Over the years, many Irish poets, playwrights, novelists and musicians have described the beauty of Ireland. James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, John Millington Synge, U2, Enya and Oscar Wilde, to name a few, have made creative use of some of the greatest Irish mountain views, farmland and cities.
Still, you don't have to see the landscape with an artist's eye to recognize all Ireland has to offer. Besides its charming combination of rural and urban environments, the country is fascinating for the way it has achieved one of the greatest economic transformations in history.
While their country's geography may be small (the size of West Virginia, Indiana or half of Arkansas), Ireland's people manifest an enormous spirit-one that continues to appeal to students from all over the world.
They come in increasing numbers to Irish universities, colleges and vocational schools to learn about everything from industry to business and agriculture. Like so many others, these travelers know it's not enough to learn about Ireland in the textbooks-or through an artist's prose.
They find there's nothing like actually being in Ireland-reading W.B. Yeats from a café in, say, Belfast, driving down the winding roads that, once drawn as cow paths, now mark the small island that makes up Ireland.
These paths lead visitors through town after town filled with an eclectic mix of forts, castles, bed-and-breakfasts, mountains, rivers, railroads, gardens, pubs and some of the finest brews (coffee, beer and whiskey) in all of Europe.
Ireland is a divided island
The island of Ireland lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Ireland resembles a basin-a central plain bordered by low mountains and the Shannon River, which begins to the north and flows south and southwest before it empties into the Atlantic.
Thanks to its rich and compelling history, during which Ireland was ruled by Great Britain and then partially emancipated, the island is broken up into four historical provinces and two distinct jurisdictions:
- The Republic of Ireland, which is now a sovereign state covering three of the provinces (i.e., Leinster, Munster and Connacht), five sixths of the island and 26 counties.
- Northern Ireland, which is still part of Great Britain, covering the historical province of Ulster and six counties including Belfast, its capital.
Today, some 4 million people live in the Republic (considered the youngest population in Europe, with almost a quarter of its residents under the age of 14), and 2 million live in its Northern counterpart. Together, they've cultivated the fastest-growing economy in the western world-earning their homeland the nickname "The Celtic Tiger."
Once built on agriculture, Ireland's market is now heavy on industry, information technology and trade. Exporting-which brings in $102 billion in business annually (according to 2005 figures)--remains the primary engine for Ireland's growth. Its major trading partners are the United States, England, Belgium, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
This newfound wealth, coupled with the beauty of the island's landscape, has made Ireland a top tourist destination-and a virtual treasure trove for those who embrace both its academics and its customs.
Dublin is a proud and cosmopolitan city
Although it is possible to drive Ireland's 32,000 square miles in a day or so, it's better to settle in and explore. The first stop for many visitors is Dublin, the Republic of Ireland's capital, its largest city, and home to more than 1 million of its people.
If you like museums, food and culture, you'll like Dublin. There, you'll find the Irish Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Ireland, to name just a couple of the major attractions. You'll also find the area famous for its:
- Dublin Bay prawns and other local cuisine.
- Cobblestoned and trendy Temple Bar (a section aptly named "Dublin's Left Bank"), replete with shopping, galleries, clubs and restaurants.
- "Dublinisms." Don't be surprised if somebody slaps your shoulder and says, "Howyer!"-a slurred version of "How are you?" It's all part of being with the Jackeens (Dubliners who are considered well-read but proud of their lower- or working-class beginnings).
Since it has grown in cachet, Dublin is now the third-most expensive capital city in the European Union. Still, you get what you pay for: a magnificent view of the bay, a mountainous silhouette, a chance to tour the thoroughfares rich in goods and services, as well as Irish history and personality.
An hour in any direction takes you somewhere special
Travel an hour any way outside of Dublin and you're somewhere special and somewhere very different from the capital city. Go South to Wicklow to admire its green hills and gardens or North to Meath, to see its magnificent prehistoric ruins.
Or, check out:
- Cork city, which is known for its heavy arts scene and launching some of Ireland's biggest folk acts.
- County Kerry, which has long been one of the Island's hottest tourist spots. It offers travelers awe-inspiring vistas and towns that are not only lively, but rich in Gaelic culture and tradition.
- Carrauntoohill Mountain, where the most adventurous hikers go to tackle Ireland's highest peak.
Whether it's touring Wexford and Waterford (yes, the home to the exquisitely crafted crystal), enjoying the storybook castles of Kilkenny Town or indulging yourself in the brew-heavy city of Belfast, it's easy to see what all the fuss is about. As a student in Ireland, you have the chance to paint your own picture, to write your own story or to have an educational experience that will allow you to create your own masterpiece.
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