Ireland is the second largest island of the British Isles and the third largest in Europe, comprising 32 counties. Twenty-six of them compose the Republic of Ireland (that has the Euro as currency), and the other six counties are Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, thus using Pound sterling (GBP). Although they are separate territories, there is an open border between them.
Located in the North Atlantic, west of Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland occupies five-sixths of the island of Ireland and enjoys a humid, temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters, cool summers, frequent rainfall and overcast skies. You may see it for yourself through the live streaming weather cams.
Approximately 5 million people live in the Republic of Ireland and most of them are Roman Catholics. English is the official language generally used, but Irish (Gaelic, a legacy of the Celts) is the other official language, also spoken by about 38% of the population.
Dublin is the capital city, while Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Wexford are other urban areas. If driving is your thing, renting a car is a great option to discover a city or country.
Skellig Michael and the Brú na Bóinne are two World Heritage Sites, and other places to visit would be Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Rock of Cashel, Holy Cross Abbey and Blarney Castle.
