Ireland

Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland is being implemented with some difficulties. In 2006, the Irish and British governments developed and began working to implement the St. Andrews Agreement, building on the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 4,109,086 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collectiv

Nationality (Adjective): Irish

Official Language(s): English, Gaelic

Major Languages Spoken: English, Gaelic, Scots

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): none

Country Name (short form): Ireland

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): Eire

Name of Capital: Dublin

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Ireland: United Kingdom

Land Area: 68890 sq km

Water Area: 1390 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than West Virginia

Total Land Boundry: 360 km

Coastline: 1,448 km

National Holiday: Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

International Phone Code: 353

Currency Code: euro (EUR)

Internet Country Code: .ie

US Embassy Location: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

US Embassy Mailing Address: use embassy street address