REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Geography
Covers approx 26,600 sq. miles ( 70,000 sq. km).
The population is estimated at just over 4 million and approx. 40% live within 100km (62 miles) of Dublin, the country’s capital.
The highest peak in the Republic of Ireland is Carrauntuohill at 3,405ft (1,038 m) high.
The west coast scenery is spectacular with its magnificent cliffs and golden beaches, the world famous Cliffs of Moher and the Burren District, the River Shannon, the splendour of Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Glenveagh National Park.
The whole of Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle which gives the clue that it rains a lot resulting in a generally lush green countryside.
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Observes daylight saving time from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October. This is GMT + 1 hour. GMT is also known as Western European Time (WET).
Climate
Temperate. Winters are generally mild and summers moderately warm. The weather is overcast about 40-50% of the time. Rain is most frequent in the west and the south east usually gets the most sunshine.
Currency
Euro. One hundred cents to a euro.
Language
English and Irish(Gaelic) are the official languages. Everyone speaks English and around 25% also speak Gaelic.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road. Road signs and speed limits will show kilometres. However, if you cross the border into Northern Ireland the signs will display miles. In most areas signs will be in English and Gaelic. However, in areas where Gaelic is the official language the signs will only be Gaelic.
Weights & Measures
Metric.
Visas And Work Permits
For information on working in the Republic of Ireland click here
Further Information
For information on public services, including the Irish education system visit www.irlgov.ie
For general information check out www.visitireland.com
To learn more about Dublin visit www.dublin.ie
