Republic of IrelandFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIreland[a]ire(Irish)

FlagCoat of arms

Anthem:"Amhrn na bhFiann""The Soldiers' Song"

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Location ofIreland(dark green)inEurope(green &dark grey)in theEuropean Union(green)

Capitaland largest cityDublin5320.65N616.05W

Official languages Irish English[1]

National languageIrish[1]

Ethnicgroups(2011[2][3]) 84.5%WhiteIrish 9.1% Other White 1.9% Asian/ Asian Irish 1.4% Black/ Black Irish 0.7% WhiteIrish Traveller

DemonymIrish

GovernmentUnitaryparliamentaryconstitutional republic

-PresidentMichael D. Higgins

-TaoiseachEnda Kenny

-TnaisteJoan Burton

LegislatureOireachtas

-Upper houseSeanad

-Lower houseDil

Independencefrom theUnited Kingdom

-Proclamation24 April 1916

-Declaration21 January 1919

-Anglo-Irish Treaty6 December 1921

-1922 Constitution6 December 1922

-Statute of Westminster11 December 1931

-1937 constitution29 December 1937

-Republic Act18 April 1949

-JoinedEEC(EU)1 January 1973

Area

-Total70,273km2(120th)27,133sqmi

-Water(%)2.00

Population

-2014estimate4,609,600[4]

-2011census4,588,252[5](121st)

-Density65.3/km2(142nd)168.8/sqmi

GDP(PPP)2015estimate

-Total$235.850 billion[6](56th)

-Per capita$48,787[6](11th)

GDP(nominal)2015estimate

-Total$252.640 billion[6](42nd)

-Per capita$52,256[6](14th)

Gini(2011)29.8[7]low

HDI(2013)0.899[8]very high11th

CurrencyEuro()[note 1](EUR)

Time zoneGMT/WET(UTC)

-Summer(DST)IST/WEST(UTC+1)

Date formatdd/mm/yyyy

Drives on theleft

Calling code+353

ISO 3166 codeIE

Internet TLD.ie[b]

a.^Article 4of theConstitution of Irelanddeclares that the name of the state isIreland;Section 2of theRepublic of Ireland Act 1948declares thatRepublic of Irelandis "the description of the State".[9]

b.^The.eudomain is also used, as it is shared with other European Union member states.

Ireland(i/arlnd/;Irish:ire[e.]), also known as theRepublic of Ireland(Irish:Poblacht na hireann), is asovereign statein north westernEuropeoccupying about five-sixths of theisland of Ireland. The capital and largest city isDublin, located in the eastern part of the island, whose metropolitan area is home to around a third of the country's 4.6 million inhabitants. The state shares its only land border withNorthern Ireland, apartof theUnited Kingdom. It is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with theCeltic Seato the south,Saint George's Channelto the south east, and theIrish Seato the east. It is aunitary,parliamentary republic[10]with an electedpresidentserving ashead of state. Thehead of government, theTaoiseach, is nominated by thelower houseof parliament,Dil ireann.TheIrish Free Statewas created in 1922 as a result of theAnglo-Irish Treaty. It effectively became a republic, with an elected president, under theconstitution of 1937, in which it was named "Ireland". It was officially declared a republic in 1949. Ireland became a member of theUnited Nationsin December 1955. It joined theEuropean Economic Community(EEC), predecessor of theEuropean Union, in 1973. The state had no formal relations with Northern Ireland for most of the twentieth century, but during the 1980s and 1990s the British and Irish governments worked with the Northern Ireland parties towards a resolution to the "Troubles". Since the signing of theGood Friday Agreementin 1998, the Irish government and Northern Ireland executive have co-operated on a number of policy areas under theNorth-South Ministerial Councilcreated by the Agreement.Ireland ranks among the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita.[11]After joining the EEC, Ireland enacted a series ofliberal economic policiesthat resulted in rapid economic growth. The country achieved considerable prosperity from 1995 to 2007, during which it became known as theCeltic Tiger. This was halted by an unprecedentedfinancial crisisthat began in 2008, in conjunction with the concurrentglobal economic crash.[12][13]In 2011 and 2013, Ireland was ranked as the seventh-most developed country in the world by the United NationsHuman Development Index.[14]It also performs well in several metrics of national performance, includingfreedom of the press,economic freedomandcivil liberties. Ireland is a member of theEuropean Unionand is a founding member of theCouncil of Europeand theOECD. The Irish constitution binds the country to a policy ofneutralitythrough non-alignment and the country is consequently not a member ofNATO,[15]although it does participate inPartnership for Peace.Contents 1Name 2History 2.1Home-rule movement 2.2Revolution and steps to independence 2.3Irish Civil War 2.41937 Constitution 2.5Recent history 3Geography 3.1Climate 4Politics 4.1Local government 4.2Law 4.3Foreign relations 4.4Military 5Economy 5.1Development 5.2Trade and energy 5.3Transport 6Demographics 6.1Languages 6.2Healthcare 6.3Education 6.4Religion 7Culture 7.1Literature 7.2Music and dance 7.3Architecture 7.4Media 7.5Cuisine 7.6Sports 7.7Society 7.8State symbols 8See also 9Notes 9.1Footnotes 9.2Citations 10References 11Further reading 12External linksNameThe 1922 state, comprising 26 of the 32counties of Ireland, was "styled and known as the Irish Free State."[16]TheConstitution of Ireland, adopted in 1937, provides that "the name of the State is ire, or, in the English language, Ireland". Article 2 of theRepublic of Ireland Act 1948states, "It is hereby declared that the description of the State shall be the Republic of Ireland." The 1948 Act does notnamethe state as "Republic of Ireland", because to have done so would have put it in conflict with the Constitution.[17]The government of the United Kingdom used the name "Eire" (without thediacritic), and, from 1949, "Republic of Ireland", for the state,[18]it was not until the 1998Good Friday Agreementthat it used the name "Ireland".[19]As well as "Ireland", "ire" or "the Republic of Ireland", the state is also referred to as "the Republic", "Southern Ireland" or "the South".[20]In anIrish republicancontext it is often referred to as "the Free State" or "the 26 Counties".[21]HistoryHome-rule movementFrom theAct of Unionon 1 January 1801 until 6 December 1922, the island of Ireland was part of theUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. During theGreat Famine, from 1845 to 1849, the island's population of over 8 million fell by 30%. One million Irish died of starvation and/or disease and another 1.5 million emigrated, particularly to the United States.[22]This set the pattern of emigration for the century to come, resulting in a constant population decline up to the 1960s.

TheIrish Parliamentary Partywas formed in 1882 byCharles Stewart Parnell(18461891).From 1874, particularly underCharles Stewart Parnellfrom 1880, theIrish Parliamentary Partymoved to prominence through widespread agrarian agitation, via theIrish Land League, that won improved tenantland reformsin the form of theIrish Land Acts, and with its attempts to achieveHome Rule, via two unsuccessful Bills which would have granted Ireland limited national autonomy. These led to the "grass-roots" control of national affairs under theLocal Government Act 1898previously in the hands of landlord-dominatedgrand juriesof theProtestant Ascendancy.Home Rule seemed certain when theParliament Act 1911abolished the veto of theHouse of Lords, andJohn Redmondsecured the ThirdHome Rule Act 1914. However, theUnionist movementhad been growing since 1886 among Irish Protestants after the introduction of the first home rule bill, fearing discrimination and loss of economic and social privileges ifIrish Catholicsachieved real political power. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century unionism was particularly strong in parts ofUlster, where industrialisation was more common in contrast to the more agrarian rest of the island. It was feared that any tariff barriers would heavily affect that region. In addition, the Protestant population was more prominent in Ulster, with a majority in four counties. Under the leadership of the Dublin-bornSir Edward Carsonof theIrish Unionist Partyand the northernerSir James Craigof theUlster Unionist Party, unionists becamestrongly militantin order to opposethe Coercion of Ulster. After the Home Rule Bill passed parliament in May 1914, to avoid rebellion with Ulster, the British Prime MinisterH. H. Asquithintroduced anAmending Billreluctantly conceded to by the Irish Party leadership. This provided for the temporary exclusion of Ulster from the workings of the bill for a trial period of six years, with an as yet undecided new set of measures to be introduced for the area to be temporarily excluded.Revolution and steps to independence

Easter Proclamation, 1916Though it received theRoyal Assentand was placed on the statute books in 1914, the implementation of theThird Home Rule Actwas suspended until after theFirst World War. For the prior reasons of ensuring the implementation of the Act at the end of the war, Redmond and his IrishNational Volunteerssupported Britain, with 175,000 joiningIrish regimentsof the10th (Irish),16th (Irish), while Unionists joined the36th (Ulster)divisions of theNew British Army.[23]The core of theIrish Volunteers, who opposed any support of Britain, together with theIrish Citizen Armylaunched an armed insurrection against British Rule in the 1916Easter Rising. This commenced on 24 April 1916 with the declaration of independence. After a week of heavy fighting, primarily in Dublin, the surviving rebels were forced to surrender their positions. The majority were imprisoned but fifteen of the prisoners (including most of the leaders) were executed as traitors to Britain. This includedPatrick Pearse, the man recognised as Ireland's first President and founding father of the modern Irish nation, as well asJames Connolly, socialist and founder of theIndustrial Workers of the Worldunion, and both the Irish and Scottish Labour movements, who was General during the rising and wounded. This event had a profound effect on public opinion in Ireland.In January 1919, after the December1918 general election, 73 of Ireland's 106MPselected wereSinn Finmembers who refused to take their seats in theBritish House of Commons. Instead, they set up an Irish parliament calledDil ireann.This Dilin January 1919 issued aDeclaration of Independenceand proclaimed anIrish Republic. The Declaration was mainly a restatement of the1916 Proclamationwith the additional provision that Ireland was no longer a part of the United Kingdom. The new Irish Republic was recognised internationally only by theRussian Soviet Republic.[24]The Republic'sAireacht(ministry) sent a delegation underCeann ComhairleSen T. O'Kellyto theParis Peace Conferenceof 1919, but it was not admitted.

In 1922 a new parliament called theOireachtaswas established, of whichDil ireannbecame thelower house.After theWar of Independenceand truce called in July 1921, representatives of theBritish governmentand the Irish treaty delegates, led byArthur Griffith,Robert BartonandMichael Collins, negotiated the Anglo-Irish Treaty in London from 11 October to 6 December 1921. The Irish delegates set up headquarters atHans PlaceinKnightsbridgeand it was here in private discussions that the decision was taken on 5 December to recommend the Treaty to Dil ireann. The SecondDil ireannnarrowly ratifiedthe Treaty.In accordance with the Treaty, on 6 December 1922 the entire island of Ireland became a self-governingDominioncalled theIrish Free State(Saorstt ireann). Under theConstitution of the Irish Free State, theParliament of Northern Irelandhad the option to leave the Irish Free State exactly one month later and return to the United Kingdom. During the intervening period, the powers of theParliament of the Irish Free StateandExecutive Council of the Irish Free Statedid not extend to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland exercised its right under the Treaty to leave the new Dominion and rejoined the United Kingdom on 8 December 1922. It did so by making an address to the King requesting, "that the powers of the Parliament and Government of the Irish Free State shall no longer extend to Northern Ireland."[25]The Irish Free State was aconstitutional monarchysharing a monarch with the United Kingdom and other Dominions of theBritish Commonwealth. The country had agovernor-general(representing the monarch), abicameralparliament, a cabinet called the "Executive Council", and a prime minister called thePresident of the Executive Council.Irish Civil War

amon de Valera(18821975)TheIrish Civil Warwas the consequence of the creation of the Irish Free State. Anti-Treaty forces, led byamon de Valera, objected to the fact that acceptance of the TreatyabolishedtheIrish Republicof 1919 to which they had sworn loyalty, arguing in the face of public support for the settlement that the "people have no right to do wrong". They objected most to the fact that the state would remain part of theBritish Empireand that members of theFree State Parliamentwould have to swear, what the Anti-Treaty side saw as, an oath of fidelity to the British King. Pro-Treaty forces, led byMichael Collins, argued that the Treaty gave "not the ultimate freedom that all nations aspire to and develop, but the freedom to achieve it".At the start of the war, theIrish Republican Army(IRA) split into two opposing camps: a pro-treaty IRA and ananti-treaty IRA. The pro-Treaty IRA disbanded and joined the newNational Army. However, through the lack of an effective command structure in the anti-Treaty IRA, and their defensive tactics throughout the war, Michael Collins and his pro-treaty forces were able to build up an army with many tens of thousands of World War I veterans from the 1922 disbandedIrish regimentsof the British Army, capable of overwhelming the anti-Treatyists. British supplies of artillery, aircraft, machine-guns and ammunition boosted pro-treaty forces, and the threat of a return of Crown forces to the Free State removed any doubts about the necessity of enforcing the treaty. The lack of public support for the anti-treaty forces (often called theIrregulars) and the determination of the government to overcome the Irregulars contributed significantly to their defeat.1937 ConstitutionFollowing anational referendum, on 29 December 1937 the newConstitution of Ireland(Bunreacht na hireann) came into force. This replaced theConstitution of the Irish Free Stateand called the stateIreland, orirein Irish.[26]Articles 2 and 3of the Constitution asserted a nominal territorial claim over the whole island, considering thepartition of Irelandunder the 1922Anglo-Irish Treatyillegitimate. The former Irish Free State government had taken steps to formally abolish the Office ofGovernor-Generalsome months before the new Constitution came into force.[27]Although the Constitution established the office ofPresident of Ireland, the question over whether Ireland was a republic remained open. Diplomats were accredited to the King, but the President exercised the internal functions of a Head of State.[28]For instance, the President gave assent to new laws with his own authority, without reference toKing George VI. George VI was only an "organ", that was provided for by statute law.Ireland remained neutralduring World War II, a period it described as theEmergency. Ireland's technical link with the Commonwealth was terminated with the passage of theRepublic of Ireland Act 1948, which came into force on 18 April 1949 and declared that the state was a republic. At the time, a declaration of a republic terminated Commonwealth membership. This rule was changed 10 days after Ireland declared itself a republic, with theLondon Declarationof 28 April 1949. Ireland did not reapply when the rules were altered to permit republics to join. Later, the Crown of Ireland Act was formally repealed in Ireland by the Statute Law Revision (Pre-Union Irish Statutes) Act, 1962.Recent history

In 1973 Ireland joined theEECalong with the United Kingdom and Denmark. The country signed theLisbon Treatyin 2007.Ireland became a member of theUnited Nationsin December 1955, after previously being denied membership due to itsneutral stanceduring the Second World War and not supporting theAllied cause.[29]At the time, joining the UN involved a commitment to using force to deter aggression by one state against another if the UN thought it was necessary.[30]Interest towards membership of theEuropean Economic Communitydeveloped in Ireland during the 1950s, with consideration also given to membership of theEuropean Free Trade Area. As the United Kingdom intended on EEC membership, Ireland formally applied for membership in July 1961 due to the substantial economic linkages with the United Kingdom. However, the founding EEC members remained skeptical regarding Ireland's economic capacity, neutrality, and unattractiveprotectionistpolicy.[31]Many Irish economists and politicians realised that economic policy reform was necessary. The prospect of EEC membership became doubtful in 1963 when French President GeneralCharles de Gaullestated that France opposed Britain's accession, which ceased negotiations with all other candidate countries. However, in 1969 his successor,Georges Pompidou, was not opposed to British and Irish membership. Negotiations began and in 1972 the Treaty of Accession was signed. Areferendum held in 1972confirmed Ireland's entry, and it finally succeeded in joining the EEC in 1973.[32]The economic crisis of the late 1970s was fueled byFianna Fil's budget, the abolition of the car tax, excessive borrowing, and global economic instability. There were significant policy changes from 1989 onwards, with economic reform, tax cuts, welfare reform, an increase in competition, and a ban on borrowing to fund current spending. This policy began in 19891992 by the Fianna Fil/Progressive Democratgovernment, and continued by the subsequent Fianna Fil/Labourgovernment andFine Gael/Labour/Democratic Leftgovernment. Ireland became one of the world's fastest growing economies by the late 1990s in what was known as theCeltic Tigerperiod, which lasted until the globalFinancial crisis of 200708.In the Northern Ireland question, the British and Irish governments started to seek a peaceful resolution to the violent conflict involving manyparamilitariesand theBritish Armyin Northern Ireland known as "The Troubles". A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as theGood Friday Agreement, was approved in 1998 in referendums north and south of the border. As part of the peace settlement, the territorial claim to Northern Ireland inArticles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Irelandwas removed by referendum.Geography

TheCliffs of Moheron the Atlantic coastThe state extends over an area of about five-sixths (70,273km2or 27,133sqmi) of the island ofIreland(84,421km2or 32,595sqmi), withNorthern Irelandconstituting the remainder. The island is bounded to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the northeast by theNorth Channel. To the east, theIrish Seaconnects to the Atlantic Ocean viaSt George's Channeland theCeltic Seato the southwest.The western landscape mostly consists of rugged cliffs, hills and mountains. The central lowlands are extensively covered with glacial deposits of clay and sand, as well as significant areas ofboglandand several lakes. The highest point isCarrauntoohil(1,038m or 3,406ft), located in theMacgillycuddy's Reeksmountain range in the southwest. TheRiver Shannon, which traverses the central lowlands, is the longest river in Ireland at 386 kilometres or 240 miles in length. The west coast is more rugged than the east, with numerous islands,peninsulas,headlandsandbays.

Deciduous woodland inCounty Kerrywith the ground covered inramsons(wild garlic)Before the arrival of the first settlers in Ireland about 9,000 years ago, the land was largely covered by forests ofoak,ash,elm,hazel,yew, and other native trees.[33]The growth ofblanket bogand the extensive clearing of woodland to facilitate farming are believed to be the main causes ofdeforestationduring the following centuries. Today, about 12% of Ireland is forested, of which a significant majority is composed of mainly non-nativeconiferousplantations for commercial use.[34]Ideal soil conditions, high rainfall and a mild climate give Ireland the highest growth rates for forests in Europe.Hedgerows, which are traditionally used to define land boundaries, are an important substitute for woodland habitat, providing refuge for native wild flora and a wide range of insect, bird and mammal species.[35]

Glendaloughvalley inCounty WicklowAgricultureaccounts for about 64% of the total land area.[36]This has resulted in limited land to preserve natural habitats, in particular for larger wild mammals with greater territorial requirements.[37]The long history of agricultural production coupled with modern agricultural methods, such aspesticideandfertiliseruse, has placed pressure onbiodiversity.[2]ClimateTheAtlantic Oceanand the warming influence of theGulf Streamaffect weather patterns in Ireland.[38]Temperatures differ regionally, with central and eastern areas tending to be more extreme. However, due to atemperateoceanic climate, temperatures are seldom lower than 5C (23F) in winter or higher than 26C (79F) in summer.[39]The highest temperature recorded in Ireland was 33.3C (91.9F) on 26 June 1887 atKilkenny Castlein Kilkenny, while the lowest temperature recorded was 19.1C (2.4F) atMarkree Castlein Sligo.[40]Rainfall is more prevalent during winter months and less so during the early months of summer. Southwestern areas experience the most rainfall as a result of south westerly winds, whileDublinreceives the least. Sunshine duration is highest in the southeast of the country.[38]The far north and west are two of the windiest regions in Europe, with great potential forwind energygeneration.[41]Politics

PresidentMichael D. HigginsIreland is aconstitutional republicwith aparliamentary systemof government. TheOireachtasis thebicameralnational parliament composed of thePresident of Irelandand the two Houses of the Oireachtas:Seanad ireann(Senate) andDil ireann(House of Representatives).[42]ras an Uachtarinis theofficial residenceof the President of Ireland, while the houses of the Oireachtas meet atLeinster HouseinDublin.The President serves ashead of state, and is elected for a seven-year term and may be re-elected once. The President is primarily afigurehead, but is entrusted with certain constitutional powers with the advice of theCouncil of State. The office has absolute discretion in some areas, such as referring a bill to the Supreme Court for a judgement on its constitutionality.[43]Michael D. Higginsbecame the ninth President of Ireland on 11 November 2011.[44]TheTaoiseachserves as thehead of governmentand is appointed by the President upon the nomination of theDil. MostTaoisighhave served as the leader of the political party that gains the most seats in national elections. It has become customary forcoalitionsto form a government, as there has not been a single-party government since 1989.[45]Enda Kennyassumed the office of Taoiseach on 9 March 2011.

TaoiseachEnda KennyTheSeanadis composed of sixty members, with eleven nominated by theTaoiseach, six elected by two universities, and 43 elected by public representatives from panels of candidates established on a vocational basis. TheDilhas 166 members (Teachta Dla) elected to represent multi-seatconstituenciesunder the system ofproportional representationand by means of thesingle transferable vote.TheGovernmentis constitutionally limited to fifteen members. No more than two members can be selected from theSeanad, and theTaoiseach,Tnaiste(deputy prime minister) andMinister for Financemust be members of theDil. The Dil must be dissolved within five years after its first meeting following the previous election,[46]and a general election for members of the Dil must take place no later than thirty days after the dissolution. According to theConstitution of Ireland, parliamentary elections must be held at least every seven years, though a lower limit may be set by statute law. The current government is a coalition administration led byFine Gaelwith Enda Kenny asTaoiseach, supported by theLabour PartywithJoan BurtonasTnaiste. Opposition parties in the currentDilareFianna Fil,Sinn Fin, theSocialist Party, thePBPA, theWUAG, as well as a number ofIndependents.

Government BuildingsIreland has been amember state of the European Unionsince 1973, but has chosen to remain outside theSchengen Area. Citizens of the United Kingdom can freely enter the country without a passport due to theCommon Travel Area, which is a passport-free zone comprising the islands of Ireland, Great Britain, theIsle of Manand theChannel Islands. However, some identification is required at airports and seaports.Local governmentTheLocal Government Act 1898[47]is the founding document of the present system of local government, while theTwentieth Amendment to the constitutionof 1999 provided for its constitutional recognition. The twenty-six traditionalcounties of Irelandare not always coterminous with administrative divisions although they are generally used as a geographical frame of reference by the population of Ireland. TheLocal Government Reform Act 2014provides for a system ofthirty-one local authorities- twenty-six county councils, two city and county councils and three city councils.[47]Below this (with the exception of the Dublin Region and the three city councils) aremunicipal districts, replacing a previous system oftown councils.1. Fingal2. Dublin City3. Dn LaoghaireRathdown4. South Dublin5. Wicklow6. Wexford7. Carlow8. Kildare9. Meath10. Louth11. Monaghan12. Cavan13. Longford14. Westmeath15. Offaly16. Laois17. Kilkenny18. Waterford19. Cork City20. Cork21. Kerry22. Limerick23. Tipperary24. Clare25. Galway26. Galway City27. Mayo28. Roscommon29. Sligo30. Leitrim31. Donegal

Local authorities are responsible for matters such as planning, local roads, sanitation, and libraries.Dil constituenciesare required to follow county boundaries as much as possible. Counties with greater populations have multiple constituencies, some of more than one county, but generally do not cross county boundaries. The counties are grouped into eightregions, each with a Regional Authority composed of members delegated by the various county and city councils in the region. The regions do not have any direct administrative role as such, but they serve for planning, coordination and statistical purposes.Law

TheFour Courts, completed in 1802, is the location of theSupreme Court, theHigh Courtand theDublin Circuit Court.Ireland has acommon lawlegal systemwith a written constitution that provides for aparliamentary democracy. The court system consists of theSupreme Court, theCourt of Appeal, theHigh Court, theCircuit Courtand theDistrict Court, all of which apply thelaw of Ireland. Trials for serious offences must usually be held before ajury. The High Court and the Supreme Court have authority, by means ofjudicial review, to determine the compatibility of laws and activities of other institutions of the state with the constitution and the law. Except in exceptional circumstances, court hearings must occur in public. TheCriminal Courts of Justiceis the principal building for the criminal courts.[48][49]It includes the Dublin Metropolitan District Court, Court of Criminal Appeal,Dublin Circuit Criminal Courtand Central Criminal Court.[48]

TheCriminal Courts of Justiceis the principal building for criminal courts.Garda Sochna na hireann(Guardians of the Peace of Ireland), more commonly referred to as the Garda, is the state's civilian police force. The force is responsible for all aspects of civil policing, both in terms of territory and infrastructure. It is headed by the Garda Commissioner, who is appointed by the Government. Most uniformed members do not routinely carryfirearms. Standard policing is traditionally carried out by uniformed officers equipped only with abatonandpepper spray.[50]TheMilitary Policeis the corps of theIrish Armyresponsible for the provision of policing service personnel and providing a military police presence to forces while on exercise and deployment. In wartime, additional tasks include the provision of a traffic control organisation to allow rapid movement of military formations to their mission areas. Other wartime roles include control ofprisoners of warand refugees.[51]Ireland'scitizenship lawsrelate to "the island of Ireland", including islands and seas, thereby extending them toNorthern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Therefore, anyone born in Northern Ireland who meets the requirements for being an Irish citizen, such as birth on the island of Ireland to an Irish or British citizen parent or a parent who is entitled to live in Northern Ireland or the Republic without restriction on their residency,[52]may exercise an entitlement to Irish citizenship, such as anIrish passport.[53]Foreign relationsForeign relations are substantially influenced by membership of the European Union, although bilateral relations with the United States and United Kingdom are also important.[54]It held thePresidency of the Council of the European Unionon six occasions, most recently from January to June 2013.[55]

Ireland has been amember state of the European Unionsince 1973.Ireland tends towards independence in foreign policy, thus the country is not a member ofNATOand has alongstandingpolicy of military neutrality. This policy has helped theIrish Defence Forcesto be successful in their contributions to peace-keeping missions with the United Nations since 1960, during theCongo Crisisand subsequently inCyprus,LebanonandBosnia and Herzegovina.[56]DespiteIrish neutrality during World War II, Ireland had more than 50,000participants in the warthrough enlistment in the British armed forces. During theCold War, Irish military policy, while ostensibly neutral, was biased towards NATO.[57]During theCuban Missile Crisis,Sen Lemassauthorised the search of Cuban and Czechoslovak aircraft passing through Shannon and passed the information to theCIA.[58]Ireland's air facilities were used by the United States military for the delivery of military personnel involved in the2003 invasion of IraqthroughShannon Airport. The airport had previously been used for theinvasion of Afghanistanin 2001, as well as theFirst Gulf War.[59]Since 1999, Ireland has been a member of NATO'sPartnership for Peace(PfP) program, which is aimed at creating trust between NATO and other states in Europe and the former Soviet Union.[60][61]Military

Irish ArmyMowag PiranhaAFVat 2006 Easter Military Parade inDublinThe Defence Forces are made up of theArmy,Naval Service,Air CorpsandReserve Defence Force. It is small but well equipped, with almost 10,000 full-time military personnel.[62]Ireland is aneutral country,[63]and has "triple-lock" rules governing the participation of Irish troops in conflict zones, whereby approval must be given by the UN, theDiland Government.[64]Daily deployments of the Defence Forces coveraid to civil poweroperations, protection and patrol of Irish territorial waters andEEZby the Irish Naval Service, and UN, EU andPfPpeace-keeping missions. By 1996, over 40,000 Irish service personnel had served in international UN peacekeeping missions.[65]The Irish Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces and operates sixteen fixed wing aircraft and eight helicopters. The Irish Naval Service is Ireland's Navy, and operates eightpatrol ships, and smaller numbers of inflatable boats and training vessels, and has armed boarding parties capable of seizing a ship and a special unit offrogmen. The military includes the Reserve Defence Forces (Army ReserveandNaval Service Reserve) for non-active reservists. Ireland's special forces include theArmy Ranger Wing, which trains and operates with international special operations units. The President is the formal Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, but in practice answers to the Government via theMinister for Defence.Economy

Ireland is part of the EU (dark grey & dark blue) andEurozone(dark blue).DevelopmentThe Irish economy has transformed since the 1980s from being predominantly agricultural to a modernknowledge economyfocused on high technology industries and services. Ireland adopted the euro currency in 2002 along with eleven otherEU member states.[2]The country is heavily reliant onForeign Direct Investmentand has attracted severalmultinational corporationsdue to a highly educated workforce and a lowcorporation taxrate.[66]Companies such asIntelinvested in Ireland during the late 1980s, later followed byMicrosoftandGoogle. Ireland is ranked as the ninth most economically free economy in the world, according to theIndex of Economic Freedom. In terms ofGDPper capita, Ireland is one of the wealthiest countries in theOECDandEU. However, the country ranks below the OECD average in terms ofGNPper capita. GDP is significantly greater than GNP due to the large number of multinational corporations based in Ireland.[66]Beginning in the early 1990s, the country experienced unprecedented economic growth fuelled by a dramatic rise in consumer spending, construction and investment, which became known as theCeltic Tigerperiod. The pace of growth slowed during 2007 and led to the burst of a majorproperty bubblewhich had developed over time.[67]The dramatic fall in property prices highlighted the over-exposure of the economy to construction and contributed to theIrish banking crisis. Ireland officially entered arecessionin 2008 following consecutive months of economic contraction.[68]GNP contracted by 11.3% in 2009 alone, the largest annual decline in GNP since 1950.[69]The country officially exited recession in 2010, assisted by a strong growth in exports.[70]However, due to a significant rise in the cost of public borrowing due to government guarantees of private banking debt, the Irish government accepted an 85 billion programme of assistance from the EU,International Monetary Fund(IMF) and bilateral loans from the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark.[71]Following three years of contraction, the economy grew by 0.7% in 2011 and 0.9% in 2012.[72]The unemployment rate was 14.7% in 2012, including 18.5% among recent immigrants.[73]In March 2014 theunemployment ratewas reported by theCentral Statistics Office (Ireland)to be 11.8%, down from a peak unemployment rate of 15.1% in February 2012[74]In addition to unemployment, net emigration from Ireland between 2008 and 2013 totalled 120,100,[75]or some 2.6% of the total population according to theCensus of Ireland 2011. One-third of the emigrants were aged between 15 and 24.[75]In 2013, Ireland was named the "best country for business" byForbes.[76]Ireland exited its EU-IMF bailout programme on 15 December 2013.[77]Having implemented budget cuts, reforms and sold assets, Ireland was again able to access debt markets. Since then, Ireland has been able to purchase long term bonds at record rates.Trade and energy

A wind farm inCounty WexfordAlthough multinational corporations dominate Ireland's export sector, exports from other sources also contribute significantly to the national income. The activities of multinational companies based in Ireland have made it one of the largest exporters of pharmaceutical agents, medical devices and software-related goods and services in the world. Ireland's exports also relate to the activities of large Irish companies (such asRyanair,Kerry GroupandSmurfit Kappa Group) and exports of mineral resources: Ireland is the seventh largest producer of zinc concentrates, and the twelfth largest producer of lead concentrates. The country also has significant deposits ofgypsum,limestone, and smaller quantities of copper, silver, gold,barite, anddolomite.[2]Tourism in Irelandcontributes about 4% of GDP and is a significant source of employment.Other goods exports include agri-food, cattle, beef, dairy products, and aluminum. Ireland's major imports include data processing equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, and clothing.Financial servicesprovided by multinational corporations based at theIrish Financial Services Centrealso contribute to Irish exports.The difference between exports (89.4 billion) and imports (45.5 billion) resulted an annual trade surplus of 43.9 billion in 2010, which is the highest trade surplus relative to GDP achieved by any EU member state.[78]The EU is by far the country's largest trading partner, accounting for 57.9% of exports and 60.7% of imports. The United Kingdom is the most important trading partner within the EU, accounting for 15.4% of exports and 32.1% of imports. Outside the EU, the United States accounted for 23.2% of exports and 14.1% of imports in 2010.[78]

TheInternational Financial Services Centrein Dublin, with the Famine memorialESB,ErviaandAirtricityare the three main electricity and gas suppliers in Ireland. There are 19.82 billion cubic metres of proven reserves of gas.[2][79]Natural gas extraction previously occurred at theKinsale Headuntil its exhaustion. TheCorrib gas fieldis due to come on stream in 2013/14. In 2012, theBarryroefield was confirmed to have up to 1.6 billion barrels of oil in reserve, with between 160 and 600 million recoverable.[80]That could provide for Ireland's entire energy needs for up to 13 years, when it is developed in 2015/16. There have been significant efforts to increase the use of renewable and sustainable forms of energy in Ireland, particularly inwind power, with a large numberwind farmsbeing constructed, some for the purpose of export.[81]The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have estimated that 6.5 percent of Ireland's 2011 energy requirements were produced by renewable sources.[82]The SEAI have also reported an increase in energy efficiency in Ireland with a 28% reduction in carbon emissions per house from the peak year (2005) to 2013.[83]Transport

Terminal 2 atDublin AirportThe country's three maininternational airportsatDublin,ShannonandCorkserve many European and intercontinental routes with scheduled andcharteredflights. The London and Dublin route is the busiest international air route in Europe, with 4.5 million people flying between the two cities in 2006.[84][85]Aer Lingusis the flag carrier of Ireland, althoughRyanairis the country's largest airline. Ryanair is Europe's largest low-cost carrier,[86]the 2nd-largest in terms of passenger numbers, and the world's largest in terms of international passenger numbers.[87]

InterCitytrain atHeuston stationRailway services are provided byIarnrd ireann, which operates all internalintercity,commuterandfreightrailway services in the country. Dublin is the centre of the network with two main stations,Heuston stationandConnolly station, linking to the country's cities and main towns. TheEnterpriseservice, which runs jointly withNorthern Ireland Railways, connects Dublin andBelfast. Dublin has a steadily improving public transport network including theDART,Luas,Dublin Bus, anddublinbikes.Motorways,national primary roadsandnational secondary roadsare managed by theNational Roads Authority, whileregional roadsandlocal roadsare managed by the local authorities in each of their respective areas. The road network is primarily focused on the capital, but motorways have been extended to other cities as part of theTransport 21capital investment programme, as a result motorways have been completed between Dublin and a number of other major Irish cities including Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway.[88]Dublin has been the focus of major projects such as theEast-LinkandWest-Linktoll-bridges, as well as theDublin Port Tunnel. TheJack Lynch Tunnel, under theRiver Leein Cork, and theLimerick Tunnel, under theRiver Shannon, were two major projects outside Dublin. Several by-pass projects are underway at other urban areas.Demographics

Population of Ireland since 1951.Genetic research suggests that the earliest settlers migrated fromIberiafollowing the most recentice age.[89]After theMesolithic,NeolithicandBronze Age, migrants introduced aCelticlanguage and culture. Migrants from the two latter eras still represent the genetic heritage of mostIrish people.[90][91]Gaelictradition expanded and became the dominant form over time. Irish people are a combination of Gaelic,Norse,Anglo-Norman, English, Scottish, French, and Welsh ancestry.The population of Ireland stood at 4,588,252 in 2011, an increase of 8.2% since 2006.[92]As of 2011, Ireland had the highest birth rate in the European Union (16 births per 1,000 of population).[93]In 2012, 35.1% of births were to unmarried women.[94]Annual population growth rates exceeded 2% during the 2002-2006 intercensal period, which was attributed to high rates ofnatural increaseand immigration.[95]This rate declined somewhat during the subsequent 2006-2011 intercensal period, with an average annual percentage change of 1.6%.At the time of 2011 census, the number of non-Irish nationals was recorded at 544,357, comprising 12% of the total population. This is nearly 2.5 times the number of non-Irish nationals recorded in the 2002 census (224,261), when the question of nationality was asked for the first time. The five largest non-national cohorts were Polish (122,585), UK (112,259), Lithuanian (36,683), Latvian (20,593) and Nigerian (17,642) respectively.[96]Largesturban centresby population

Dublin

Limerick#SettlementPopulation#SettlementPopulationCork

Galway

1Dublin1,110,627[97]11Ennis25,360

2Cork198,582[98]12Kilkenny24,423

3Limerick91,454[99]13Tralee23,693

4Galway76,778[100]14Carlow23,030

5Waterford51,519[101]15Newbridge21,561

6Drogheda38,578[102]16Naas20,713

7Dundalk37,816[103]17Athlone20,153

8Swords36,924[104]18Portlaoise20,145

9Bray31,872[105]19Mullingar20,103

10Navan28,559[106]20Wexford20,072

Languages

The percentage who said they spoke Irish daily outside the education system in the 2011 census.Irish is the "national language" according to the Constitution, but English is the dominant language. In the 2006 census, 39% of the population regarded themselves as competent in Irish. Irish is spoken as a community language only in a small number of rural areas mostly in the west of the country, collectively known as theGaeltacht. Except in Gaeltacht regions, road signs are usually bilingual.[107]Most public notices and print media are in English only. Most Government publications are available in both languages, and citizens have the right to deal with the state in Irish. Media in Irish exist on TV (TG4), radio (e.g.RT Raidi na Gaeltachta) and print (e.g.Foinse). In theIrish Defence Forces, all foot and arms drill commands are given in the Irish language.As a result of immigration,Polishis the most widely spoken language in Ireland after English and Irish. Several other Central European languages (namely Czech, Hungarian and Slovak), as well asBaltic languages(Lithuanian and Latvian) are also spoken on a day-to-day basis. Other languages spoken in Ireland includeShelta, spoken by Irish Travellers, and a dialect ofScotsis spoken by some descendants ofScottish settlersin Donegal.[108]Most secondary school students choose to learn one or two foreign languages. Languages available for the Junior Certificate and the Leaving Certificate include French, German, Italian and Spanish; Leaving Certificate students can also study Arabic, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish and Russian. Some secondary schools also offerAncient Greek,HebrewandLatin. The study of Irish is compulsory for Leaving Certificate students, but some may qualify for an exemption in some circumstances, such as learning difficulties or entering the country after age 11.[109]Healthcare

RCSIDisease and Research Centre atBeaumont HospitalinDublincity.Although the Irish healthcare system comes under constant criticism from politicians and the public, Ireland has one of the most developed systems of healthcare in the world and healthcare professionals who are highly trained. Healthcare in Ireland is provided by both public and private healthcare providers.[110]TheMinister for Healthhas responsibility for setting overall health service policy. Every resident of Ireland is entitled to receive health care through the public health care system, which is managed by theHealth Service Executiveand 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 maternity services are provided free of charge and children up to the age of 6 months. Emergency care is provided to patients who present to a hospital Emergency Department. However, visitors to Emergency Departments in non-emergency situations who are not referred by theirGPmay incur a fee of 100. In some circumstances this fee is not payable or may be waived.[111]Anyone holding aEuropean Health Insurance Cardis entitled to free maintenance and treatment in public beds in Health Service Executive and voluntary hospitals. Outpatient services are also provided for free. However, the majority of patients on median incomes or above are required to pay subsidised hospital charges. Private health insurance is available to the population for those who want to avail of it.The averagelife expectancyin Ireland in 2012 is 81 years (OECDaverage life expectancy in 2012 was 80 years), with 78.2 years for men and 83.6 years for women.[112]It has the highest birth rate in the EU (16.8 births per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to an EU average of 10.7)[113]and a very low infant mortality rate (3.5 per 1,000live births). The Irish healthcare system ranked 13th out of 34 European countries in 2012 according to theEuropean Health Consumer Indexproduced byHealth Consumer Powerhouse. The same report ranked The Irish healthcare system as having the 8th best health outcomes but only the 21st most accessible system in Europe.EducationIreland has three levels of education: primary, secondary and higher education. The education systems are largely under the direction of the Government via theMinister for Education and Skills. Recognised primary and secondary schools must adhere to the curriculum established by the relevant authorities. Education is compulsory between the ages of six and fifteen years, and all children up to the age of eighteen must complete the first three years of secondary, including one sitting of theJunior Certificateexamination.[114]

University College Corkwas founded in 1845 and is aconstituent universityof theNational University of Ireland.TheLeaving Certificate, which is taken after two years of study, is the final examination in the secondary school system. Those intending to pursue higher education normally take this examination, with access to third-level courses generally depending on results obtained from the best six subjects taken, on a competitive basis.[115]Third-level education awards are conferred by at least 38 Higher Education Institutions - this includes the constituent or linked colleges of seven universities, plus other designated institutions of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council.TheProgramme for International Student Assessment, coordinated by theOECD, currently ranks Ireland as having the fourth highest reading score, ninth highest science score and thirteenth highest mathematics score, among OECD countries, in its 2012 assessment[116]In 2006, Irish students aged 15 years had the second highest levels of reading literacy in the EU.[117]Ireland also has 0.747 of the World's top 500 Universities per capita, which ranks the country in 8th place in the world.[118]Primary, secondary and higher (University/College) level education are all free in Ireland for all EU citizens.[119]There are charges to cover student services and examinations.ReligionReligion in Republic of Ireland

ReligionPercent

Roman Catholic84.2%

Non-religious6.2%

Protestant4.6%

Muslim1.1%

Other2.8%

Religious freedom is constitutionally provided for in Ireland.Christianityis the predominant religion, with theRoman Catholic Churchas the largest church. In 2011, 84.2% of the population identified themselves as Roman Catholic, 4.6% as Protestant or another Christian religion, 1.1% as Muslim, and 6.2% as having no religion.[120]According to aGeorgetown Universitystudy, the country has one of the highest rates of regularMassattendance in theWestern world.[121]While daily attendance was 13% in 2006, there was a reduction in weekly attendance from 81% in 1990 to 48% in 2006, although the decline was reported as stabilising.[122]In 2011, it was reported that weekly Mass attendance in Dublin was just 18%, with it being even lower among younger generations.[123]

Saint Finbarre's Cathedralis a cathedral of theChurch of IrelandinCorkcity.TheChurch of Irelandis the second largest Christian denomination. Membership declined throughout the twentieth century, but has recently experienced an increase, as have other small Christian denominations. Significant Protestant denominations are thePresbyterian ChurchandMethodist Church. Immigration has contributed to a growth inHinduand Muslim populations. In percentage terms,Orthodox Christianityand Islam were the fastest growing religions, with increases of 100% and 70% respectively.[124]Ireland's patron saints areSaint Patrick,Saint BridgetandSaint Columba. Saint Patrick is the only one commonly recognised as the patron saint.Saint Patrick's Dayis celebrated on 17 March in Ireland and abroad as the Irish national day, with parades and other celebrations.As with other predominantly Catholic European states, Ireland underwent a period of legal secularisation in the late twentieth century. In 1972, the article of the Constitution naming specific religious groups was deleted by theFifth Amendmentin a referendum. Article 44 still remains in the Constitution:The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion.The article also establishes freedom of religion, prohibits endowment of any religion, prohibits the state from religious discrimination, and requires the state to treat religious and non-religious schools in a non-prejudicial manner.Religious studieswas introduced as an optional Junior Certificate subject in 2001. Although many schools are run by religious organisations, a secularist trend is occurring among younger generations.[125]Religious schools cannot discriminate against pupils concerning religion. A sanctioned system of preference does exist, where students of a particular religion may be accepted before those who do not share the ethos of the school, in a case where a school's quota has already been reached.CultureIreland's culture was for centuries predominantlyGaelic, and it remains one of the six principalCeltic nations. Following theAnglo-Normaninvasion in the 12th century, and gradual British conquest and colonisation beginning in the 16th century, Ireland became influenced by English and Scottish culture. Subsequently, Irish culture, though distinct in many aspects, shares characteristics with theAnglosphere,Catholic Europe, and other Celtic regions. TheIrish diaspora, one of the world's largest and most dispersed, has contributed to the globalisation of Irish culture, producing many prominent figures in art, music, and science.Literature

Jonathan Swift(16671745)Ireland has made a significant contribution to world literature in both the English and Irish languages. ModernIrish fictionbegan with the publishing of the 1726 novelGulliver's TravelsbyJonathan Swift. Other writers of importance during the 18th century and their most notable works includeLaurence Sternewith the publication ofThe Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, GentlemanandOliver Goldsmith'sThe Vicar of Wakefield. NumerousIrish novelistsemerged during the 19th century, includingMaria Edgeworth,John Banim,Gerald Griffin,Charles Kickham,William Carleton,George Moore, andSomerville and Ross.Bram Stokeris best known as the author of the 1897 novelDracula.James Joyce(18821941) published his most famous workUlyssesin 1922, which is an interpretation of theOdysseyset in Dublin.Edith Somervillecontinued writing after the death of her partnerMartin Rossin 1915. Dublin'sAnnie M. P. Smithsonwas one of several authors catering for fans of romantic fiction in the 1920s and 1930s. After the Second World War, popular novels were published by, among others, Brian O'Nolan, who published asFlann O'Brien,Elizabeth Bowen, andKate O'Brien. During the final decades of the 20th century,Edna O'Brien,John McGahern,Maeve Binchy,Joseph O'Connor,Roddy Doyle,Colm Tibn, andJohn Banvillecame to the fore as novelists.

W. B. Yeats(18651939)Patricia Lynch(18981972) was a prolific children's author, whileEoin Colferhas been particularly successful in this genre in recent years. In the genre of the short story, which is a form favoured by many Irish writers, the most prominent figures includeSen Faolin,Frank O'ConnorandWilliam Trevor. Well known Irish poets includePatrick Kavanagh,Thomas McCarthy,Dermot Bolger, andNobel Prize in LiteraturelaureatesWilliam Butler YeatsandSeamus Heaney(born in Northern Ireland but resided in Dublin). Prominent writers in the Irish language arePdraic Conaire,Mirtn Cadhain,Samus Grianna, andNuala N Dhomhnaill.The history ofIrish theatrebegins with the expansion of the English administration in Dublin during the early 17th century, and since then, Ireland has significantly contributed to English drama. In its early history, theatrical productions in Ireland tended to serve political purposes, but as more theatres opened and the popular audience grew, a more diverse range of entertainments were staged. Many Dublin-based theatres developed links with their London equivalents, and British productions frequently found their way to the Irish stage. However, most Irish playwrights went abroad to establish themselves. In the 18th century,Oliver GoldsmithandRichard Brinsley Sheridanwere two of the most successful playwrights on the London stage at that time. At the beginning of the 20th century, theatre companies dedicated to the staging of Irish plays and the development of writers, directors and performers began to emerge, which allowed many Irish playwrights to learn their trade and establish their reputations in Ireland rather than in Britain or the United States. Following in the tradition of acclaimed practitioners, principallyOscar Wildeand Literature Nobel Prize laureatesGeorge Bernard Shaw(1925), andSamuel Beckett(1969), playwrights such asSen O'Casey,Brian Friel,Sebastian Barry,Brendan Behan,Conor McPherson, andBilly Rochehave gained popular success.[126]Other Irish playwrights of the 20th century includeDenis Johnston,Thomas Kilroy,Tom Murphy,Hugh Leonard,Frank McGuinness, andJohn B. Keane.Music and danceIrish traditional musichas remained vibrant, despite globalising cultural forces, and retains many traditional aspects. It has influenced various music genres, such as American country and roots music, and to some extent modern rock. It has occasionally been blended with styles such as rock and roll and punk rock. Ireland has also produced many internationally known artists in other genres, such as rock, pop, jazz, and blues.

The FramesThere are a number of classical music ensembles around the country, such as theRT Performing Groups.[127]Ireland also has three opera organisations. Opera Ireland produces large-scale operas in Dublin, the Opera Theatre Company tours its chamber-style operas throughout the country, and the annualWexford Opera Festival, which promotes lesser-known operas, takes place during October and November.Ireland has participated in theEurovision Song Contestsince 1965.[128]Its first win was in 1970, whenDanawon withAll Kinds of Everything.[129]It has subsequently won the competitionsix more times,[130][131]the highest number of wins by any competing country. The phenomenonRiverdanceoriginated as an interval performance during the1994 contest.[132]Irish dance can broadly be divided intosocial danceandperformance dance. Irish social dance can be divided intociland set dancing. Irishset dancesarequadrilles, danced by 4 couples arranged in a square, whilecil dancesare danced by variedformationsof couples of 2 to 16 people. There are also many stylistic differences between these two forms. Irish social dance is a living tradition, and variations in particular dances are found across the country. In some places dances are deliberately modified and new dances are choreographed. Performance dance is traditionally referred to asstepdance.Irish stepdance, popularised by the showRiverdance, is notable for its rapid leg movements, with the body and arms being kept largely stationary. The solo stepdance is generally characterised by a controlled but not rigid upper body, straight arms, and quick, precise movements of the feet. The solo dances can either be in "soft shoe" or "hard shoe".Architecture

Poulnabrone dolmeninCounty Clarewas built during theNeolithicperiod.Ireland has a wealth of structures,[133]surviving in various states of preservation, from theNeolithicperiod, such asBr na Binne,Poulnabrone dolmen,Castlestrange stone,Turoe stone, andDrombeg stone circle.[134]As the Romans never conquered Ireland, architecture ofGreco-Romanorigin is extremely rare. The country instead had an extended period ofIron Agearchitecture.[135]TheIrish round toweroriginated during theEarly Medievalperiod.

The ruins ofMonasterboiceinCounty Louthare of early Christian settlement.Christianity introduced simplemonastic houses, such asClonmacnoise,Skellig MichaelandScattery Island. A stylistic similarity has been remarked between thesedouble monasteriesand those of theCoptsof Egypt.[136]Gaelic kings and aristocrats occupiedringfortsorcranngs.[137]Church reforms during the 12th century via theCisterciansstimulated continental influence, with theRomanesquestyledMellifont,BoyleandTinternabbeys.[138]Gaelic settlement had been limited to the Monastic proto-towns, such asKells, where the current street pattern preserves the original circular settlement outline to some extent.[139]Significant urban settlements only developed following the period of Viking invasions.[137]The major Hiberno-NorseLongphortswere located on the coast, but with minor inland fluvial settlements, such as the eponymousLongford.Castles were built by theNormansduring the late 12th century, such asDublin CastleandKilkenny Castle,[140]and the concept of the planned walled trading town was introduced, which gained legal status and several rights by grant of aCharterunderFeudalism. These charters specifically governed the design of these towns.[141]Two significant waves of planned town formation followed, the first being the 16th and 17th century plantation towns, which were used as a mechanism for theTudorEnglish kings to suppress local insurgency, followed by 18th century landlord towns.[142]Surviving Norman founded planned towns includeDroghedaandYoughal; plantation towns includePortlaoiseandPortarlington; well-preserved 18th century planned towns includeWestportandBallinasloe. These episodes of planned settlement account for the majority of present day towns throughout the country.

Dublin Custom Houseis aneoclassicalbuilding from the late 18th century.Gothiccathedrals, such asSt Patrick's, were also introduced by the Normans.[143]Franciscanswere dominant in directing the abbeys by the Late Middle Ages, while elegant tower houses, such asBunratty Castle, were built by the Gaelic and Norman aristocracy.[144]Many religious buildings were ruined with theDissolution of the Monasteries.[145]Following the Restoration,palladianismandrococo, particularlycountry houses, swept through Ireland under the initiative ofEdward Lovett Pearce, with theHouses of Parliamentbeing the most significant.[146]With the erection of buildings such asThe Custom House,Four Courts,General Post OfficeandKing's Inns, theneoclassicalandGeorgianstyles flourished, especially inDublin.[146]Georgian townhouses produced streets of singular distinction, particularly inDublin,LimerickandCork. FollowingCatholic Emancipation, cathedrals and churches influenced by the FrenchGothic Revivalemerged, such asSt Colman'sandSt Finbarre's.[146]Ireland has long been associated withthatched roofcottages, though these are nowadays considered quaint.[147]

The Elysiantower inCorkis the tallest storeyed building in the Republic of Ireland.Beginning with the American designedart decochurch atTurner's Crossin 1927, Irish architecture followed the international trend towards modern and sleek building styles since the 20th century.[148]Recent developments include the regeneration ofBallymunand an urban extension of Dublin atAdamstown.[149]Since the establishment of theDublin Docklands Development Authorityin 1997, theDublin Docklandsarea underwent large-scale redevelopment, which included the construction of theConvention Centre DublinandGrand Canal Theatre.[150]Completed in 2008,the Elysiantower in Cork is the tallest storeyed building in the Republic of Ireland (theObel TowerinBelfast,Northern Irelandbeing the tallest in Ireland), at a height of 71 metres (233 feet), surpassingCork County Hall. TheRoyal Institute of the Architects of Irelandregulates the practice of architecture in the state.[151]MediaRaidi Teilifs ireann(RT) is thepublic service broadcasterof Ireland, funded by atelevision licence feeand advertising.[152]RT operates two national television channels,RT OneandRT Two. The other independent national television channels areTV3,3e,UTV IrelandandTG4, the latter of which is a public service broadcaster for speakers of the Irish language. All these channels are available onSaorview, the nationalfree-to-airdigital terrestrial televisionservice.[153]Additional channels included in the service areRT News Now,RTjr, and RT One +1. Subscription-based television providers operating in Ireland includeUPCandSky.Supported byAn Bord Scannn na hireann, the Irish film industry grew significantly since the 1990s, with the promotion of indigenous films as well as the attraction of international productions likeBraveheartandSaving Private Ryan.[154]A large number of regional and local radio stations are available countrywide. A survey showed that a consistent 85% of adults listen to a mixture of national, regional and local stations on a daily basis.[155]RT Radiooperates four national stations,Radio 1,2fm,Lyric fm, andRnaG, alongside two independent national stations,Today FMandNewstalk.Ireland has a traditionally competitive print media, which is divided into daily national newspapers and weekly regional newspapers, as well as national Sunday editions. The strength of the British press is a unique feature of the Irish print media scene, with the availability of a wide selection of British published newspapers and magazines.[154]Eurostatreported that 82% of Irish households had Internet access in 2013 compared to theEUaverage of 79% but only 67% had broadband access.[156]Cuisine

ApintofGuinnessIrish cuisine was traditionally based on meat and dairy, supplemented with vegetables and seafood. Thepotatoeventually formed the basis of many traditional Irish dishes after its introduction in the 16th century.[157]Examples of popular Irish cuisine includeboxty,colcannon,coddle,stew, andbacon and cabbage. Ireland is famous for thefull Irish breakfast, which involves a fried or grilled meal generally consisting of bacon, egg, sausage, pudding, and fried tomato. Apart from the significant influence by European and international dishes, there has been a recent emergence of a new Irish cuisine based on traditional ingredients handled in new ways. This cuisine is based on fresh vegetables, fish, oysters, mussels and other shellfish, and the wide range of hand-made cheeses that are now being produced across the country. Shellfish have increased in popularity, especially due to the high quality shellfish available from the country's coastline. The most popular fish includesalmonandcod. Traditional breads includesoda breadandwheaten bread.Barmbrackis ayeastedbreadwith addedsultanasandraisins.Popular everyday beverages among the Irish includeteaandcoffee. Alcoholic drinks associated with Ireland includePoitnand the world famousGuinness, which is adry stoutthat originated in the brewery ofArthur GuinnessatSt. James's Gatein Dublin.Irish whiskeyis also popular throughout the country, and comes in various forms, including single malt, single grain and blended whiskey.[158]Sports

Croke Parkstadium is the headquarters of theGaelic Athletic Association.Gaelic footballandhurlingare the traditional sports of Ireland as well as most popularspectator sports.[159]They are administered by theGaelic Athletics Associationon anall-Irelandbasis. OtherGaelic gamesorganised by the association includeGaelic handballandrounders.[160]Socceris the third most popular spectator sport and has the highest level of participation.[161]Although theLeague of Irelandis the national league, the EnglishPremier Leagueis the most popular among the public.[162]TheRepublic of Ireland national football teamplays at international level and is administered by theFootball Association of Ireland.[163]TheIrish Rugby Football Unionis the governing body ofrugby union, which is played at local and international levels on an all-Ireland basis, and has produced players such asBrian O'DriscollandRonan O'Gara, who were on the team that won theGrand Slamin2009.[164]The success of theIrish Cricket Teamin the2007 Cricket World Cuphas led to an increase in the popularity ofcricket, which is also administered on an all-Ireland basis by theIrish Cricket Union.[165]Golfis another popular sport in Ireland, with over 300 courses countrywide.[166]The country has produced several internationally successful golfers, such asPdraig HarringtonandPaul McGinley.Horse Racinghas a very large presence in Ireland, with one of the most influential breeding and racing operations based in the country. Racing takes place at courses atThe Curragh RacecourseinCounty Kildareand atLeopardstown Racecourse, racing taking place since the 1860s, but racing taking place as early as the early 1700s. Popular race meetings also take place atGalway. Operations includeCoolmore StudandBallydoyle, the base ofAiden O'Brienarguably one of the world's most successful horse trainers. Ireland has produced champion horses such asGalileo,Montjeu, andSea the Stars.Boxingis Ireland's most successful sport at an Olympic level. Administered by theIrish Amateur Boxing Associationon an all-Ireland basis, it has gained in popularity as a result of the international success of boxers such asBernard Dunne,Andy LeeandKatie Taylor.Some of Ireland's highest performers inathleticshave competed at theOlympic Games, such asEamonn CoghlanandSonia O'Sullivan. The annualDublin MarathonandDublin Women's Mini Marathonare two of the most popular athletics events in the country.[167]Rugby leagueis represented by theIreland national rugby league teamand administered byRugby League Ireland(who are full member of theRugby League European Federation) on an all-Ireland basis. The team compete in theEuropean Cup (rugby league)and theRugby League World Cup. Ireland reached the quarter finals of the2000 Rugby League World Cupas well as reaching the semi finals in the2008 Rugby League World Cup.[168]TheIrish Elite Leagueis a domestic competition for rugby league teams in Ireland.[169]The profile ofAustralian rules footballhas increased in Ireland due to theInternational rulesseries that take place annually between Australia and Ireland.Baseballandbasketballare also emerging sports in Ireland, both of which have an international team representing the island of Ireland. Other sports which retain a strong following in Ireland includecycling,greyhound racing,horse riding,motorsport, andsoftball.SocietyIrelandranks fifthin the world in terms ofgender equality.[170]In 2011, Ireland was ranked the mostcharitablecountry in Europe, and second most charitable in the world.[171]Contraception was controlled in Ireland until 1979, however, the receding influence of the Catholic Church has led to an increasinglysecularisedsociety.[172]In 1983, theEighth Amendmentrecognised "the right to life of the unborn", subject to qualifications concerning the "equal right to life" of the mother. The case ofAttorney General v. Xsubsequently prompted passage of theThirteenthandFourteenthAmendments, guaranteeing the right to have an abortion performed abroad, and the right to learn about "services" that are illegal in Ireland but legal abroad. The prohibition on divorce in the 1937 Constitution was repealed in 1995 under theFifteenth Amendment. Divorce rates in Ireland are very low compared to European Union averages (0.7 divorced people per 1,000 population in 2011) while the marriage rate in Ireland is slightly above the European Union average (4.6 marriages per 1,000 population per year in 2012).Capital punishmentis constitutionally banned in Ireland, while discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, religion, race or membership of the travelling community is illegal. The legislation which outlawed homosexual acts was repealed in 1993.[173][174]In 2010, the Dil and the Seanad passed theCivil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, which recognised civil partnerships between same-sex couples.[175]It permits same-sex couples to register their relationship before a registrar.[176]ASunday Timespoll carried out in March 2011 showed that 73% of people believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, while 60% believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.[177]In April 2012, theConstitutional Conventionvoted overwhelmingly in favour of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.[178]On 23 May 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first country to legalize same sex marriage by popular vote.[179]Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce an environmental levy forplastic shopping bagsin 2002 and a publicsmoking banin 2004.Recycling in Irelandis carried out extensively and Ireland has the second highest rate of packaging recycling in theEuropean Union. It was the first country in Europe to banincandescent lightbulbsin 2008 and the first EU country to ban in-store tobacco advertising and product display in 2009.[180][181]In 2015 Ireland became the second country in the world to introduceplain cigarette packaging.[182]Despite the above measures to discourage tobacco use, smoking rates in Ireland remain above 20% of the adult population and above those in other developed countries.[183]State symbolsThe state shares many symbols with theisland of Ireland. These include the colours green andblue, animals such as theIrish wolfhoundandstags, structures such asround towersandceltic crosses, and designs such asCeltic knotsandspirals. Theshamrock, a type ofclover, has been a national symbol of Ireland since the 17th century when it became customary to wear it as a symbol onSt. Patrick's Day. These symbols are used by state institutions as well as private bodies in the Republic of Ireland.

Theseal of the President of Ireland, incorporating a harpTheflag of Irelandis atricolourof green, white and orange. The flag originates with theYoung Irelandmovement of the mid-19th century but was not popularised until its use during theEaster Risingof 1916.[184]The colours represent theGaelictradition (green) and the followers ofWilliam of Orangein Ireland (orange), with white representing the aspiration for peace between them.[185]It was adopted as the flag of the Irish Free State in 1922 and continues to be used as the sole flag and ensign of the state. Anaval jack, a green flag with a yellow harp, is set out in Defence Forces Regulations and flown from the mast head of ships in addition to the national flag in limited circumstances (e.g. when a ship is not underway). It is based on the unofficialgreen ensignof Ireland used in the 18th and 19th centuries and the traditional green flag of Ireland dating from the 16th century.[186]Like the national flag, the national anthem,Amhrn na bhFiann(English: A Soldier's Song), has its roots in the Easter Rising, when the song was sung by the rebels. Although originally published in English in 1912,[187]the song was translated into Irish in 1923 and the Irish-language version is more commonly sung today.[187]The song was officially adopted as the anthem of the Irish Free State in 1926 and continues as the national anthem of the state.[188]The first four bars of the chorus followed by the last five comprise thepresidential salute.Thearms of Irelandoriginate as the arms of the monarchs of Ireland and was recorded as the arms of the King of Ireland in the 12th century. From theunion of the crownsofEngland,ScotlandandIrelandin 1603, they have appearedquarteredon theroyal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. Today, they are the personal arms of the President of Ireland whilst he or she is in office and are flown as thepresidential standard. The harp symbol is used extensively by the state to mark official documents, Irish coinage and on theseal of the President of Ireland.See also Outline of the Republic of Ireland List of Ireland-related topics Celtic languages Celts Ethnic groups in Europe Irish nationality lawNotesFootnotes1. Jump up^Prior to 2002, Ireland used thepunt(Irish pound) as its circulated currency. The euro was introduced as an accounting currency in 1999.Citations1. ^Jump up to:ab"Official Languages Act 2003". Office of the Attorney-General. Retrieved18 February2012.2. ^Jump up to:abcde"Ireland".CIA World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved28 August2011.3. Jump up^"CSO 2011 Census Volume 5 Ethnic or Cultural Background (including the Irish Traveller Community)"(PDF). 2011. Retrieved9 July2009.4. Jump up^"Population and Migration Estimates". 26 August 2014. Retrieved26 August2014.5. Jump up^"Census of Population 2011"(PDF). 30 June 2011. p.9. Retrieved26 February2015.6. ^Jump up to:abcd"Ireland". International Monetary Fund. Retrieved17 April2013.7. Jump up^"Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income (source: SILC)". Eurostat Data Explorer. Retrieved13 August2013.8. Jump up^"2014 Human Development Report Summary"(PDF). United Nations Development Programme. 2014. pp.2125. Retrieved27 July2014.9. Jump up^John Coakley (20 August 2009).Politics in the Republic of Ireland. Taylor & Francis. p.76.ISBN978-0-415-47672-0. Retrieved2 May2011.10. Jump up^L. Prakke; C. A. J. M. Kortmann; J. C. E. van den Brandhof (2004),Constitutional Law of 15 EU Member States, Deventer: Kluwer, p.429,ISBN9013012558,Since 1937, Ireland has been a parliamentary republic, in which ministers appointed by the president depend on the confidence of parliament11. Jump up^"Country Comparison: GDP per capita (PPP)".World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved29 August2011.12. Jump up^"EU: Causes of Growth differentials in Europe", WAWFA think tank13. Jump up^Nicoll, Ruaridh (16 May 2009)."Ireland: As the Celtic Tiger roars its last".The Guardian(London). Retrieved30 March2010.14. Jump up^United Nations (2011)."Table 1"(PDF).Human Development Index and its components. United Nations Development Programme. Retrieved26 November2011.15. Jump up^"NATO - Member countries".NATO. NATO. Retrieved29 December2014.16. Jump up^Coleman, Marie (2013).The Irish Revolution, 1916-1923. Routledge. p.230.ISBN1317801466. Retrieved12 February2015.17. Jump up^Gallagher, Michael, "The changing constitution", inGallagher, Michael; Coakley, John, eds. (2010).Politics in the Republic of Ireland. 0415476712.ISBN0415476712. Retrieved12 February2015.18. Jump up^Oliver, J.D.B.,What's in a Name, inTiley, John, ed. (2004).Studies in the History of Tax Law. Hart Publishing. pp.1813.ISBN1841134732. Retrieved12 February2015.Note: the author incorrectly uses "ire", with the diacritic19. Jump up^Oliver (2004), p. 178; Daly (2007), p. 8020. Jump up^Acciano, Reuben (2005).Western Europe. Lonely Planet. p.616.ISBN1740599276. Retrieved12 February2015.21. Jump up^Smith, M.L.R (2002).Fighting for Ireland?: The Military Strategy of the Irish Republican Movement. Routledge. p.2.ISBN1134713975. Retrieved12 February2015.22. Jump up^Mokyr, Joel(1984). "New Developments in Irish Population History 17001850".Irish Economic and Social Historyxi: 101121.23. Jump up^"Irish Soldiers in the First World War".1916 Commemorations. Department of the Taoiseach. 2010. Retrieved29 August2011.24. Jump up^Fennell, Desmond (1993).Heresy: the Battle of Ideas in Modern Ireland. Belfast: Blackstaff Press. p.33.ISBN0-85640-513-2.Both the new Irish Republic and the labour movement were sympathetic to the new soviet regime in Russia. The government of the Soviet Union recognised the Republic, and the Dil authorised the establishment of diplomatic relations.25. Jump up^"Northern Ireland Parliamentary Report, 7December 1922". Stormontpapers.ahds.ac.uk. 7 December 1922. Retrieved9 July2009.26. Jump up^T. Garvin,1922: the birth of Irish democracy, Gill & Macmillan: Dublin, 2005.Peter Cottrell (2008).The Irish Civil War 192223. Osprey Publishing. p.85.ISBN978-1-84603-270-7.Irish voters approved a new constitution,Bunreacht na hireann, in 1937 renaming the country ire or simply Ireland.Dr. Darius Whelan (June 2005)."Guide to Irish Law". Retrieved11 September2009.This Constitution, which remains in force today, renamed the StateIreland(Article 4) and established four main institutions the President, the Oireachtas (Parliament), the Government and the Courts.John T. Koch, Celtic culture: a historical encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO: Santa Barbara, 2006.27. Jump up^and the Governor-General's office was finally abolished under the Executive Powers (Consequential Provisions) Act, 1937 with effect from December 193628. Jump up^Mary E. Daly (January 2007). "The Irish Free State/ire/Republic of Ireland/Ireland: "A Country by Any Other Name"?".Journal of British Studies46(1): 7290.doi:10.1086/508399.JSTOR10.1086/508399.After the enactment of the 1936 External Relations Act and the 1937 Constitution, Ireland's only remaining link with the crown had been the accreditation of diplomats. The president of Ireland was the head of state. When opposition deputies asked de Valera whether Ireland was a republica favorite pastime in the mid1940she tended to resort to dictionary definitions showing that Ireland had all the attributes of a republic.29. Jump up^November getaways (22 August 2010)."Ireland at the UN". Independent.ie. Retrieved12 November2010.30. Jump up^November getaways (26 June 2010)."Ireland's UN affairs". Independent.ie. Retrieved12 November2010.31. Jump up^"National Archives Ireland and European Unity". Nationalarchives.ie. Retrieved12 November2010.32. Jump up^"Joining the European Community". Ec.europa.eu. 31 July 1961. Retrieved12 November2010.33. Jump up^"History of Forestry in Ireland". Retrieved15 June2011.34. Jump up^"Forests cover around 40% of the EU27 land area"(PDF). Retrieved20 June2011.35. Jump up^"Hedgerows". Retrieved15 June2011.36. Jump up^"Agriculture in Ireland". Teagasc.ie. Retrieved12 November2010.37. Jump up^"Land cover and land use". Environmental Protection Agency. 2000. Retrieved30 July2007.38. ^Jump up to:ab"Climate in Ireland". Met.ie. Retrieved22 October2009.39. Jump up^"The Ireland Climate and What to Wear". TravelInIreland.com. Retrieved22 October2009.40. Jump up^"Temperature in Ireland". Met.ie. Retrieved22 October2009.41. Jump up^"Wind over Ireland". Met.ie. Retrieved22 October2009.42. Jump up^Article 15.2 of the Constitution of Ireland.43. Jump up^"Office of the President Powers and Functions". Retrieved4 January2011.44. Jump up^"President Michael D promises seven years of new ideas".Irish Independent. 11 November 2011. Retrieved11 November2011.45. Jump up^McGrath, Conor; Eoin O'Malley (2007). Conor McGrath, Eoin O'Malley, ed.Irish political studies reader: key contributions. Routledge. p.54.ISBN978-0-415-44648-8. Retrieved15 March2011.46. Jump up^Section33of theElectoral Act, 1992(Public Act No. 23 of 1992). Act of theIrish Parliament.47. ^Jump up to:ab"Local Government Reform Act 2014"(PDF). Environ.ie. Retrieved2 June2014.48. ^Jump up to:abCoulter, Carol (24 November 2009)."First case set for new criminal courts". Irish Times viaHighBeam Research. Retrieved3 July2014.(subscription required)49. Jump up^New order in court as 140m legal 'Pantheon' opens doors, Dearbhail McDonald,Irish Independent, 24 November 200950. Jump up^"Gardai get pepper spray as officer assaults soar". The Irish Independent. Retrieved20 November2012.51. Jump up^"The Defence Forces". Rdf.ie. Retrieved12 November2010.52. Jump up^"Irish citizenship through birth or descent". Citizensinformation.ie. Retrieved12 November2010.53. Jump up^Irish Nationality & Citizenship Acts 19562004 (unofficial consolidated version) pdfformat54. Jump up^See Michael J. Geary,An Inconvenient Wait: Ireland's Quest for Membership of the EEC, 195773(Institute of Public Administration, 2009) (ISBN 978-1-904541-83-7)55. Jump up^"Official Journal of the European Union". Retrieved12 November2010.56. Jump up^"Ireland and the United Nations". Retrieved15 July2010.57. Jump up^Kennedy, Michael (8 October 2014)."Ireland's Role in Post-War Transatlantic Aviation and Its Implications for the Defence of the North Atlantic Area". Royal Irish Academy. Retrieved10 October2007.58. Jump up^Irish Times, 28 December 2007 p. 1.59. Jump up^"Private Members' Business. Foreign Conflicts: Motion (Resumed)". Government of Ireland. 30 January 2003. 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Citizens Information Board. Retrieved25 July2010.120. Jump up^"Amended Final Principal Demographic Results 2011"(PDF). 2011. Retrieved27 February2014.121. Jump up^Weekly Mass Attendance of Catholics in Nations with Large Catholic Populations, 19802000] World Values Survey(WVS)122. Jump up^Irish Mass attendance below 50%Catholic World News1 June 2006123. Jump up^Smyth, Jamie (30 May 2011)."Fewer than one in five attend Sunday Mass in Dublin'". Irishtimes.com. Retrieved30 June2011.124. Jump up^Final Principal Demographic Results 2006(PDF). Central Statistics Office. 2007. pp.31 (Table Q).ISBN0-7557-7169-9. Retrieved20 June2010.125. Jump up^Daniszewski, John (17 April 2005)."Catholicism Losing Ground in Ireland".LA Times. Retrieved29 August2011.Lawler, Phil (17 September 2007)."Ireland threatened