Ireland, officially known as Éire, is a country located in western Europe, encompassing five-sixths of the westernmost major island of the British Isles. The stunning scenery of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline faces a wide expanse of ocean, spanning 2,000 miles (3,200 km). Its geographical isolation has contributed to the development of a rich cultural and traditional heritage initially linked to the Gaelic language. The country’s pervasive grasslands, nourished by abundant rain, create a landscape with a distinct green hue, earning it the popular nickname Emerald Isle.
Ireland is renowned for its wealth of folklore, ranging from tales of leprechauns with hidden pots of gold to the legendary patron saint, Patrick, known for ridding the island of snakes and reputedly using the three-leaved shamrock as a symbol for the Christian Trinity. Despite the enchanting image, the republic grapples with persistent concerns such as emigration, cultural and political identity, and relations with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland comprises six of Ireland’s 32 counties within the province of Ulster and remains part of the United Kingdom.
At the turn of the 21st century, Ireland’s longstanding economic challenges were improving due to its diverse export-driven economy. However, in 2008, a new financial and economic crisis struck, leading to a costly bailout of the Irish economy by the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund.
