KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island in the world.

It lies to the north-west of continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands.

The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island. Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom), covers the remainder and is located in the northeast of the island.

The population of Ireland is estimated to be 6.2 million. Slightly less than 4.5 million are estimated to live in the Republic of Ireland and slightly less than 1.8 million are estimated to live in Northern Ireland.

Relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain characterise Ireland's geography. The island has rich vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable oceanic climate, which avoids extremes in temperature.

Traditionally, Ireland is subdivided into four provinces: Connacht (west), Leinster (east), Munster (south), and Ulster (north). In a system that developed between the 13th and 17th centuries, Ireland has thirty-two traditional counties. Twenty-six of the counties are in the Republic of Ireland and six counties are in Northern Ireland. .

In the Republic of Ireland, counties form the basis of the system of local government. Counties Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Tipperary have been broken up into smaller administrative areas.

The capital of Dublin has 1 million residents which makes it the largest city on the island.

Quick Facts

Capital:	Dublin
Official languages:	Irish & English
Government:	Constitutional democratic republic & Parliamentary democracy
President:	Mary McAleese
Taoseach:	Brian Cowen, TD
EU accession:	1 January 1973
Population:	4, 460, 000 (estimate 2009)
Currency:	Euro €
Time zone:	GMT
Dialling code:	+353

Housing

To search for rental properties and properties to buy in Ireland, the following websites may help you in your choice:.

• www.daft.ie/
• www.myhome.ie/
• www.choices.ie/

 

Electricity Suppliers

Electricity services in Ireland are provided by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), a state body that is owned and controlled by the Government.

New connections

To set up a new connection if you are moving into a house/apartment in a new housing/apartment scheme, you will need to apply to an electricity supplier for a domestic supply agreement. You should contact ESB Networks (Phone 1850 372 757).
ESB Networks will complete the installation of your meter. The builder's electrician will switch on the electricity supply in your home.

Moving house

When you are leaving an address, you should take the meter reading, (agree the meter reading with the new owner/occupant if this is possible) contact your electricity supplier and give the supplier your meter reading. The meter reading will be used as the changeover reading, to close your account and open the new occupant's account.

If the house or apartment to which you are moving is new, you should contact your electricity supplier and ESB Networks as mentioned above.

If the house or apartment to which you are moving was previously occupied, you should take an ESB Meter Reading when you take over responsibility for the premises. Where possible, you should agree this reading with the departing occupier and apply to your supplier for a domestic supply agreement.

If the house has been disconnected for less than 2 years, you will need to apply to your supplier for a domestic supply agreement. Your supplier will advise you about the reconnection process. If the house has been disconnected for more than 6 months you will also have to get the wiring checked and certified before it can be reconnected.

If the house has been disconnected for more than 2 years you will have to apply to ESB Networks for a new connection.

Contact Details

National Customer Contact Centre
Wilton
Cork
IRELAND
Tel: +353 1 852 9534
Website: http://www.esb.ie
Email: service@esb.ie

 

Gas

Natural gas can be used for domestic central heating, cooking, real flame fires or tumble-drying.

Opening and closing a gas supply account

If you are moving into a property which has natural gas installed you should contact a gas supplier to find out the supplier’s terms and conditions for supply and to get an application form. Details of Natural Gas Suppliers are available below.
To ensure accurate billing by your supplier, it is recommended that a meter reading is taken when the previous occupier moves out or when you move in. To avoid the meter being locked or disconnected before you take occupancy, you should give as much advance notice as possible of the handover.

You are not liable for any gas used by the previous occupier, however if you have an outstanding gas bill from a previous address you may have to pay this bill to avoid interruption of the supply.

If you are an existing natural gas customer and you are moving home or wish to close your account, you should contact your Natural Gas Supplier

If you are moving out of your home, it is recommended that you call your supplier in advance with a closing meter reading, your new address and the name of the new occupant (if known). If you do not do this you will be responsible for any gas used at the premises

Natural Gas Suppliers

Bord Gáis Energy Supply
Tel: 1850 632 632
Website: www.bordgaisenergysupply.ie

Flogas Natural Gas
Tel: 1850 306 800
Website: www.flogasnaturalgas.ie

 

Education

There are three distinct levels of education in Ireland: primary, secondary and higher (often known as "third-level") education.

Education in Ireland is free at all levels, including college (university), but only for students applying from the EU.

In 1973 the requirement to pass the Irish language in order to receive a second-level certificate was dropped although a student attending a school which receives public money must be taught the language. Certain students may get an exemption from learning Irish; these include students who have spent a significant period of time abroad or students with a learning difficulty.

Education is compulsory for all children in Ireland from the ages of six to 16 or until students have completed three years of second level education and including one sitting of the Junior Certificate examination although it is most common to start primary education aged four or five.

Children are typically enrolled in the Junior Infant class at the age of either four or five depending on the wishes of their parents and the policy of the school. Some schools require the child to have attained the age of four before a specific date in order to enrol. Otherwise, the child must seek a place in a different school or wait until the next year to enrol.

Higher (or third-level) education awards in Ireland are conferred by more than 38 Higher Education Institutions.

Under the "Free Fees Initiative" the Exchequer will pay the tuition fees of students who meet relevant course, nationality and residence requirements as set down under the initiative. These requirements include:

• Holding EU nationality, or are a national of member country of the EEA or Switzerland or you have been granted official refugee status.
• Having been a resident in an EU Member State for at least three of the five years preceding entry to the course.
• Are not undertaking a second undergraduate course.

Students are required to pay a "registration fee" on entry to their courses. These charges cover costs just as equipment usage, administration fees and exam fees. Charges for 2008/09 were at average €850 per students, and have been raised to €1,500 per student for the 2009/10 school year.

All students between the ages of 6 and 16 are entitled to a place in school in the Irish State. Most children in Ireland begin school at the age of 4 (having reached 4 before the 1st of September). There are over 3,200 primary schools and 750 second level schools nationwide. Schools in general are State funded and charge no tuition fees. Note however, parents now pay an average of €174 nationally per child per week, rising to more than €250 per child per week in Dublin - which is nearly €1,000 a month for one child. And that is all out of after-tax income.

There are a wide variety of primary and second level schools to choose from. It is important to research well before deciding to accept a place for your child. You can get a list of Irish schools on a county-by-county basis from the Department of Education and Science www.education.ie

To enrol your child/teenager, contact the school of your choice directly. In areas of high population density such as Dublin you will need to enrol early (in some cases as soon as your child is born) to secure a place. In schools with waiting lists priority is often given to students from the local primary schools or students who have a relative already in the school. Contact the school for information on their admission policy.

The Irish government provides free education at both primary and secondary level, and approved third level courses are provided at no cost. Entry to approved third level courses is extremely competitive and places are allocated on the grades achieved in the Leaving Certificate - the final secondary level school exam.

 

Taxation & Finance

The Euro is made up of 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and €1. Paper notes come in denominations of €5, €10,

€20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Euro can be bought at all banks, major bus and train stations, ferry ports and airports. In addition, currency can also be exchanged in independent Bureaux de Change in cities and major towns.

Ireland was one of the first countries to qualify to join the "Euro-Zone" on 1 January 2002.

Ireland has a thoroughly modern financial system and banking is simple and convenient. ATM machines are located in the towns and cities and international credit cards and other financial instruments are widely accepted. Banking costs vary  so it is well worth shopping around before opening an account.

For up-to-date exchange rates see: http://www.x-rates.com/.

In order to open a bank account, you will need two forms of identification. One should have your photograph on it and the other one should show proof of residence in Ireland. It can take up to two weeks for the international transfer of money through the banking system. You should allow for this when deciding how much currency to bring with you in order to meet your initial expenses in the first few weeks after arrival.

Incomes and taxation

Income tax

Your new employer must deduct tax from your pay under the PAYE system. To make sure that your tax is properly dealt with from the start and that your employer deducts the right amount of tax from your pay you should do two things:

• Give your employer your PPS No. (Personal Public Service Number). He/she will then let the tax office know that you have started work.
• Apply for a certificate of tax credits by completing Form 12A (Application for a Certificate of Tax Credits and Standard Rate Cut-Off Point) and sending it to the tax office. Ask your employer for a form 12A. Your employer will tell you to which tax office the completed form 12A should be sent. If your employer does not have a form 12A, you can get one from any tax office or telephone Lo Call 1890 306706. Ideally, you should do all this as soon as you accept an offer of a job - even if it is only part-time or holiday employment. This will give your employer and the tax office time to get things sorted out before your first pay-day.

What happens next?

There are Personal tax allowances granted to individuals by a system of Tax Credits http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/credits/index.html .

The tax office will send you a Certificate of Tax Credits and Standard Rate Cut-Off Point, which sets out in detail the amount of tax credits due to you. The tax office will also send a Certificate of Tax Credits and Standard Rate Cut-Off Point to your employer which shows the total amount of your tax credits.

When do you start to pay income tax?

You will normally start to pay tax from your first pay-day. The amount of tax you pay depends on your level of pay and the amount of your tax credits.

Personal income tax rates

	at 20% first	at 41%
Single person	€36,400	Balance
Married couple (one income)	€45,400	Balance
Married couple (two incomes)	€72,800	Balance
One parent/ widowed parent	€40,400	Balance

Value Added Tax (VAT) http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/index.html is a tax on consumer spending. It is added to the price of most goods and services. The standard rate of VAT in Ireland is 21.5% although there are some exceptions.

Further information:
Revenue Commissioners
9/15 Upper O’Connell Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: (01) 414 9700 / 9777
Website: www.revenue.ie

 

Licence to Drive

If you have a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state you can drive in Ireland as long as your existing licence is valid. If you wish to exchange your driving licence for an equivalent Irish driving licence, you must do so within 10 years of your driving licence expiring.

If you are not from the EU/EEA member states, and you hold a national driving licence or an international driving permit from your own country, you may drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit (up to 12 months).
If your stay in Ireland will be more than 12 months you can apply for an Irish driving licence but you will need to go through the full driver licensing procedure. Further information can be found on the following website: http://www.theorytest.ie/index.php
 
Registering your car in the host country

In general, all new motor vehicles and vehicles brought into Ireland are subject to Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners. If you are moving to Ireland or are already living here and you are importing a car or other vehicle, you will need to do 3 things before you can drive your vehicle in Ireland:

• Pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) (unless you are exempt)
• Have motor insurance
• Pay motor tax

More information can be found on the National Car Testing Service website at: http://www.ncts.ie/index.html

 

Family Healthcare

All persons resident in Ireland are entitled to receive health care through the public health care system, which is managed by the Health Service Executive and funded by general taxation.

A person may be required to pay a subsidised fee for certain health care received; this depends on income, age, illness or disability. All child health and maternity services are provided free of charge as is emergency care.

Free healthcare - medical cards

A medical card issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) www.hse.ie in Ireland enables the bearer to receive certain health services free of charge. If your Income is below a certain level you may be entitled to free healthcare (a Medical Card). This can be checked at your local Health Service Executive office. If you are issued with a medical card, the card would normally cover you and your dependent spouse and child dependants. Details of your local Health Services Executive www.hse.ie office.
Those on slightly higher incomes are eligible for a GP Visit Card which entitles the holder to free general practitioner visits.

For persons over 70 years who are not entitled to a medical card or GP visit card they instead receive an annual cash grant of €400 up to a certain income.

People who are not entitled to a Medical Card (i.e. 68.1% of the population) must pay fees for certain health care services. There is a €100 A&E charge for those who attend an accident and emergency department without a referral letter from a family doctor (a visit to which usually costs €50-75).

Hospital charges (for inpatients) are a flat fee of €100 per day up to a maximum of €1000 in any twelve month period, irrespective of the actual care received. Specialist assessments and diagnostic assessments (such as X-rays, laboratory tests, physiotherapy, etc.) are provided for free. If a person cannot afford to pay hospital charges, the HSE will provide the services free of charge.

Accident and Emergency / Casualty

Most general hospitals and some specialist hospitals have accident and emergency or casualty departments which patients may attend without being referred by a GP. If you attend without a GP referral, you may be charged. However, if you have to return for further visits in relation to the same illness or accident, you do not have to pay the charge again.

Private Health Insurance

There are a number of providers of private health insurance in Ireland.

Private health Insurance companies:

• VHI Healthcare www.vhi.ie
• QUINN-healthcare www.quinn-healthcare.com
• Hibernian Aviva Health http://www.hibernianavivahealth.ie/

 

Irish Customs & Traditions

Ireland has two official languages - Irish Gaelic and English.

Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th) is Ireland’s official national day. It is a national holiday and festival parades are held in towns and cities all around the country.

The Irish landscape has many places of natural beauty and historical significance, which have influenced the artistic, cultural and literary nature of its people for thousands of years. Heritage Ireland www.heritageireland.ie website is designed to introduce you to some of the many rich and varied attractions of Ireland's heritage.

Music is an intrinsic part of Irish culture from the traditional Irish song and ballads in the past to our world famous modern musicians such as U2 and, Van Morrison. Dancing has always been part of Ireland’s culture and traditional dance has been revolutionised by the success of Riverdance http://www.riverdance.ie/ .

There are over 10,000 pubs in Ireland, many offering live traditional and modern music as well as pub-grub (food). All pubs and restaurants in Ireland are now smoke-free zones.

Gaelic football, hurling and camogie are very popular, traditional sports exclusive to Ireland and the Irish communities abroad. Fishing, sailing, horse racing, shooting, windsurfing, hill walking are all well supported and recognised sports.

Cost of living

To help prepare yourself, consult the list below which lists the approximate cost for basic necessities in Ireland:

Some examples:

Three course meal €40.00 - €50.00
Loaf of Bread €2.15
2 litre Milk: €2.10
1 litre Orange Juice: €3.20
Eggs dozen €1.70
Cheese (500g) Cheddar €3.60
Pasta Sauce: €2.20
Cornflakes: €3.00
McDonalds Quarter Pounder Meal: €5.95
Pint of Guinness: €5.00
Petrol (per litre): €1.40

 

The Political, Administrative and Legal Systems

The political system

The Irish Republic is a parliamentary democracy. The rules and customs that govern Ireland are set out in the constitution and can only be changed by a national referendum. The force of law in this country is regulated by the laws of the European Union as it is in every other EU member State.

The current Irish President, Mary McAleese is the Head of State and the guardian of the constitution. The President represents Ireland at home and abroad. Other functions of the President include Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, signatory of bills into law, Dissolution of the Dail (House of Representatives) to permit a general election. In Ireland power is shared between the government, the Oireachtas and the courts.

The administrative system

Elections are held in Ireland at least once every five years and are based on the system of proportional representation by universal suffrage.

You must be at least 18 years of age on 15 February, the day the voting register comes into force, in order to vote. While you may be entitled to register as a voter due to your residency, there may be a limit on the types of elections in which you can vote. The registration authority will need to know your citizenship because this will determine the elections at which you may vote.

The right to vote is as follows:

• Irish citizens may vote at every election and referendum
• British citizens may vote at Dáil elections, European elections and Local elections
• Other European Union (EU) citizens may vote at European and local elections
• Non-EU citizens may vote at local elections only

The legal system

The Irish Constitution is the basic set of rules by which the Republic of Ireland is governed. The Constitution has been modified by legislation following referendum to meet the needs of a changing society.

Justice in Ireland is administered by the courts in public. There are four main courts which include:

• The District Court – deals with civil and criminal cases
• The Circuit Court – deals with more serious cases such as robbery
• The High Court – deals with very serious cases
• The Supreme Court – the highest court in Ireland. It is the court of final appeal

Other courts in operation are the Special Criminal Court, the Court of Criminal Appeal, the Children’s Court and the Small Claims Court.

If you encounter any legal problems or even if you are purchasing a house or starting a business you will need to engage a solicitor. If you have a reason to go to court your solicitor will prepare your case for a barrister. The services of a barrister are normally required when a person in Ireland goes to court. Your barrister will act in your best interests at all times. Going to court in Ireland can be very costly. However, there is free legal aid for those who qualify. For further information on free legal aid in Ireland contact the Legal Aid Board www.legalaidboard.ie

 

Travel Information

By air

There are four main international airports in the Republic of Ireland:

1. Dublin Airport
2. Cork Airport
3. Shannon Airport
4. Ireland West Airport (Knock)

Dublin Airport is the busiest of these, carrying over 22 million passengers per year. The four major airports provide services to Britain and continental Europe, while Dublin, Shannon and Ireland West (Knock) also offer transatlantic services. For several decades, Shannon was an important refuelling point for transatlantic routes. In recent years it has opened a pre-screening service allowing passengers to pass through US immigration services before departing from Ireland.

There are also several smaller regional airports:

• Galway Airport
• Kerry Airport (Farranfore)
• Sligo Airport (Strandhill)
• Waterford Airport
• Donegal Airport (Carrickfinn)

In neighbouring Northern Ireland the airports are Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove), George Best Belfast City Airport and the City of Derry Airport.

By sea

Ireland has ports in major ports in Dublin, Cork, Rosslare, and Waterford. Smaller ports exist in Arklow, Ballina, Drogheda, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross, Sligo and Wicklow.

Ports in the Republic handle 3.6 million travellers crossing the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain each year.

Ferry connections between Great Britain and Ireland via the Irish Sea include routes from Swansea to Cork, Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare, Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire, Stranraer to Belfast and Larne and Cairnryan to Larne. There is also a connection between Liverpool and Belfast via the Isle of Man. The world's largest car ferry, the MV Ulysses, is operated by Irish Ferries on the Dublin–Holyhead route. In addition, Rosslare and Cork run ferries to France.

By rail

Railway routes, with major towns/station, mountains, ports and airports.

Long distance passenger trains in the Republic of Ireland are managed by Iarnród Éireann and connect most major towns and cities. In Northern Ireland, all rail services are provided by Northern Ireland Railways. Additionally, Ireland has one of the largest dedicated freight railways in Europe, operated by Bord na Móna totalling nearly 1,400 kilometres (870 mi).

In Dublin, two local rail networks provide transport in the city and its immediate vicinity. The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) links the city centre with coastal suburbs. A new light rail system, the Luas, opened in 2004 and transports passengers to the central and western suburbs.

Services in Northern Ireland are sparse in comparison to the rest of Ireland or Britain. Current services include suburban routes to Larne, Newry and Bangor, as well as services to Derry. There is also a branch from Coleraine to Portrush.

By road

Motorists in Ireland drive on the left. There is an extensive road network and a developing motorway network fanning out from Dublin and Belfast in particular.
The main bus companies are Bus Éireann in the Republic and Ulsterbus in Northern Ireland, both of which offer extensive passenger service in all parts of the island. Dublin Bus specifically serves the greater Dublin area and Metro operates services within the greater Belfast area.

Signposts and speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are shown in kilometres per hour.Distance and speed limit signs in Northern Ireland use imperial units in common with the rest of the United Kingdom.

 

Places to Visit

COUNTY CLARE

County Clare, steeped in history, offers beautiful seascapes, landscapes, lakes, cliffs, caves and music. There is a multitude of activities to enjoy indoors and out.
The Burren is over 500 square meters of karstic limestone and it is in the Northwest corner of County Clare.

You can walk your way to the discovery of ancient civilization on a 26-mile sign posted "Burren Way" from Ballyvaughn to Liscannor. There are stone dolmens, ring forts, churches, crannogs, monasteries, and holy wells. The Burren has over 60 Stone Age burial monuments and 400 Iron Age ring forts.

Alwee Caves were discovered in the 1940's. There are caverns, underground waterfalls, stalagmite and stalactite formations and remains of brown bears, which have been extinct in Ireland for thousands of years. The caves are open for guided tours.

Doolin is a very small port village where you can catch a ferry to the Aran Islands. It is famous for the quality of traditional music played in sessions at the three pubs.

The Cliffs of Moher just south of Doolin, are one of the most spectacular sights of The Burren. These majestic cliffs rise more than 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch five miles along the west coast of Clare One of the best views can be enjoyed from O'Brien's Tower, built in the early 1800's. On a clear day you can see as far as the Mountains of Kerry, Connemara and the Aran Islands. There are marked paths along the the cliffs to explore.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is one of the most complete and authentic 15th century medieval castles in Ireland. It has a long and bloody history. The castle is a combination of earlier Norman castles and the later Gaelic Tower Houses. It is furnished with a fine collection of medieval furniture, artwork and ornate carvings. Tours are available during the day. A four-course Medieval Banquet and entertainment with performers in traditional costume is offered in the evenings.

COUNTY DUBLIN

Dublin Citys current Irish name is Baile Atha Cliath, meaning "Town of the Ford of the Hurdles". Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It is the resident city of President Mary McAleese and is the place of operation for the Irish Government. Dublin is split by the River Liffey (An Life) and is spanned by ten bridges. The Royal Canal and the Grand Canal provide connections between the port area and the northern and southern branches of the River Shannon.

Dublin is a city steeped in history. Along with its rich past, Dublin has been made famous in song from "Molly Malone" (the Tart with the Cart), to "Summer in Dublin". It boasts of having the oldest pub in Ireland, "The Brazen Head", and the oldest university, Trinity College. It is a center of art and culture and is the largest cosmopolitan city in Ireland.

O'Connell Street is the main thoroughfare and the widest street. At the south end, is a huge monument of Daniel O'Connell. At the north end of O'Connell Street is a monument of Charles Stewart Parnell. Turn on to Henry Street for High Fashion shopping.

General Post Office (GPO), is located on O'Connell Street. It was the headquarters for the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and the provisional government of Ireland in the 1916 Easter Rising.

Old Jameson Distillery, on Bow Street in Smithfield Village, tells the story of the "Water of Life". Guided tours are offered in the original distillery and at the end you get a taste.

National Museum of Ireland, at Collins Barracks, includes displays and exhibitions of Ireland's social economic and military history.

Phoenix Park is located beside Collins Barracks and is the largest enclosed city park in Europe.

Dublin Zoological Gardens are located at Phoenix Park and is one of the best zoos in Europe. It is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.

Catholic Pro Cathedral, just off Marlborough Street, is architecture worth seeing.

Attractions South of the River Liffey:

• Temple Bar Area is the cultural quarter. This is a historical and eclectic area filled with art, theater, music, pubs, cafes, and the highest concentration of restaurants. There is the Market in Meeting House Square with organic foods, unique shops, book and music stores. It also plays host to many open-air events.
• Dublin's Viking Adventure is a journey back in time when the Vikings occupied the city. It explores how they lived and worked.
• Trinity College is one of the oldest centers of learning, dating back to the 16th century. The library is home to the world renowned 9th century Book of Kells, a Latin text of the four gospels, with meticulous artwork around the borders.
• Grafton Street is an upscale commercial district, with lots of shops, neat pubs, restaurants, music, and interesting side streets to explore.
• National Museum of Archaeology and History is located on Kildare Street. This branch houses artifacts from 2000 B.C. through the 20th century.
• National Museum of Natural History, located on Merrion Square West, houses specimens of wildlife and fauna, animals and mammals.
• National Gallery, located on Merrion Square West, houses many important art exhibits and sculptures by Irish and European artists.
• Guinness Brewery and Hop Shop provides exhibitions and tells of the Guinness Experience over 250 years of history.
• Dublin Castle, dates from the 13th century, when King John built the structure. It was the center of British power until 1922. It is also the Garda Siochana Museum, Police Force of the Republic of Ireland, along with the Irish Constabulary, the Royal Irish Constabulary, The Dublin Police, and the Dublin Metropolitan Police.
• Christchurch Cathedral is Dublin's oldest place of Christian worship. The Christian Norse, King Sitric, founded it in 1038. Part of the structure goes back to the 12th century. It is presently an Anglican Church.
• St. Patrick's Cathedral is the National Cathedral for the Anglican Church. Originally built in the 12th century, it is the burial site of Jonathan Swift, a former Dean and author of "Gulliver's Travels".
• Marsh's Library located beside St. Patrick's was the first public library in Ireland. It houses several thousand volumes dating back to the 16th century.
• Merrion Square is an upscale area with fine townhouses and the "Georgian Doors". The park is open to the public.

COUNTY CORK

County Cork is the largest county in Ireland; Cork City is the second largest city in the Republic. Blarney Castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster in 1446. The castle is located on a thousand acres of beautiful woodland, and is partially hidden by trees, some up to a thousand years old. The castle has been witness to the triumph and turmoil of Irish chiefs and enemy armies. By the 1700's the castle no longer functioned as a fortress.

Lore has it that when you kiss the Blarney Stone, you acquire the gift of "eloquent speech". To reach the Blarney Stone, you climb 120 steps to the roof. The stone is built into the outer face of a gap in the battlements. One of the legends tells that this stone is part of the "Stone of Destiny" on which the Scottish monarchs were crowned. The castle is five miles from Cork City and very popular with tourists.

Cobh, (pronounced cove), on the Great Island, is one of three large islands in Cork Harbour. It was the port of departure for many Irish during the Great Hunger from 1844 to 1848. At that time it was known as Queenstown. Many sailed hungry and penniless in the deplorable "coffin ships", but never reached their destination. The "Queenstown Story", a multi-media exhibit at Cobh's Victorian Railroad Station tells of their heart-wrenching story and the maritime history of this port.

Cobh also has the dubious distinction of being the last port of call for two of the worst maritime disasters in history. Cobh was the last berth for the Titanic and the Lusitania. The Lusitania sank in Cobh Harbour after being torpedoed by a German U-boat. The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage while crossing the Atlantic. There is a mass grave for the victims of Lusitania in the Old Church, near Casement Square. It is memorial to those that perished in both tragedies.

Cork City is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, with a population of 140,000. St. Finbarr first built a monastery on the site that would later become Cork City in the year 650. The city grew along the banks of the River Lee at the point where it splits into two channels. Ferries arrive and depart from the U.K. and France.

There is much history to be explored in Cork City, dating as far back as the 1st century. From the expansive trade it conducted in the 16th century, to the laws enacted against the importation of commodities, and the atrocities committed by the Englishman, Oliver Cromwell. Even the cobble of the streets has a story. There are quaint shops and museums. It is a bustling cosmopolitan city that offers diversity and cultural activities that appeal to all.

Fota Wildlife Park is on one of the three islands in Cork Harbour featuring 90 different species of wildlife where animals roam in their natural habitat. Cheetahs are the only caged animals. The park is the largest breeder of cheetahs in the world. The animals come from five continents. The arboretum has many exotic plants and trees. It is one of the best in Europe. A train is used to take visitors on a guided tour.

The complex also includes the Fota Island Golf Course and Fota House, an architecturally unique residence dating from the early 1800's.

Kinsale is a quaint fishing and resort town with a picture perfect harbour. There are wonderful narrow streets lined with colorfully painted buildings. It is renowned for its art galleries and gourmet restaurants. Kinsale is considered the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. There is an abundance of accommodations to choose from ranging in price and amenities. Kinsale is a very popular tourist spot, especially during the high season.

COUNTY GALWAY

Galway City (Gaillimh) is known as the City of Tribes after 14 merchant families who controlled and managed the city in medieval times. It is situated along the River Corrib at the mouth of Galway Bay. It became a thriving Anglo-Norman city relying on heavy trade to Europe. Today, the city is a growing and thriving university city that is further complemented by high tech industries. The city offers the arts in theatre, museums, and churches. There is a vibrant nightlife and music can be found everywhere. During the summer, Galway offers many festivals.

Eyre Square is in the center of Galway City. Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre is a short five-minute drive from the city. In the Hall of Tribes you learn of the merchants, seafarers, and artists who made up the original 14 tribes. You can discover the history of the Claddagh Village and the famous claddagh ring, learn the story of the glass craft, and watch craftspeople at work. The facility has a restaurant and showroom.

Connemara is located north of Galway City, at the western tip of the county. Connemara is known for its wild beauty. There are gorgeous islands, beaches and harbours. It is one of the most unspoiled regions of Ireland. Connemara is a vibrant Gaelic speaking area. One is never too far from the mountain view of the Twelve Bens. There are regattas at some of the coastal villages along with other water sports.

Clifden known as the capital of Connemara offers beautiful beaches, unique shops and antiques.

Roundstone is a fishing village situated in the heart of Connemara. There are great beaches here as well. It is the home of the "Roundstone Musical Instruments", which are handmade by Malachy Kearn.

Aran Islands are located 30 miles off the Irish coast. It is a barren landscape comprised of exposed limestone terraces that ends in a shear 300-foot drop to the Atlantic Ocean. The Celtic cliff edge fortress of Dun Aengus is of world importance. The cliffs and seas are home to gannets, choughs, otters, dolphins, and whales. The rocky craggy provide a rich habitat for over 400 wild plants and flowers. The Aran Islands consist of three islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer.

COUNTY KERRY

County Kerry often referred to as "The Kingdom", offers a multitude of contrasts, from viewing the astounding scenery, climbing the highest mountain in Ireland (Carrantuohill- 3,414 feet), to enjoying the beauty of the Lakes of Killarney. The climate in Kerry is more unique than other places in Ireland. The warm waters from the Gulf Stream bathe the coastline. The water is generally warm enough to swim in all year. Very beautiful flora flourishes here.

Dingle Peninsula stretches from Tralee (Tra Li) and the village of Castlemaine (Caislean na Mainge) to the tip of Slea Head (Ceann Slebhe) to the Blasket Islands (Na Blascaodi). The Dingle Peninsula is one of three hilly promontories of County Kerry, with mountains, coastlines, and beaches. There are many small villages that are still Gaelic speaking, and have developed their own character.

Dingle Town (An Daingean) is a fishing village that offers a wonderful selection of shops, restaurants and pubs with marvelous traditional music.

Killarney (Cill Airne, meaning church of the Sloes), dating back to 1604, is an area that now caters to the tourist. There are a multitude of places to shop, stay and enjoy a drink. Killarney is famed for its natural beauty in the mountains, lakes, and landscape.

The Ring of Kerry is located on the Peninsula of Iveragh (Uibh Rathach). It lies between Dingle Bay and The Kenmare River. It is 110 miles of gorgeous coastal and mountain scenery, enveloping the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, and Killarney. Each town has its own personality. You can drive the Ring or take one of the coach tours. It can be a treacherous drive. This is one of the most spectacular sites in all of Ireland.

COUNTY MEATH

County Meath has traditionally been known as the Royal County. This was the seat of the ancient Kings of Ireland at Tara. It is also the county where the Book of Kells originated, now housed in Trinity College, Dublin. In the Boyne Valley of County Meath are some of Ireland's most important archeological monuments, including the Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Fourknocks, Loughcrew and Tara. Access to the sites are available at Bru na Boinne Irish Heritage Site.

COUNTY OFFALY

County Offaly is situated in the Midlands, offers bogs, meadowlands, and undiscovered pleasure.

Clonmacnoise is located at Shannonbridge, on the banks of the River Shannon. It is one of the most famous monastic sites. Clonmacnoise began as an isolated monastery founded by St. Ciaran in 545 A.D. It is an ecclesiastical site, with ruins of a cathedral, eight churches, and three high crosses, one of which is a carved 'Cross of the Scriptures'. There are two round towers - the O'Rouke Round Tower that was hit by lightening in the 10th century. The second, the McCarthy Tower from the 12th century, this is still in excellent condition. Also part of the ruins is a castle, two holy wells, and ancient cemeteries, in one of which the last High King of Ireland is buried, Rory O'Connor.

Irish chieftains, Vikings and Anglo-Normans plundered Clonmacnoise. Cromwell's forces devastated it beyond restoration. There are guided tours during the summer months; a video presentation at the Visitor Center, and an informative five-mile trail tour of the Blackwater.

COUNTY TIPPERARY

Rock of Cashel dates back a thousand years before St. Patrick. It was the stronghold of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland in the 10th century. The ruin consists of a large cathedral, ancient round tower, and Cormac's Chapel. It is situated on the top of a rocky hill. Bru Boru is the interpretive center at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. Along with the history of the area, the center incorporates folk theater, a craft center, genealogy site, and an information center. Guided tours are also available.

COUNTY WICKLOW

County Wicklow is often referred to as the "Garden of Ireland". County Wicklow has some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Ireland. It has spectacular views of mountains, valleys, lakes and coastline. Wicklow is located just south of Dublin and makes for a wonderful day trip or overnight stay.