The Republic of Ireland is an unforgettable travel destination. It’s beauty and wealth in history make it a Western European gem. A visit to the Republic of Ireland is sure to enchant you with its natural beauty and warm culture.

Nature

Perhaps the most outstanding feature of Ireland is its striking natural beauty. Appropriately nicknamed “The Emerald Isle,” Ireland is cradled in almost unimaginably picaresque landscapes. A mild temperate climate waters the rolling grassy hills that stretch across the island. Rugged cliffs, swampy meadows, and dense forests are just some of the common sites that you will come across. Majestic sites such as The Ring of Kerry and The Cliffs of Moher are travel destinations of immense beauty that certainly warrant a visit.

As you visit these gorgeous locations, you will surely understand why the natural beauty of Ireland has captured the imaginations of painters and poets for centuries.

Culture

Travel to the Republic of Ireland is only properly experienced through its people and their culture. With a long and rich history of war and famine, the Irish have managed to persevere through it all and preserve their culture. Full of warmth and hospitality, it is almost impossible not to get wrapped up in interesting conversation and make friends with local Irish as you travel.

As you travel through the many sights that the Republic of Ireland has to offer you will find that music, drink and socializing are the glue that bonds the Irish people together. Song, dance, music, and poetry are not just a means of entertainment. They are a way of passing an entire people’s history from one generation to the next. As a result it is not uncommon to find the old mixing with the young, collaborating in artistic melody.

Even in vast cites such as Dublin or Shannon, a tourist rarely feels lost or alienated. Many cannot help but notice the small town feel and laid back atmosphere that permeates the entire Republic of Ireland.

Ireland has recorded history going back thousands of years which makes this island northwest of Continental Europe, rich with heritage and culture, one of the most interesting islands in the world.

The Republic of Ireland which incorporates the provinces of Leinster, Munster and Connacht and Northern Ireland which is the province of Ulster and is governed by Great Britain.  Irish culture is important for the whole island of Ireland.

Known as ‘the land of saints and scholars’ Ireland has produced some of the most admired and famous writers, poets and musicians in the world, making Irish culture revered and admired all over the world.

Literature

When we look at the authors and poets who were born in Ireland, it’s quite clear to see how Ireland gained the honorable reputation for producing scholars and talented artists, and why literature is such a big part of Irish culture.

Oscar Wilde, the author of the Picture of Dorian Grey, James Joyce, the author of Ulysses, WB Yeats, author of many poems including the Heart of the Woman and the Second Coming and Bram Stoker, author of Dracula all came from Ireland. Ireland still produces very talented writers even today such as Roddy Doyle, author of the Commitments, Maeve Binchy, author of Circle of Friends and Celia Ahearn, author of PS I love you are all from Ireland.

Irish Dance

Irish dance is a very important part of Irish culture and is a very old tradition dating back to 400 AD when the Celts came to Ireland from Europe. Irish dance recently took the world by storm when Riverdance a troupe founded by Michael Flatley performed at the Eurovision Contest in Dublin, following this performance Riverdance became one of the most successful dance groups in the world and encouraged people of all nations to learn and perform Irish dance.

Gaeilige, the Irish Language

Gaeilige is the official language of Ireland and a recognized language of the European Union. However the majority of Irish people speak English as their first language and Gaeilige as their second. There are areas of Ireland called the Gailteacht areas where Gaeilige is the first language. Gaeilige is an important part of Irish culture and is part of the curriculum in all Irish schools.

Religion

Christianity and more specifically Catholicism is an important part of Irish culture. Ireland was a land of pagan Druids before Saint Patrick arrived to teach Christianity. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland along with Saint Brigid who was the daughter of a pagan Druid Chieftain and a Christian slave. Her mother is believed to have been baptized a Christian by St Patrick and Brigid became one of the most important figures of Christianity in Ireland as she founded many monasteries and converted many to Christianity.

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When you decide to trace back your family tree, you may not know where to begin. An overload of information can have you at a loss as to where to begin. So what is the best approach to finding your ancestry?

Where to start

Most people do not know much about the history of their families. At some point in their lives, they start to question it and want to find out about their family tree. The task of finding out about one’s family tree can be a tedious and time-consuming one, but the results can be quite rewarding.

Gather as much Information as you can

Start by asking your parents, relatives and neighbors about the history of your family. You should prepare a list of questions to ask them about your ancestors. It may be a very interesting process, since your relatives and parents may know a lot about your ancestors.

Take note of everything you find out

Do not trust your memory too much when it comes to important things such as the history of your family. You should always write down important information about your ancestors in order to keep track of all the details you have got.

Use the internet wisely

The Internet may contain just what you are looking for. Start looking for genealogy information about your ancestors. If you know how to perform a genealogy research online properly, you are sure to find your entire family tree pretty easily.

Look for public records about your family

Frequent the library and search for birth certificates, death certificates, wills or land deeds that belong to your ancestors. Your family may help you identify the correct documents to look for.

Visit the places where your family used to live

Visit places your family used to live at and consult local institutions such as churches, cemeteries and courthouses to inquire information about your family tree.

Don’t give up

Doing genealogy study requires great patience and perseverance. You should do your homework and be enthusiastic during the whole journey to find your real genealogy. Your family is a good source of information, and you can ask them whenever you need. However, you should also take advantage of the Internet and new technology to accelerate the genealogy research. With the right attitude and mindset, you will be able to trace back your entire family tree.

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Colleges and higher education institutions in Ireland are recognized all over the world for their excellence. Qualifications received in Irish Educational Institutions are highly respected all over the world. This combined with the safety and beauty of this English speaking country, as well as the many highly respected colleges and universities makes Ireland a great study choice for many students all over the world.

Medicine – The Royal College of Surgeons

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is one of the most popular in the world to study medicine. The college was founded in 1784 and has been at its current premises on Stephens Green in Dublin since 1810. The college is home to the Faculties of Anesthesia, Dentistry, Radiology and Nursing, and all of these faculties function independently from the main body.

Trinity College

One of the most famous universities in the world, Trinity College was founded in 1592 and is Ireland’s oldest university. Based on College Green Trinity college is a very impressive building and is home to the famous Book of Kells.

The university is divided into the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering, Math and Science, and is an excellent choice for those who wish to study in Dublin.

National University of Ireland – Maynooth

This university was formerly St Patrick’s College which was a seminary and was founded in 1795. The NUI Maynooth is the ideal for those who wish to study Social Science or Celtic Studies and is divided into the following faculties: Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. NUI Maynooth is based in the town of Maynooth in the county Kildare.

National University of Ireland Galway

NUI Galway was first opened in 1849. This University is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and has some well-known past pupils such as the current President of Ireland, the current Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and the actor Martin Sheen. The university is divided into the following five colleges; the college of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies, the college of Business, Public Policy and Law, the college of Engineering and informatics, the college of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the college of Science.

The National University of Cork

The National University of Cork is also a constituent of the University College of Ireland and is divided into the same five colleges as the University of Galway. Both Universities are highly recommended for students wishing to study in Cork or Galway.

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The Province of Ulster in Ireland is called Northern Ireland and is separate from The Republic of Ireland, as it is part of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland has some of the most beautiful scenery and landmarks in the world. From waterfalls to woodlands, to wonderful coastal towns with fabulous sea food restaurants serving locally caught fish. Northern Ireland is a paradise for the driving holiday enthusiast. For breath-taking scenery, all visitors should first travel along the Giants Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway

Voted one of the top five road trips in the world, the Giants Causeway coastal route is 120 mile course of beautiful scenery and natural treasures. Travel along the Causeway route and experience the truly jaw dropping seafronts and panoramas and hear tales of mythical giants and ancient volcanoes.

The Walled City

This seventeenth century wall which surrounds Derry famously makes the city the only remaining walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. Visitors will be captivated by the wonderful atmosphere of a city which is cloaked in history and heritage.

St Patrick’s Trail

St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland left traces of his legacy in Armagh and down. Visitors which travel this ninety two mile route will experience many sacred monuments and ancient landmarks which have ties to Saint Patrick.

Lough Neagh

The mythical charm of Lough Neagh is tangible. The biggest lake in Northern Ireland Lough Neagh is home to many eels but some believe it is also home to the beautiful mermaid Laban.

Belfast

Belfast City is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Voted ‘the best value UK City’ travelers are sure to find accommodation and refreshment to suit them and their pockets. Belfast, birthplace of the Titanic, is the Capital city of Northern Ireland and offers fantastic shopping opportunities, a fantastic nightlife as well as historical sites such as the Titanic quarter.

The Mourne Mountains

For visitors to Northern Ireland who wish to experience the wonders of nature as they travel the Mourne Mountains is ideal. Known as an area of outstanding natural beauty, this area offers majestic panoramas and wonderful award winning accommodation. This area is reputed to have inspired C.S Lewis to create Narnia.

The Fermanagh Lakelands

Those looking for peace and tranquility need travel no further than the Fermanagh Lakelands. This lush area of Northern Ireland is known for its apple green landscapes and beautiful rugged woodlands.

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Ireland’s long and fascinating history seems to belie the relatively small size of the country, having experienced activity more suited to a country twice its size. The past is a factor that informs the culture and traditions of Ireland today, which holds such allure that it keeps travelers returning year on year.

England

A large proportion of Ireland’s history has been formed by its link to England, which began as early as the twelfth century after a Viking invasion led to the involvement of mercenaries. This commenced a period of English interference that lasted for over seven hundred years, with full control being sought over Ireland under the reign of Henry VIII. The question of whether vassal were loyal to the country led to military action, which led to the overthrow of the Irish Parliament. The countries were officially united under the Act of Union, which resulted in indigenous people being relocates to accommodate immigrants. The Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War followed soon after.

People

The people of Ireland are central to the history of Ireland whether due to their actions or what they suffered. The country’s link to England led to the implementation of the Crown’s policy of plantation, which caused the movement of English and Scottish settlers into Ireland and changed to background of the country’s occupants. The potato famine occurred in the mid-nineteenth century and changed the country beyond recognition due to the manner in which the population were affected. Over a million people died during this period of the mid-nineteenth century and, to avoid starvation, the same number emigrated as far afield as the US, Canada and Australia as well as England.

Religion

Religion has played a major role in the history of Ireland in a variety of different ways, and continues to do so to this day. In the seventeenth century, while Roman Catholicism was the majority religion, the Anglican church held all the authority. Sectarianism has also dominated the history of Ireland, with wars having been fought between the Protestant and Catholic factions that have spilled out into other areas. The sixties saw the conflict between the opponents at its height, becoming somewhat of a ceasefire as it stands today.

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