolutely safe from a medical point of view. You will not need any special vaccinations to travel here.

Business climate

Ireland is the most important economic, industrial and business center of Europe, where the offices and representative offices of the world's largest companies are based. The key sectors of the economy here are: production of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and mechanical engineering, information technology. The main body that regulates the financial life of the country is the Central Bank of Ireland. In addition, the main banking institutions in Europe are presented here, which are divided into three categories: industrial, settlement and commercial. The country also has the Irish Stock Exchange, which is considered one of the oldest in Europe.

Real estate

In Ireland, the procedure for selling real estate is no different from the generally accepted schemes in Europe. Therefore, any foreigner can easily buy a home or commercial property here. True, there are some caveats: the purchase cannot be completely disposed of within seven years, and the maximum limitation on the area of the purchased land plot is two hectares.

The locals are quite friendly and welcoming, but in Ireland, as in any country, there are general rules and norms of behavior for foreigners. Thus, it is not customary to tip in Irish pubs, and, according to tradition, pub visitors buy drinks not only for themselves, but also treat others. In addition, it is not recommended to start conversations with Irish people about feminism and religion, as well as relations with Great Britain. Smoking is prohibited in local restaurants, hotels and cinemas.

Visa information

To visit Ireland, Russian citizens will need to obtain a visa.

Policy

Ireland is a republic.

The current constitution was adopted as a result of a plebiscite on July 1, 1937, and came into force on December 29, 1937.

The President of Ireland (Irish: Uachtarán) (a largely ceremonial post) is elected by the people for a 7-year term. The president has the right to convene and dissolve the lower house of parliament at the initiative of the government; he promulgates laws, appoints judges and other senior officials, and heads the armed forces.

The actual head of the executive branch is the Prime Minister (Taoiseach), nominated by the House of Representatives and confirmed by the President.

The highest legislative body is the parliament (Irish: Tithe An Oireachtais), which consists of the president and 2 chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives has from 160 to 170 members elected by the people on the basis of universal, direct and secret suffrage using a system of proportional representation.

The Senate consists of 60 members, of which 11 are appointed by the Prime Minister, 6 are elected by the National and Dublin Universities, 43 are elected by indirect elections from special lists (candidates for these lists are nominated by various organizations and associations). The Senate electoral college consists of approximately 900 people, including members of the House of Representatives, members of county councils and municipal councils. The term of office of both chambers is up to 7 years.

Story

The first people settled Ireland during the Mesolithic period, around 8000 BC, when its climate improved following the retreat of glaciers. Gradually its inhabitants became part of the Celtic population and culture. The name of the island in Irish is Erin ("peace" and later "western island"). The ancient Irish lived in separate clan tribes under the control of hereditary chiefs, jointly owned land and were engaged almost exclusively in cattle breeding. Ireland was not part of the Roman Empire, but it is mentioned by Roman historians (Ptolemy, Tacitus, Juvenal).

In 432, Saint Patrick, a native of Britain, spread Christianity among the Irish. The calm that reigned on the island was conducive to the development of learning among the monastics. Already from the 6th century, Ireland became the center of Western learning; preachers of Christianity on the mainland emerged from its monastic schools; their main source was the monastery on the island of Iona. Irish monks made significant contributions to the preservation of Latin culture during the early Middle Ages. Ireland of this period was famous for its arts - illustrations for manuscript books (see Book of Kells), metalwork and sculpture (see Celtic Cross).

This education of the clergy disappeared as soon as the Vikings began to disturb Ireland with their raids, and soon began to establish settlements on the shores of the island (in particular, Dublin). Only at the beginning of the 11th century did the Irish, led by King Brian Boru, defeat the Vikings. Brian Boru died at the decisive Battle of Clontarf in 1014.

At the end of the 12th century, part of the territory of Ireland was conquered by the British under King Henry II. The English barons took over the lands of the Irish clans and introduced English laws and systems of government. The conquered region was called the outskirts (the pale) and both in management and in its further development differed sharply from the yet unconquered, so-called Wild Ireland, in which the British constantly sought to make new conquests.

When Robert the Bruce took possession of the Scottish crown and successfully waged war with England, the Irish leaders turned to him for help against their common enemy. His brother Edward arrived with an army in 1315 and was proclaimed king by the Irish, but after a three-year war that terribly devastated the island, he died in battle with the British. However, in 1348, the Black Death came to Ireland, exterminating almost all the English who lived in cities where mortality was especially high. After the plague, English power extended no further than Dublin.

During the English Reformation, the Irish remained Catholic, creating a schism between the two islands that survives to this day. In 1536, Henry VIII suppressed the rebellion of Silk Thomas Fitzgerald, the English protege in Ireland, and decided to reconquer the island. In 1541, Henry proclaimed Ireland a kingdom and himself its king. Over the next hundred years, under Elizabeth and James I, the English consolidated their control over Ireland, although they were unable to convert the Irish into Protestants. However, the entire English administration consisted only of Protestant Anglicans.

During civil war in England, English control over the island greatly weakened, and the Catholic Irish rebelled against the Protestants, temporarily creating Confederate Ireland, but already in 1649, Oliver Cromwell arrived in Ireland with a large and experienced army and took the cities of Drogheda and Wexford near Dublin by storm. In Drogheda, Cromwell ordered the killing of the entire garrison and Catholic priests, and in Wexford the army carried out a massacre without permission. Within nine months, Cromwell conquered almost the entire island, and then handed over the leadership to his son-in-law Ayrton, who continued the work he had begun. Cromwell's goal was to put an end to the unrest on the island by displacing the Irish Catholics, who were forced either to leave the country or move west to Connacht, while their lands were distributed to English colonists, mostly Cromwell's soldiers. In 1641, more than 1.5 million people lived in Ireland, and in 1652 only 850 thousand remained, of which 150 thousand were English and Scottish new settlers.

In 1689, during the Glorious Revolution, the Irish supported the English king James II, who was deposed by William of Orange, for which they again paid.

As a result of English colonization, the native Irish almost completely lost their land holdings; a new ruling stratum was formed, consisting of Protestants, immigrants from England and Scotland.

In 1801 Ireland became part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The Irish language began to be replaced by English.

IN early XIX V. about 86% of the Irish population was employed in agriculture, in which enslaving forms of exploitation dominated. Ireland served as one of the sources for the accumulation of English capital and the development of industry in England.

From the mid-40s. XIX century The agrarian revolution began. The fall in bread prices (after the abolition of the Corn Laws in England in 1846) prompted landowners to begin an intensive transition from the system of small peasant leases to large-scale pasture farming. The process of driving small tenants off the land (the so-called clearing of estates) intensified.

The repeal of the “Corn Laws” and a disease of the potato, which was the main crop of land-poor Irish peasants, led to a terrible famine of 1845-1849. As a result of the famine, about 1 million people died.

Emigration increased significantly (from 1846 to 1851 1.5 million people left), which became a permanent feature historical development Ireland.

As a result, in 1841-1851. Ireland's population fell by 30%.

And subsequently, Ireland rapidly lost population: if in 1841 the population was 8 million 178 thousand people, then in 1901 it was only 4 million 459 thousand.

In 1919, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched active fighting against British troops and police. On April 15-27, 1919, the Republic of Soviet Limerick existed on the territory of the county of the same name. In December 1921, a peace treaty was signed between Great Britain and Ireland. Ireland received dominion status (the so-called Irish Free State), with the exception of the 6 most industrially developed north-eastern counties (Northern Ireland) with a predominance of Protestants, which remained part of the United Kingdom. However, Great Britain retained military bases in Ireland and the right to receive “redemption” payments for the former possessions of English landlords. In 1937 the country adopted official name"Eire".

In 1949 Ireland was declared an independent republic. The republic's withdrawal from the British Commonwealth was announced. It was only in the 60s that emigration from Ireland stopped and population growth was noted. In 1973, Ireland became a member of the European Union. In the 90s XX century Ireland entered a period of rapid economic growth.

Economy

The economic system of the Republic of Ireland is a modern, relatively small, trade-dependent economy that grew by averaged 10%. The agricultural sector, which once played a dominant role in the system, is now being replaced by the industrial sector; The industrial sector accounts for 46% of GDP, about 80% of exports, and 29% of the labor force. While exports remain the main driver of Ireland's economic growth, growth is also supported by higher consumer spending and a recovery in both construction and business investment. The annual inflation rate for 2005 was 2.3%, down from recent levels of 4-5%. One of the problems of the economy is the inflation of real estate prices ( average price residential building in February 2005 amounted to about 251 thousand euros). The unemployment rate is very low and household incomes are growing rapidly, along with prices for services (utilities, insurance, healthcare, lawyers, etc.).

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, was ranked 16th worldwide for cost of living in 2006 (up from 22nd in 2004 and 24th in 2003). There have been reports that Ireland has the second highest average per capita income of any EU country after Luxembourg, and ranks 4th in the world for this indicator.

Ireland, the “Emerald Isle”, one of the most attractive and mysterious European countries. A country of fairies and elves, fiery revolutionaries and paradoxical writers, romantic legends and pragmatic whiskey producers...
Ireland is one of ancient countries Europe, which has perfectly preserved its culture and historical heritage- despite the difficult fate - after all, the territory of Ireland is still divided between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain...

Ireland - Republic of Ireland, Poblacht na hÉireann in Irish, Republic of Ireland in English - occupies most of the island of the same name. The name comes from the Irish word Éire, meaning "state".

In addition to the Republic of Ireland, there is also Northern Ireland, Tuaisceart Éireann or Northern Ireland. It is an administrative and political unit of the United Kingdom with its capital in the city of Belfast. It includes 6 of the 9 counties of the historical province of Ulster.

Administratively the Republic of Ireland divided into 4 historical provinces - Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht; and those, in turn, into 26 counties. 20 counties belong to the independent Republic, 6 to Northern Ireland.

The independence of the Republic of Ireland was proclaimed in 1949, and in 1973 the country joined the European Union.
Ireland is a parliamentary republic, its Parliament consists of two chambers - representatives and the Senate. Executive power belongs to the president, elected for 7 years, and in fact to the prime minister, approved by the president.

Island of Ireland, by the way, the third largest among the European islands, located in the northern part Atlantic Ocean; from the east it is also washed by the Irish Sea.
Accordingly, the climate of Ireland is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers, with significant rainfall - which made Ireland the “emerald isle”.
The warmest month of the year is July, with an average air temperature of + 18-20 C. The coldest is January, with an average monthly temperature of minus 9 degrees Celsius.

The capital of country- city Dublin, with a population of just over one and a half million people.
Dublin is a city-county located on Dublin Bay on the Irish Sea. Being the center of political, cultural and economic life in Ireland, Dublin is also the main port city of the country.
The most popular version of the etymology of the city's name is "Black Pool", and the modern Irish name for the capital is Baile Átha Cliath, or BÁC for short, meaning "settlement at the ford" (the River Liffey, which flows into Dublin Bay). We'll talk more about Dublin below when describing the country's attractions.

The second largest city in the country is Cork, it is home to about 200,000 people (including suburbs).
Yet Irish population is, according to 2006 data, just over 4.2 million people. Of these, the majority - over 88% - are "native Irish" of Celtic origin. National minorities are represented by another 40 nationalities, among which, for obvious reasons, the British are in the lead - 2.74% of the population. Next come the Poles - 1.5%, an honorable third place, less than 1%, went to the Lithuanians.

Time in Ireland lags behind Moscow by 3 hours.
National currency- euro
Official languages of Ireland- Irish and English.

Religion in Ireland traditionally plays an important role in public life. The main religion is Catholicism; followed by Protestantism. Northern Ireland, which remains in British possession, has a predominantly Protestant population.

Cities and sights of Ireland
The center and heart of the country is its capital, elegant Dublin.
It is believed that the city was founded in 841 by the Scandinavians, where the River Liffey flows into Dublin Bay. But the first mention of a Celtic settlement on this site dates back to the middle of the 2nd century AD and belongs to the Greek astronomer and geographer Ptolemy.

One of the first English invasions of Ireland dates back to 1169, when Dublin, after its capture by Henry II Plantagenet, became a royal city for a long time and a stronghold of English influence in the country. Since then, the city has preserved several architectural landmarks - first of all, of course, Dublin Castle, which housed the English government. Not far from it are the Cathedral of St. Patrick's, Christ's Cathedral and St. Audina.

Among other architectural and historical sights of Dublin, Blackrock House, the summer residence of the Irish viceroys, should be canceled; obelisk in honor of the Duke of Wellington; the Fifteen Acres area is the site of noble duels; a labyrinth of old streets around Temple Bar, the center of Georgian architecture in the areas of Marriott Square, Ely Plate... And, of course, the main street of the city - O'Connall Street - repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, a motley mixture architectural styles and eras.

Dublin boasts a rich cultural tradition. It’s not for nothing that so many famous English-language writers were born here: Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw, William Yates, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift and even the creator of “Dracula” Bram Stoker! Dubliners are proud of their famous countrymen and honor them - for example, on June 16, the city's residents annually celebrate Bloomsday, a holiday dedicated to the main character of James Joyce's novel Ulysses.
The city is home to the National Library of Ireland and the National Printing Museum, the Civic Museum and museums of national and contemporary art, many theaters, exhibition and concert halls, Trinity College complex and the Royal Irish Yacht Club...

Other attractions of Ireland are, first of all, medieval castles, amazing nature countries and the world-famous place of Newgrange - a megalithic religious building, older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.

Many ancient castles now house national parks, cultural or tourism organizations, including 4-5 star hotels. For example - the estate of Count Muckross, now - national park Macross. Or Cabra Castle in County Cavan - now it's not just a hotel, but a haunted hotel! And in the castle of Earl Thomond (Bunratty, County Clare) medieval banquets for tourists are often held - but keep in mind that not only the food, but also the serving will be medieval, that is, you will have to eat with your hands...

Limerick is famous not only for its comic quintets, but also for its 800-year-old royal castle, and the city cathedral - the same age as the castle... Residents of the seaside town of Dingle speak only their native Gaelic, willingly study Celtic culture, and in the city itself there are many fish restaurants on the ocean shore , offering delicious local dishes made from freshly caught fish...

Irish cuisine
Here we smoothly move on to the culinary topic. Irish cuisine is the cuisine of a country that has remained poor for most of its history. Therefore, it is simple and resourceful in using the main food product - potatoes.
Potato pancakes (boxty), mashed potatoes with green onions, butter and milk (champ), mashed potatoes with cabbage, potato bread (potato bread) - this is not a complete list of the various potato dishes known to the Irish.
Milk and dairy products are widely used by the Irish, although until the 80s of the last century, the only type of cheese in Ireland was cheddar. One of the traditional dairy dishes is Goody - bread boiled in milk with sugar and spices.
Popular meat dishes: Irish stew - stewed lamb with onions and yes, potatoes; Crubeens - boiled, pre-salted, pork leg; bacon stewed with cabbage...

Perhaps Irish cuisine will seem rustic to some. But the Irish took revenge in the field of drinks! Irish whiskey, Irish beer - there is not a person who does not know Guinness or Kilkenny, has not heard the name Bushmills at least once or has not tried Irish coffee... And the famous Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur and its less famous, but no less tasty "brothers": Carolans Irish Cream, O"Gradey"s Country Cream... And the Irish also have apple cider and their own moonshine - Potin, made from malt or potatoes. Yes, Ireland is worth visiting just to taste its exquisite drinks at the place of their production!

Irish Holidays
March 17 is the day of St. Patrick, the educator of Ireland and, according to legend, the creator of whiskey - the country's main national holiday. Green Ireland also owes the shamrock as a symbol to this saint - with the help of the clover shamrock, the enlightener explained to the people the concept of the Holy Trinity.
On this day, it is customary to prepare traditional Irish dishes, as well as Shamrock Cake, washed down with a lot of whiskey,

Customs regulations (information from the Travel ru website): The import and export of currency is not limited, standard weapons, drugs, and pornography are prohibited. When importing medications, you must have a prescription issued by a doctor. Imported cigarettes are not subject to duty - up to 200 pcs., alcoholic drinks - with a strength of over 22% - up to 1 liter, less - up to 2 liters; perfumes up to 50 ml and personal items. Attention: current changes in customs regulations must be clarified immediately before your trip!

Website of the Embassy of the Republic of Ireland in Russia: www. dfa.ie/home

When preparing the article, the following sites were used: wikipedia, travel ru, gastronom ru, veter-s.ru

Capital

Dublin

Climate and weather

Nature

Attractions

Nutrition

Accommodation

Entertainment and relaxation

Purchases

Transport

Connection

Safety

Business climate

Real estate

Visa information

Similarities

A little history

Differences

Capital of Ireland?

Official language?

Currency?

Timezone?

Climate?

What time of year is best to visit the country?

Economic situation?

Political situation?

Religious affiliation of the population?

Customs rules and regulations?

Visa?

Main attractions?

Holidays and festivals?

What should you visit first?

National cuisine?

How much is it customary to tip in the country you are visiting?

Where can I exchange money?

Until what time are shops, bars, cafes, restaurants open?

What are the popular resorts in the country?

Crime situation?

Kitchen

Accommodation

Entertainment and relaxation

Purchases

Transport

Connection

Safety

Business climate

Real estate

Visa information

Policy

Story

Economy

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