Ireland Information Guide & Facts

 Ireland

Full Country Name: Ireland
Area: 70,282 sq km (27,000 sq miles)
Population: 3.9 million
Capital City: Dublin (population: 1 million)
Languages: Irish is the first official language, although English, the second official Language is almost universally used.
Religions: Roman Catholic (3.2 m), Church of Ireland (Anglican)
Currency: euro (EUR)

The island of Ireland is just 170 miles (275 kilometers) at its widest point and 301 (486 Kilometeres) long. It can be found between 51.5 degrees and 55.5 degrees north latitude and 5.5 degrees and 10.5 degrees west longtitude. The warm waters of the gulf stream ensure a mild climate all year round.

The highest peak in Ireland is Carrantuohill in Co. Kerry, at 3,412 feet (1,040 meters) The longest river is the Shannon, at 159 miles (256 kilometers). Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland , at 153 square miles (396 square kilometeres) is the biggest lake.

Population density in Ireland is low, with just over 3.5 million people in the Republic and 1.25 in the Northern Ireland.

The Republic's gross national product is around IR£25 billion and its principal trading partner is Britain, followed by Germany, France and the United States. It's best know exports include agricultural products, hand-cut crystal, blood stock, hand craft products and stout. The country imports more than it exports, but the deficit in balance of trade is closed somewhat by its substantial earnings from tourism and foreign investment.

Ireland has four provinces, each of which is divided into counties.

Ulster has nine counties, three in the Republic and six in Northern Ireland. Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan are in the Republic. Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone are in Northern Ireland.

Leinster’s twelve counties are Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.

Munster has the six counties of Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

Connacht has five - Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Leitrim.

The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with two houses of parliament, an elected president who is head of state and prime minister (Taoiseach) who is head of government. Northern Ireland is part of the UK and is governed directly from London.

The Republic of Ireland has two official languages, English and Irish (Gaelic). English is the language in general use while Irish is the everyday language of less than 100,000 people in areas know as Gaeltachts. These Irish speaking areas are found mainly in the extreme west of the country.

Geography

Ireland lies to the west of Britain across the Irish Sea, with crossing points ranging from 7.6 to 192 km. The country is divided into 4 provinces and 26 counties. Agricultural lowlands form most of the interior, which is broken in places with low hills and includes considerable areas of bog and numerous lakes. There are coastal mountains to the west, rising to over 1,000m in places. Nearly a third of the population live in Dublin. Other major cities include Cork, Galway and Limerick.

With the prevailing south-west winds off the Atlantic, Ireland experiences a fairly uniform temperate climate. Average daily temperatures in January fall to 6ºC while in August they reach 16ºC and can peak at 30ºC. Ireland receives fairly high annual rainfall, with the average between 800 and 1200mm.

History

Celtic tribes settled on the island in the 4th century B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is currently being implemented.

Climate

Influenced by the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream and with the prevailing southwesterly winds coming from the Atlantic, the climate of Ireland is equable and temperatures are fairly uniform over the whole country. The coldest months are January and February which have mean daily air temperatures of between four degrees celsius and seven degrees celsius while July and August are the warmest, with mean temperatures of between fourteen degrees celsius and sixteen degrees celsius. May and June are the sunniest months, averaging five to seven hours sunshine per day. 

Average temperatures (F) and precipitation (inches).

Month Temperatures Precipitation
January 37° -47° F 3.1in
February 37° -47° F 2.8in
March 39° -50° F 2.7in
April 41° -54° F 2.6in
May 45° -59° F 2.6in
June 48° -63° F 2.6in
July 53° -65° F 2.4in
August 53° -62° F 2.4in
September 50° -62° F 3.4in
October 47° -57° F 3.4in
November 41° -51° F 3.5in
December 39° -48° F 4.2in

Motoring in Ireland

Getting around Ireland

Driving in Ireland means driving at a more relaxed and leisurely pace. Once outside of main cities the roads are relatively uncrowded except for a few traffic jams, touring becomes a pleasure. The exceptional scenery, peaceful countryside and lots of places to explore just off the roads make Ireland an ideal destination for your motoring holiday.

Roadsigns

Signposts are mostly indicated in both Irish and English. You will encounter both old and new signs, so note that most of the black -on-white fingerpost signs are in miles and the newer green and white ones are in kilometres.

Remember

Driving is on left hand side. The Ordinance Survey Office publishes helpful maps.

All drivers and their front and back seat occupants must wear seat belts. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front seats.

Motorcyclists must wear helmets.

The maximum speed limit is 97km (60mph) and the Motorway speed limit is 113km (70mph).

Unleaded Petrol

Ireland, like many other countries is becoming concerned about its environment and about the effects of pollution. For this reason, the use of unleaded petrol is being promoted and motorists whose vehicles are suitable are strongly encouraged to use it. Each petrol station sets its own prices for petrol. Therefore prices may vary but the average would tend to be around the following figures:

Premium leaded 66.9p per litre

Diesel 56.9p per litre

Regular 60.9p per litre

Important: Before using unleaded petrol, ensure that your vehicle is suitable, otherwise it can cause mechanical damage to the engine.

Bringing your own Vehicle to Ireland

Bringing your own car, motorcycle, station wagon, motor caravan or caravan to Ireland by sea is very simple. You need:

• Motor registration book (a letter of authority is needed if the registration is not in the visitor’s name).
• Green card or insurance certificate valid for the Republic of Ireland.
• Driving Licence or International driving permit (a provisional licence is not accepted).

Please inform your insurance company of travel plans, particularly if you want fully comprehensive cover. It is important to note that an Irish resident may not drive your vehicle during your visit, other than by a garage hand with your written permission

Parking

The installation of parking meters, use of discs etc in city and urban areas is a matter for the local authority concerned. In Dublin City area, parking meter fees are £1.00 for up to two hours. The towing away of cars is a matter for the Gardai authorities. Owners whose cars are towed away are required to pay a fine of £100 in order to retrieve the car. It is subject to an increase of £25.00 daily as long as the care is impounded.