A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IRELAND
The island of Ireland, incorporating Northern Ireland (UK), and the Republic of Ireland covers an area approx
85.000 sq. kms (approx 50.000 sq. miles)
Standing in the path of prevailing westerly winds from the Atlantic and in the warming currents of the Gulf
Stream.
We have a mild temperate climate keeping it fresh and green- hence its reputation as the Emerald Isle.
In its modest dimensions, there is a great variety of scenic beauty, and also a wealth of remains from
its ancient history.
A predominance of pastoral over tillage farming, has enabled Ireland to keep many well preserved ring-forts
and passage graves dating from pre-historic times. There are also numerous relics of Ireland's Golden Age, between the 6th
and 9th centuries when Irish missionaries brought learning and culture to the Europe of the Dark Ages.
Fortresses, castles and ruined mansions abound, from the centuries of conflict and foreign oppression. During
the 17th century a semblance of political stability re-emerged, causing the growth of the towns often having a grandeur of
layout of proportion with their size and the towns are linked by a road network on a lavish scale.
The Famine and widespread emigration during the 19th century, reduced the population by 2 million, even
now the population is approx. only 5 million.
This makes for an Ireland uncrowded and unspoilt by over industrialisation.
The air is pure and clean, the waters still abound with fish.
In spite of all its turbulent history, the people have retained a humour and vitality, spontaneity and warmth
of hospitality that is uniquely 'Irish'.
