Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle for its lush vegetation is divided into four provinces namely Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. Politically it is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland, which is the one commonly simply called Ireland, is found on the southern part of the island and encompasses a much bigger portion of it. Northern Ireland, which occupies a much smaller portion of the island, is part of the United Kingdom. Though they are separate politically the whole island usually works together officially as especially when it comes to sports.

When it comes to religion the Irish are known for their fervor, which actually was the main cause for their bloody history. Today of course Ireland is a peaceful nation where people of all religions have learned to accept each other. Ireland’s largest religious group is the Roman Catholic Church (70%) followed by different Protestant denominations. The Muslin population is increasing due to immigration while the Jewish population continues to be a very small but constant minority.

Ireland is a country blessed with a mild climate. Though the climate can be unpredictably changeable it is not prone to extremes. The country cannot boast of a varied species of fauna and flora when compared to other countries but nevertheless has its own share of nature’s gifts.

What Ireland can boast about is its culture. Though you might not expect an island with a relatively small population to produce much great artists Ireland actually has contributed much to the world of literature and music. Among its famous writers are Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, and the its no less than four Nobelists George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney. Ireland also has more than its share of really popular musicians whose fame is not just local but international. Some of the more famous Irish musicians include The Saw Doctors, Enya, Moya Brennan, U2, Damien Rice, The Corrs, Sinéad O’Connor, Clannad, The Cranberries, Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher, Boyzone, Westlife, Gilbert O’Sullivan and The Pogues. The number of famous Irish musicians is a testament to the beauty of their traditional folk music which most of these musicians like to incorporate into their own more mainstream sound.