What separates Ireland from its neighbors is the arresting beauty of the land, the turbulent history of the island, the broad smile that welcomes your arrival and the heartfelt farewell that signals your departure.

Ireland is the most westerly country of the European Union, separated from Great Britain by the North Channel on the northeast and the Irish Sea on the east. Ireland is an island of 84,288 sq. km (32,544 square miles).

Its greatest length is 485 km (302 miles), its greatest width 304 km (189 miles), and its coastline extends for over 5,631 km (3,500 miles).

The highest mountain is Carrantuohill (1,040 mtres/3,414 feet), near Killarney in County Kerry .

The longest river is the Shannon (370 km/230 miles).

The largest lake is Lough Neagh (396 sq. km/153 square miles) in Northern Ireland .

The country is divided into four historic provinces. Ulster in the north; Munster in the south; Leinster in the east; and Connacht in the west.

The population of the 32 counties of Ireland is approximately 5 million.

Irish (Gaelic) is the official language, spoken as a first language by about 55,000 people (mostly in the west). The majority speak English. Official documents are printed in both languages.

Religion
Roman Catholic 91.6 per cent, the remainder being Protestant, with Jewish and Islamic minorities.

The temperate climate is due to mild southwesterly winds and the Gulf Stream . Summers are warm, while temperatures during winter are much cooler. Spring and autumn are very mild. Rain falls all year.

Lightweights during summer with warmer medium weights for the winter. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.