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Ireland, often referred to as the "Emerald Isle," is an island nation in Northwestern Europe. This article provides an extensive overview of Ireland, exploring its geography, history, culture, and notable landmarks.
	'''Ireland''' is an island in north-western Europe and the name of the sovereign state that occupies most of that island. The state is also commonly called the '''Republic of Ireland''' when it needs to be distinguished from [[Northern_Ireland]], which remains part of the [[United_Kingdom]].

== Geography ==
	The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, St George's Channel and the Celtic Sea. Its political, cultural and historical life is closely tied to Britain, Europe, the Irish language, migration, religion, literature and the history of partition.

=== Location ===
Ireland is situated to the northwest of continental Europe and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and the Celtic Sea.
	== Geography ==
	Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles. Its landscapes include low central plains, uplands, mountains, bogs, rivers, lakes and long Atlantic coastlines.

=== Landscapes ===
The island boasts diverse landscapes, including rolling green hills, expansive plains, rugged coastlines, and mountainous regions. Notable features include the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, and the Ring of Kerry.
	Dublin is the capital and largest city of the state. Other major urban centres include Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland.

== History ==	== History ==

=== Ancient Roots ===
Ireland has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Celtic tribes inhabited the island, and it became known for its monastic culture, illuminated manuscripts, and intricate metalwork.

=== Viking Invasions ===
The Vikings, seeking new lands, raided and settled in Ireland during the 8th to 11th centuries. Dublin, founded by Vikings, became a significant trading hub.
	Ireland's early history includes Gaelic kingdoms, Christian monastic culture, Viking settlements and Norman intervention. English and later British rule expanded over several centuries, often through conflict, land settlement, religious division and political control.

=== Norman Influence ===
The Norman invasion in the 12th century brought further changes, with the establishment of Anglo-Norman control. This era saw the construction of castles and the introduction of feudalism.
	The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries brought the Great Famine, mass emigration, land reform, cultural revival and independence movements. The Anglo-Irish Treaty led to the Irish Free State in 1922, while Northern Ireland remained within the United Kingdom.

=== Colonial Period ===
Ireland experienced centuries of English rule, marked by conflicts, land confiscations, and attempts to suppress Irish culture and language.
	== Government ==
	The modern state of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. The Oireachtas is the national parliament and consists of the President, Dail Eireann and Seanad Eireann.

=== Independence and Partition ===
The early 20th century witnessed the struggle for Irish independence, leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. [[Northern Ireland]] remained part of the [[United Kingdom]].
	The Taoiseach is head of government, while the President is head of state. The constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann, sets out the structure of the state.

== Culture ==	== Culture ==

=== Literature ===
Ireland has a rich literary tradition with celebrated writers such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. Irish literature includes ancient sagas, poetry, and modern novels.

=== Music and Dance ===
Traditional Irish music, characterised by instruments like the fiddle and bodhrán, is renowned worldwide. Irish dance, notably step dancing, gained global popularity.

=== Language and Mythology ===
The [[Irish\|Irish language]] (Gaeilge) holds cultural significance, and Irish mythology, with stories of ancient gods and heroes, contributes to the cultural identity.

== Government and Politics ==
	Irish culture includes the Irish language, English-language and Irish-language literature, traditional music, dance, sport, mythology, theatre and film.

=== Republic of Ireland ===
Ireland is a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state. The Taoiseach (Prime Minister) heads the government. The Oireachtas consists of two houses: Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and Seanad Éireann (Senate).
	Writers associated with Ireland include W. B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney and many others. Gaelic games, rugby, football and horse racing are important parts of sporting life.

=== Northern Ireland ===
Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, has its own devolved government with a First Minister and deputy First Minister.
	== Partition and Northern Ireland ==
	Partition created separate political paths for the Irish state and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's later history includes the Troubles and the 1998 Belfast Agreement, also called the Good Friday Agreement.

== Notable Landmarks ==
	The border, citizenship, trade, identity and constitutional status of Northern Ireland remain important political subjects on the island.

=== Dublin Castle ===
A historic castle in Dublin, initially built in the 13th century, has served various roles, including a residence for British monarchs and the seat of the Irish government.
	== See Also ==
	* [[Northern_Ireland]]
	* [[United_Kingdom]]
	* [[British_Isles]]

=== Blarney Castle ===
Famous for the Blarney Stone, believed to grant eloquence to those who kiss it, Blarney Castle is a popular tourist attraction.
	== References ==
	* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland Encyclopaedia Britannica: Ireland]
	* [https://www.gov.ie/en/service/constitution-of-ireland/ Gov.ie: Constitution of Ireland]
	* [https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/ Oireachtas: how parliament works]
	* [https://www.ireland.ie/en/ Ireland.ie: official gateway for Ireland]

=== Trinity College, Dublin ===
Founded in 1592, Trinity College is renowned for its medieval architecture and houses the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript.
	[[Category:Countries]]
	[[Category:Ireland]]