Eire
Eire, or the Republic of Ireland, makes up the southern territory of
the island of Ireland and constitutes about five-sixths of its
entire area. After the 1921 separation of the two entities- when the
North remained under the dominion of Britain, while the South became
independent- the Republic surprised many by surpassing Northern
Ireland in terms of economic and political prosperity and where the
latter suffered long periods of unrest and troubles, the former
managed to consolidate its position as a flourishing player on the
international stage. Once thought of as backward looking and
thinking, Eire now gains worldwide recognition as a nation whose
dramatic turnaround has shaped one of the most progressive and
rapidly booming countries on the globe. An increasing number of
travellers are making Eire their destination of choice and it is a
country well deserving of the reputation it is coming to have.
A common conception when it comes to the Republic of Ireland is that
it is a country of many cosy pubs, rolling green hills, quaint towns
and fairies and leprechauns, and, the last two aside, this is not a
far cry from the reality. Nevertheless, to say that this is all the
country has to offer could not be further from the truth and as
endearing as these associations may be, they certainly don't do
justice to the many treasures the land has to offer.
Over the thousands of years that Ireland has been inhabited, the
country has been host to various invasions and incursions from a
multitude of different peoples. However, not only have the Irish
people managed to preserve a uniqueness of culture and heritage in
the face of considerable foreign pressures over the ages, but they
have also managed to create a culture that is today permeating
societies around the world and perhaps does so to a greater extent
than any other. The Irish themselves have an international
reputation for being some of the most friendly, welcoming and
fun-loving people on the planet and many travellers consider the
inhabitants to be the most alluring feature of the country.
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From the cosmopolitan and booming capital city, Dublin, to the many
historic monuments that lie scattered across the rugged landscape,
Eire has a wealth of sights and activities to suit even the most
discerning of travellers. Visitors with even only a slight interest
in history will be enraptured by ancient architecture of mediaeval
castles and churches, Gothic cathedrals, Stone Age remnants and
Megalithic tombs, and where someone with no interest in history
whatsoever can enjoy the modern amenities of the bustling cities,
nature-lovers can take to the hills for a spot of rambling or
perhaps even relax on one of the unsung beaches that encircle the
Emerald Isle.
Ireland is commonly associated with countless cosy yet raucous pubs, rolling green hills, ancient, proud heritage and leprechauns. Aside from the last, these imaginings are not overly far from the truth, yet to assume this is all there is within its borders does Ireland a grave injustice. Boasting an array of delightful natural spectacles, many of which exude an air of ancient mysticism, and bustling, cosmopolitan metropolises that best exhibit the unique and endearing culture of its inhabitants, Ireland is a destination that has something even for the most discerning of travellers and one that never fails to charm.