Ireland is an island in north-western Europe which has been divided politically since 1920. Most of the island is made up of Ireland , a.k.a. Republic of Ireland. The remainder is Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
Dublin — the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.
Climate
Overall, Ireland has a mild but changeable oceanic climate with few extremes. Mean daily winter temperatures vary from 4°C to 7°C, and mean daily summer temperatures vary from 14.5°C to 16°C. Temperatures will rarely exceed 25°C and will rarely fall below -5°C.
Nature
Ireland is also full of interesting flora, some creating colourful hedgerows, such as the fuchsia in west Cork or the gorse on the Wicklow Mountains, others, like nettles, elderflowers, hawthorns and sloes are still being used as food and remedies. The Burren’s unique landscape contains an amazing 70 per cent of Irish native species – including orchids – while the boglands and sand dunes also provide distinct habitats for a variety of plants.
And 58 beaches have received the National Green Coast Award, for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. These beaches are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage.
The Greenbox is Ireland’s first ecotourism destination: a vast region of the northwest packed with fully accredited activities and breaks. Walking, fishing, yoga and Buddhist retreats, organic farming and cooking, and more – all against the backdrop of a beautiful, natural environment.
Pub culture
Pub culture, as it is termed, pervades Irish society, across all cultural divides. The term refers to the Irish habit of frequenting public houses (pubs) or bars. Typically pubs are important meeting places, where people can gather and meet their neighbours and friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Pubs vary widely according to the clientele they serve, and the area they are in. Best known, and loved amongst tourists is the traditional pub, with its traditional Irish music (or "trad music"), tavern-like warmness, and memorabilia filling it. Often such pubs will also serve food, particularly during the day. Many more modern pubs, not necessarily traditional, still emulate these pubs, only perhaps substituting traditional music for a DJ or non-traditional live music.
