IRELAND (NORTHERN)

Official Name          : Ireland 

Capital                     : Dublin

Currency                 : Euro (EUR) 

Language                : Irish, English 

Population              : 5.000.000 

Visa Required         : NO

Just after the last ice age there was already some kind of human occupation of the area we now call (northern) Ireland. About 600 years before Christ, the first Celts came to Ireland to spread their culture, religion and practices. The Irish still see the Celts as their distant ancestors and are very proud of their Celtic descent. 400 years after Christ, the first bishops came to Ireland to spread Christianity. To this day, this is also the most important patron saint of Ireland, namely St. Patrick. The Republic of Ireland is still largely Catholic. Throughout history, Ireland has been a huge accumulation of all kinds of fights and wars. The Vikings, Norman Kings, English, Protestants and Catholics, they all did their share. All the overthrows and fights of the years have left their traces and marks on the island and throughout it there are ancient ruins of churches, castles and other memorials of wars everywhere. In the 19th century, Ireland joined the Kingdom of England and indicated the independence struggle. After several bloody insurgency and protests, Ireland finally became independent in 1921. Ireland is especially popular with tourists because of the beautiful nature. Green hills, beautiful rugged shores and picturesque lovely villages make an unrealistic setting in which it is beautiful walking, cycling and hiking. The friendly people are very hospitable and humorous, full of black humor and provide a lot of cosiness. Ireland has a long history of folk music and performances of this kind of bands especailly performed in local pubs. Ireland is a great destination for anyone who loves rural cosiness and nature. A beautiful country wonderfully beautiful views and landscapes.

Celtic tiger:

For a long time Ireland was the poorest country of Western Europe, whose emigration (especially to the US), was a symbol. However, in the 90's of the twentieth century, Ireland went throug a period of high economic growth, making Ireland the second most richest EU country (behind Luxembourg) and the third most richest country in the world (behind Luxembourg, Norway and the United States). Ireland was known as the Celtic Tiger in the 90's, a term that refers to the Asian tigers, which previously experienced similar spectacular growth. The national symbol of Ireland is a Celtic harp, also depicted on the Irish euro coins. But also the shamrock is often used as a national symbol, including by the national rugby team. One of the last shocking developments in Ireland in recent years was the results of a child abuse survey, mainly debated by the Katholic church.