Republic of Ireland

:For an explanation of often confusing terms like Ulster, (Republic of) Ireland, (Great) Britain and United Kingdom see British Isles (terminology) .

Geography

Main article: Geography of Ireland

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The island of Ireland extends over 84,421 km² of which five-sixths belong to the Republic, with the remainder constituting Northern Ireland. It is bound to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the northeast by the North Channel. To the east is found the Irish Sea which reconnects to the ocean via the southwest with St. George's Channel and the Celtic Sea. The west-coast of Ireland mostly consists of cliffs, hills and low mountains (the highest point being Carrauntoohil at 1,041 m). In from the perimeter of the country is mostly relatively flat farmland, traversed by rivers such as the River Shannon and several large lakes or loughs. The center of the country is part of the River Shannon watershed, containing large areas of bogland, used for peat production.

Related Topics:
Atlantic Ocean - North Channel - Irish Sea - St. George's Channel - Celtic Sea - Carrauntoohil - River Shannon - Bogland - Peat

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The local temperate climate is modified by the North Atlantic Current and is relatively mild. Summers are rarely very hot, but it freezes only occasionally in winter. Precipitation is very common, with up to 275 days with rain in some parts of the country. Chief cities are the capital Dublin on the east coast, Cork in the south, Galway and Limerick on the west coast, and Waterford on the south east coast (see Cities in Ireland).

Related Topics:
Temperate climate - North Atlantic Current - Precipitation - Dublin - Cork - Galway - Limerick - Waterford - Cities in Ireland

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~