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	'''Ireland''', often called the Republic of Ireland to distinguish it from the island of Ireland, is a sovereign state in north-western Europe. It occupies most of the island of Ireland and shares a land border with [[Northern Ireland]], which is part of the [[United Kingdom]].

The Republic of Ireland, often referred to simply as Ireland, is a sovereign nation located on the island of Ireland. It shares a border to the north with [[Northern Ireland]], which is part of the [[United Kingdom]]. The Republic of Ireland is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. This wiki page provides an overview of the Republic of Ireland, including its geography, history, government, economy, culture, and notable landmarks.
	The state is a parliamentary democracy and a republic. Its capital and largest city is Dublin. Irish and English are official languages, and the country is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OECD.

== Geography ==	== Geography ==
The Republic of Ireland occupies the majority of the island of Ireland, situated in the north-eastern [[Atlantic Ocean]]. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Celtic Sea to the south, and the Irish Sea to the east. The country features diverse landscapes, including rolling green hills, rugged mountains, stunning coastal cliffs, picturesque lakes, and charming countryside. Notable geographical landmarks include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Giant's Causeway, and the Wicklow Mountains.
	Ireland lies in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. The state is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Celtic Sea, St George's Channel, and the Irish Sea. Its only land border is with Northern Ireland.

== History ==
The history of the Republic of Ireland is rich and complex, shaped by centuries of colonization, struggle for independence, and cultural heritage. The island of Ireland has been inhabited for thousands of years, with a strong Celtic influence dating back to ancient times. The country experienced English and British colonization, leading to significant political and cultural tensions. The Easter Rising of 1916 and subsequent War of Independence led to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. In 1949, Ireland declared itself a republic, formally ending its status as a British dominion.
	The landscape includes low central plains, river systems, lakes, coastal cliffs, uplands, bogs, farmland, and mountain ranges. The River Shannon is the longest river. Well-known natural landmarks include the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Atlantic coast.

	== Population ==
	The Central Statistics Office estimated Ireland's usually resident population at 5,458,600 in April 2025. Dublin accounted for about 28.7% of the total population in that estimate.

	Ireland's population has grown strongly in recent decades, driven by natural increase and inward migration. The country has also had a long history of emigration, especially during and after the nineteenth century.

== Government ==	== Government ==
The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a president serving as the ceremonial head of state. The government operates under a system of representative democracy, with a bicameral legislature known as the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas consists of the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and the Seanad Éireann (Senate). The Taoiseach, or Prime Minister, is the head of government and is appointed by the president. The country operates under the principles of constitutional law and upholds democratic values.
	Ireland is a parliamentary democracy under Bunreacht na hEireann, the Constitution of Ireland. The Oireachtas consists of the President and two houses: Dail Eireann and Seanad Eireann.

	The President is head of state and has mainly constitutional and representative functions. The Taoiseach is the head of government and is appointed by the President on the nomination of Dail Eireann. Executive authority is exercised by the Government.

	== History ==
	The island of Ireland has a long history of Gaelic culture, Christian monastic learning, Viking settlement, Norman invasion, English and British rule, plantation, rebellion, famine, emigration, and political struggle.

	The Easter Rising of 1916 was followed by the War of Independence and the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The Irish Free State was created in 1922, while Northern Ireland remained within the United Kingdom. A new constitution came into force in 1937, and Ireland formally became a republic in 1949.

	Late twentieth-century politics was shaped by economic change, EU membership, social change, and the Northern Ireland peace process. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 remains central to relations between Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

== Economy ==	== Economy ==
The Republic of Ireland has a thriving and modern economy, often referred to as the "Celtic Tiger." It has experienced significant economic growth and development in recent decades. Key sectors of the economy include industry, services, technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and tourism. Dublin, the capital city, serves as a major hub for business, finance, and technology. The country's favourable business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location have attracted numerous multinational corporations.
	Ireland has a small, open economy with major roles for technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, agriculture, food production, tourism, and foreign direct investment. GDP figures can be heavily affected by multinational activity, so Irish public debate often also uses modified domestic demand and other measures.

== Culture ==
Irish culture is renowned for its rich traditions, music, literature, dance, and warm hospitality. The Irish language (Gaeilge) holds an important place in the country's cultural heritage, alongside the English language. Traditional Irish music, with its distinctive melodies and instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán, is celebrated both in Ireland and around the world. Irish literature, from ancient epics to modern novels and poetry, has produced renowned writers such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Seamus Heaney.
	CSO national accounts releases show strong multinational-linked swings in headline GDP. This makes Ireland a useful example of why a country's headline GDP may not always describe domestic living conditions on its own.

== Notable Landmarks ==
The Republic of Ireland is home to numerous landmarks that showcase its natural beauty and historical significance. Some of the notable attractions include:
	== Culture and Tourism ==
	Irish culture is known for literature, music, sport, language, theatre, dance, folklore, and a strong diaspora identity. Writers associated with Ireland include W. B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney, Edna O'Brien, and many others.

* Dublin Castle: A historic castle complex in the heart of Dublin, serving as a symbol of Irish history and culture.
* Guinness Storehouse: A popular tourist destination in Dublin, offering insights into the brewing process of Ireland's most famous beer.
* Blarney Castle: A medieval fortress in County Cork, famous for the Blarney Stone, believed to grant eloquence to those who kiss it.
* Killarney National Park: A stunning national park in County Kerry, featuring lakes, mountains, and picturesque landscapes.
* The Rock of Cashel: A historic site in County Tipperary, consisting of medieval buildings and ruins atop a limestone outcrop.
	Tourism is built around landscapes, historic towns, music, food, festivals, castles, monastic sites, coastal routes, and cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. Ireland's official tourism material highlights the country's mix of urban and rural landscapes.

	== References ==
	* [https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-pme/populationandmigrationestimatesapril2025/ CSO: Population and Migration Estimates, April 2025]
	* [https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-na/quarterlynationalaccountsquarter32025/gdpbysector/ CSO: Quarterly National Accounts Q3 2025]
	* [https://president.ie/en/the-president/constitutional-role President of Ireland: Constitutional role]
	* [https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/press-centre/factsheet/ Oireachtas: Factsheet on the Irish Parliament]
	* [https://www.ireland.ie/en/visit/ Ireland.ie: Visit Ireland]

	[[Category:Countries]]
	[[Category:Europe]]