IRELAND: THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A HOLIDAY

About two million tourists visit the Republic of Ireland every year. They come from all over the world. People from Europe, Japan, and especially the United States of America visit Ireland because many Americans have grandparents and greatgrandparents who came from Ireland.

Why do so many people come to Ireland? Perhaps it’s because the capital city, Dublin, has fascinating museums, comfortable hotels, and great restaurants. Or perhaps, it’s because the people who live in Ireland are so warm and friendly. Maybe, it’s because it’s a charming and very beautiful country. But it’s probably because of all of these things.

For young people, Ireland is a great place. Camping is easy, you can go windsurfing and canoeing, cycle around the island, or spend some time on a houseboat on one of the beautiful canals.

The music is exciting too. You can listen to traditional Irish music, or to the many great Irish pop groups. Sometimes, a lucky tourist sees Bono of U2, which is the famous Irish band, walking down the street.

FACT FILE

OFFICIAL NAME: Ireland

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Democracy

CAPITAL: Dublin

POPULATION: 4,832,765

MONEY: Euro

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Irish, English

AREA: 68,890 square kilometres

MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Wicklow Mountains

MAJOR RIVERS: Shannon, Liffey, Boyne, Moy, Barrow