History of Ireland from ancient times. History of Northern Ireland

The territories of Ireland remained uninhabited for a long time due to the glacier that did not want to leave these places. In the 2nd century BC, the Celts settled here, and although formally they were not pioneers in the development of the island, they left behind an impressive cultural heritage.

In the 5th century, Christianity came to Irish lands with Saint Patrick. True, it was not possible to completely oust the fairies and leprechauns from the island, but it was quite possible to force the population to reconsider their attitude towards pagan ideals. The Vikings also contributed to Irish culture, and since the 10th century they have been regularly celebrated in these territories. It was they who founded several port cities, including Dublin and Limerick.

200 years after the Scandinavian invasion, Ireland was mired in a series of internecine conflicts, which England was quick to take advantage of. Under the guise of supporting one of the local leaders, the troops of Henry II invaded the island and conquered its eastern part. Subsequently, open confrontation established between Great Britain and Erin. In different eras, the Irish king Robert the Bruce, the hereditary aristocrat Thomas Fitzgerald, the Earl of Tyrone and other representatives of the elite fought against English oppression.

During the English Civil War, Ireland once again tried to restore its own independence, for which it paid dearly. Cromwell's troops arrived on the island and massacred all those who disagreed with the political regime, giving the survivors the opportunity to flee.

Despite the desperate struggle of Irish Catholics against British colonization, in 1801 the “homeland of Riverdance” officially became part of Foggy Albion. And in the middle of the 19th century, crop failures and harsh agrarian reforms by the English government provoked a massive famine in Ireland, as a result of which part of the population died, and part emigrated to more “grain-producing” countries.

The Emerald Isle managed to gain its long-awaited independence in 1921, after a series of armed conflicts with British troops. However, this was not enough for the Irish authorities, and in 1949 the state left the Commonwealth of Nations, completely abandoning English influence, and in 1973 it joined the European Union.

Population, religion, language barrier

Stereotypical clichés depicting the Irishman as a hospitable, slightly irresponsible, but extremely curious and slightly contemptuous patriot of the English are partly true. Usually, when mentioning the descendants of the Celts, attention is focused on their cockiness. In fact, the Irish are no more aggressive than other peoples, but a sense of instability is characteristic not only of the local climate, but also of the mood of the natives of the Emerald Isle. Hence the love for heated debates and a kind of humor (often black). By the way, the peculiarities of the national character are best described by the Celtic sagas, whose heroes can fight for the most insignificant things, in particular, for the best piece of roast (“The Tale of the Pig Mac Dato”).

Today Ireland is a completely secular state. However, until the mid-50s, green Erin was considered perhaps the most religious country in the world, and confirmation of this is the constant strife between Catholics and Protestants who accepted the teachings of the English Church. Moreover, the last clashes between fans of the faith took place not in the Middle Ages, but in the 20th century, during the era of hippies and the sexual revolution.

As true patriots who have fought for independence for centuries, the Irish are enthusiastic about their own language. Irish Gaelic is studied in schools, foreign films and literature are translated into it, and recently it can be seen on signs and road signs. However, if you try to communicate with the island’s population in English, you will receive a clear answer in a slightly distorted, but still Shakespearean language.

Attractions and entertainment

Ireland is a country with epic, meditative landscapes, preserved in the same form as in the times of Swift and Wilde (both writers were born in the “land of the shamrock”). It's no surprise that Irish locations appear more often than others in Game of Thrones and at least a couple of Star Wars episodes.

The castles scattered across the island and decaying abbeys, ruined farmsteads, places of cosmic power inherited by the Irish from their Celtic ancestors are no less impressive than the infernal cliffs of the Cliffs of Moher, on which travel bloggers click their extreme selfies. So, if you want to delve deeper into the history of unconquered Erin, buy rubber boots and a waterproof raincoat and get ready to travel and walk around the Irish counties - the real “gems” of architecture prefer to stay away from noisy cities.

Wander along the stone paths and touch the walls of the megalithic complex of Newgrange, considered the Irish “answer” to the much-hyped Stonehenge. Despite the fact that the religious buildings are not exact copies of each other, they are approximately the same age, as is the otherworldly atmosphere that reigns in these areas.

The most trampled routes by European tourists are the so-called “rings”. For example, the famous Ring of Kerry, traveling along which you can see enough mountain-lake landscapes for years to come. Or a slightly less advertised, but equally looped route on the Bera Peninsula, encircling the Atlantic coast with its cozy villages and scenes of Celtic sagas. The most ambitious and tireless are recommended to take a ride along the Wild Atlantic Way - the journey is long and difficult, but it provides the opportunity to study the topography and nature of the island “from and to.”

A trip to County Antrim is a small immersion into the world of Celtic myths, since it is within its boundaries that the Giant's Causeway is located. The complex of terraces with gigantic steps made of basalt, which inspired Swift to write Gulliver's Travels, is a completely natural formation, although at first it is difficult to believe in the miraculous origin of the object.

An excellent test of endurance and the vestibular system is a walk along the Carrick-a-Rede suspension bridge: the structure is strong, but this does not make the promenade any less extreme. Tours to neighboring islands are also a good change of scenery for cases when the locations of the main island have already been explored. On Skellig Michael, guests will find the gloomy ruins of an ancient monastery, on Garnish - miracles of landscape design that appeared here when a piece of land was private property, on the Aran Islands - the remains of ancient fortifications, on Achill - photogenic beaches and Carrickildavne Castle.

Do it in Ireland!

• Take a photo at the monument to the heroine of the Molly Malone song and memorize this hit, beloved by Irish football fans.
• Spend half your travel budget in the clubs of Dublin's Temple Bar.
• Travel to Galway, the most pirate and Celtic of Ireland's cities, where you will be taught the standard Gaelic pronunciation.
• Get used to saying "pub" instead of "pub" - the Irish really like it.
• Buy a vampire mask and check in at the Bram Stoker Festival, or stop by the town of Cross Haven, where every August a fabulous red-haired fest is held, attracting thousands of freckled participants.
• Buy a ferry ticket to Rathlin Island to see the colorful colonies of puffins.
• Make your way to Northern Ireland and find the mystical beech alley of Dark Hedges. Yes, yes, the same one along which Arya Stark ran away.

All sights of Ireland

Architecture of Ireland

After St. Patrick converted Ireland to Catholicism, local residents were torn between their love of all things mystical and loyalty to the church. To make it clearer how successful they were: all pagan legends and sagas were recorded and supplemented with “facts” by Irish monks. The Christian religion, however, was not deprived either, erecting numerous monasteries and temples “for the glory of God.”

Irish cuisine

The Irish have never had Slavic roots, but potatoes are respected here no less than anywhere in Belarus. The second product necessary for a complete meal is meat, which is generally understandable. In a country with such an unstable climate, extra protein and calories will not hurt. Recently, more and more Irish people are eating outside their homes, which is due to reasonable prices for street food and menus in local pubs (not applicable to tourist places).

To form your own opinion about the level of skill of Irish chefs, be sure to order and try sausage puddings (black and white), shepherd's pie, boxty potato pancakes, Jonathan Swift's favorite dish - coddle, Irish stew, lamb stew and fish chowder. By the way, the mashed potatoes familiar to every Russian are also prepared in a special way, so if you order champ or colcannon in local taverns, get ready to see something that is not quite what you are used to.

You shouldn’t think that the Irish fanatically promote national culinary traditions - in the cities it’s easy to find establishments with Mediterranean and even Asian cuisine. But there is a special attitude towards the food on the table - only the best should be eaten, that is, grown by local farmers. It’s easy to guess about this “fad” of the descendants of the Celts when you cross the threshold of any supermarket. The inscription “Irish” on the product packaging will be striking with its brightness and size.

The Irish have a mutual love for alcohol; it is not for nothing that the best friend and doctor on the Emerald Isle is considered not just anyone, but the bartender. In addition to the world-famous Bushmills and Tullamore Dew whiskeys, as well as Guinness beer, you can drink ale, cider and delicious liqueurs here, from dessert Baileys to premium Irish Mist, which is made according to medieval heather honey recipes. Tourists who are afraid of not passing the test of pure whiskey and strong liqueurs should stop at Irish coffee. There is less alcohol in it, and the taste is amazing.

Where to stay

Tourists praise Irish hotels for their decent service and compliance with high European standards, while noting that the cost of living in them is often even higher than in English hotels. Those who like the optimal combination of basic comfort and economy are advised to take a closer look at the guesthouses that are available both in Dublin and in the rural outback. Usually these are inexpensive family hotels of the bed and breakfast type, the owners of which are friendly towards the guests and do not skimp on rich and tasty breakfasts. Moreover, some of these shelters are located in historical buildings - former inns and taverns, and also have their own pub, where you can taste the main Irish delicacies.

If your bank card account allows it, in Ireland you can relax in Tudor style by renting an apartment in a castle or tower. Such opportunities are provided by Ashford, Barberstone, Clontarf and other castle complexes. Adherents of eco-housing will feel comfortable on Irish farms and rural cottages, the owners of which undertake to treat guests to home-grown “chemical-free” products. Furnished barns, treehouses and former church rooms converted into bedrooms are options in the “unusual and reasonably priced” category.

Local hostels should not be discounted either, especially since among them there are not just comfortable, but sometimes very interesting conceptual options. For example, located in national parks (Letterfrack Lodge), with its own garden (Aras Owen) or even a livestock farm (Valley Lodge Farm).

The cost of housing is directly related to its location relative to “sightseeing” routes. For example, a room in a Dublin three-room apartment costs about 100-150 EUR per night. In Clifden, a similar option will cost from 85 EUR, in Limerick – from 60 EUR. Rates for a stay at bed and breakfast hotels start from 55 EUR and end at around 90 EUR per night. A separate double room in a hostel costs approximately 40-60 EUR, a bed in a shared bedroom costs 14-18 EUR.

Important nuance: Christmas holidays, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Samhain - Irish hoteliers perceive all national celebrations as a reason to raise prices, so when going to catch leprechauns on the eve of the next festival, be prepared to book places at not the most pleasant prices.

Cellular communications and Internet

The main mobile operators in Ireland are Vodafone, Three, Air (formerly Meteor). Air has the most attractive prices. But if the purpose of your trip is tours along circular routes with visits to remote villages, it is better to opt for Vodafone. It has the most extensive coverage area, both 2, 3 and 4G. You can purchase the SIM card you need online, on the official websites of operators or at sales offices. Moreover, there are always plenty of prepaid tariffs for travelers, for which a passport is not required.

An alternative to mobile phones is pay phones. It’s easier to look for them at train stations, although you can still come across voluminous “boxes with buttons” on the streets of the capital. It is more economical to pay for calls at machines with a special card sold at newsstands and minimarkets. Wi-Fi in Ireland is available in every hotel (usually included in the total price of your stay) and pub, and there are plenty of free hotspots in the capital, including intercity buses.

Money

In 2002, the Irish pound officially ceased to exist and was replaced by the euro. Ideally, it is better to conquer the green Erin with a credit card of international payment systems, from which you can cash out at any ATM. Bringing a supply of cash in euros is also a reasonable option, because any currency other than dollars is accepted without much enthusiasm in Irish banks. By the way, about American money: in some exchange offices a tourist may not be able to accept $100 bills, and it will be impossible to convince the employees.

If you do need to convert foreign currency, keep in mind that the most unfavorable rates will be offered by hotel and Dublin airport exchange offices; more acceptable - by banks. In general, in cities you can completely rely on a credit card - it won’t be difficult to pay with it in a pub, hotel or gas station.

Shopping

In Ireland you can buy an incredible amount of authentic souvenirs. If opportunities permit, start with the most expensive ones - for example, with Claddagh rings, in which ninety percent of Irish brides are outdone. Costume jewelry in the Celtic style - bracelets, pendants, earrings - will cost a little less. Not very budget-friendly, but natural and environmentally friendly - this is about Aran sweaters and Irish wool blankets, which you cannot buy for less than 100 EUR. Waterford crystal and Irish lace are gifts designed for sophisticated aesthetes, so the prices for such beauty are appropriate.

An excellent option for those marching through life with a song are national instruments, from the bagpipes to the bohrán drum (it’s better to practice when you arrive home; the Irish are unlikely to appreciate your musical exercises). Be sure to stock up on souvenirs with shamrocks and leprechauns, or, if you don’t want to bother, buy cookies and candy with images of these Irish “business cards”.

Baileys, whiskey, gin and beer can also be taken with you, as well as a box of Butlers chocolates, as well as a couple of bags of delicious local potato chips. Beer pie, honey and jam with whiskey, and beer-based meat sauces are suitable as gastronomic wonders.

The most tempting sales in Ireland occur in January and July. So if you find yourself on the Emerald Isle during these months, visit the Dublin Kildare Village outlet, Powerscourt Centre, Stephen’s Green (Dublin), William, Middle (Galway), SkyCourt Shopping Center (Shannon) malls. Traditional operating hours of shopping centers: from 9:00 to 18:00. Only small private shops and supermarkets are open longer. By the way, you can also visit the latter on Sunday, although only between 12:00 and 18:00.

It is possible to use the Tax free system in Ireland, and the VAT refund process is unique. So, for example, when making a purchase in stores supported by the FexCo system, instead of a standard tax-free check, the client is given a red plastic card on which the purchase has already been recorded. In the future, you can use it to visit other retail outlets with a FexCo sticker, “accumulating” new acquisitions to your virtual account.

The next stage is registering a card, without which you will not be able to return VAT. The easiest way to register is via the Internet, but if this method is not available, it makes sense to contact the company’s offices. You can get the required tax free at Dublin Airport by contacting any FexCo counter (have your passport and credit card ready). An alternative to counters is self-service machines. In them you need to enter a card, fill in the empty fields following the prompts on the screen, and enter information into a paper form, which then needs to be placed in the company mailbox (located at the airport).

Safety

Ireland is considered a safe tourist destination, unless your plans include visiting crime-ridden areas and urban outskirts. In Dublin, the neighborhoods of Blanch, Finglas and Ballymun remain so. Smoking in public places, and especially in pubs, is extremely undesirable - this means a fine and judgmental glances from others. By the way, about pubs: it is not customary to leave a tip to the bartender in such places.

If during the tour you wanted to talk with the descendants of the Celts on British or Northern Irish topics, then it was completely in vain. No one will start a fight with a tourist over uncomfortable questions, but a negative reaction and raised voices cannot be avoided.

Customs and visa information

A visa and health insurance are required to enter Ireland. True, the usual “Schengen” will not work here - the authorities of the Emerald Isle at one time did not want to sign the Schengen agreement, which is why tourists now have to apply for a special Irish visa (type C). Another option is the British multiple entry visa. You can get with it to the “land of green elves and epic cliffs” if the owner has previously managed to check in on the shores of Foggy Albion. At the same time, you can get acquainted with the beauties of Belfast and other Northern Irish cities with a British visa without any reservations or restrictions.

As for customs restrictions, they are the same as in other EU countries. Prohibited for import are: narcotic and psychotropic substances, weapons, plants and their seeds, pornographic materials and products (an exception is made for baby food). Cosmetics and medicines can be taken if their total cost does not exceed 175 EUR, and a prescription is required for medications. Duty-free import applies to strong and light alcohol in quantities of 1 and 5 liters, respectively, cigarettes (up to 200 units), tobacco (up to 250 g) and cigars (50 pieces).

You can bring currency into Ireland without hindrance, but you can export it only in quantities not exceeding the amount specified in the declaration. It is wiser to wrap all the “surplus” in traveler’s checks, not forgetting to take a receipt issued by an Irish exchange bank.

Transport

The island's public transport system has come a long way. And although travel gurus still do not recommend relying on local communications, if you wish, you can explore the main locations of the country without a personal car. If for some reason public transport is not available (you missed the bus or the flight was canceled due to bad weather), good old hitchhiking helps out. Irish people in cars willingly pick up voters on the roads, which is what many backpackers take advantage of.

Until recently, natives of Erin preferred to travel around the country by plane; fortunately, there were more than a dozen airports on the island, and this does not include local airfields. Today, in addition to Dublin, you can reach by air to Galway, Donegal, Cork, Kerry, Shannon and a number of other cities.

You can also travel between counties by trains, which are all high-speed here. Another type of land travel is a bus. Double-decker buses of the Irish Bus and Bus Eireann networks run between cities and towns, and you can ride them by purchasing a ticket from the driver. Ferries are the most popular type of water transport. On them you can sail not only to the mysterious islands of the western part of Ireland, but also to England and France.

Taxis in the country are quite expensive, but if you have neither the strength nor the desire to refuse a trip in an elegant black cab, prepare 3-4 EUR for boarding and about a couple of euros for each kilometer of the journey. A rented bicycle can also be a good assistant for excursions around Dublin and rural roads. The island has a special Great Western Greenway route, which is recommended to be conquered exclusively on bikes.

There are plenty of bike rental outlets in Ireland, and some train and bus companies even allow you to carry two-wheeled friends on transport for free. The only downside is parking. If you leave your mountain bike or road bike in the wrong place, get ready for it to be evacuated. Accordingly, before renting a vehicle, read the rules for its operation on the Dublinbikes rental company website.

Car rental

Ireland is the type of country where all the most interesting and impressive things are not in the cities, but outside them. Add to this the fickle nature of the local weather, which turns waiting for a bus at a bus stop into a test of strength, and the conclusion that there is nowhere (or almost nowhere) on the island without a car suggests itself.

You can rent a car at Dublin Airport - there is the largest selection of rental outlets. There are also plenty of similar companies in the central areas of the Irish capital, but their tariffs are higher. As for the terms of the contract, driving experience of at least one year and the availability of an international license have not been canceled.

There are restrictions on the age of the client: most companies are happy to see among their tenants people aged 25 to 79 years. Some companies can rent out a car to a younger client, but there are fewer such places. A credit card is also required. By the way, keep in mind that the amounts of collateral blocked on electronic accounts are impressive, about 1000-3000 EUR. If you plan to travel to English possessions (Northern Ireland), notify the rental company about this, since traveling to another country is always an additional fee that must be paid to the company.

The parking situation around the country is not bad, but parking in the center of Dublin is a pleasure strictly for money. On streets remote from the tourist center, it is easier to find a place for personal vehicles, although parking times are usually regulated. In smaller populated areas, the issue of parking is not so acute. And yet, when checking into a hotel in even a small town, do not be lazy to check whether it has parking spaces for guests - many guesthouses skimp on such attributes.

Driving in Ireland is on the left, the roads are narrow, and there are radar cameras and speed limit signs at every turn. Overtaking among the descendants of the Celts is only allowed on the right. The maximum permissible speed in populated areas is 50 km/h, outside cities – 80 km/h, on highways – 100 km/h. They fine you for not wearing a seat belt and speeding quickly and seriously, but they turn a blind eye to missing a pint of Guinness before a trip. The maximum permissible dose of alcohol in the blood, unless you are a novice driver, is 0.5 ppm.

How to get there

Aeroflot flies directly from Moscow to the capital of Ireland. Flights with one transfer are offered by Airbaltic, Finnair, Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France. If you wish, you can combine a trip to the Emerald Isle with a visit to the UK - there are daily flights from Foggy Albion in the Irish direction.

You can sail to the “land of Guinness and shamrock” on ferries that scurry between the island and the ports of Liverpool, Fishguard and Holyhead. In addition, Ireland has a ferry connection with France (ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff). The only nuance that will have to be taken into account is the weather dependence of water transport. If storms and storms are approaching, European carriers prefer to cancel flights.

As Peter Neville writes in his detailed and fascinating book, the ancient name of Ireland is Eriu. Translated, this means “the most beautiful woman in the world.” Like other beautiful women, Ireland was passionately desired and fought for. She was admired, despised, imitated, sought after and furiously attacked. The metaphor is strengthened not only by the mysterious and attractive nature of the country, but also by the fact that it is one of the most prolific in the world: the sons and daughters of Ireland are scattered across the globe from Boston to Melbourne, from Liverpool to Toronto.

Ireland has a unique geographical position: no other European country has climbed so far to the west. The hurricane showers must have carried it into the Atlantic Ocean; they also made the Emerald Isle so green. For the legions of Imperial Rome, Ireland was a little further away than they would have liked. While other peoples of the British Isles experienced Roman rule, the Irish escaped such a fate. The island's distinctive Celtic culture, however, was not kept in an isolated cocoon. The Romans failed to set foot on this land, but the Vikings, Normans and especially the British succeeded.

The leitmotif of Ireland's story is the tension she experienced in playing two contradictory roles. On the one hand, Ireland was a victim of foreign aggression. She was even made a mute participant in the colonial struggle, when Protestant colonists in the north acted as a counterweight to the Catholic, potentially rebellious majority. The headache of British politics is the Ulster problem, epitomized by the bloody episodes of Irish history, including Cromwell's invasion in the 1640s and the depredations of the Black and Browns in relatively recent times. Anglo-Saxons and Gaels, Protestants and Catholics fought with each other for centuries.

On the other hand, Ireland was an active and often enthusiastic partner in the spread of the English language and British influence throughout the world. Especially after the Union of 1800, when the Irish - Catholics and Protestants - joined British political, economic and imperial life. Irish members of parliament sat and still sit in the House of Commons, Irish generals commanded Irish units during the era of the empire’s campaigns of conquest, suppressed the freedom of peoples with whom Irish nationalists later shared common views. The Industrial Revolution, the famine years, and the massive urbanization of Britain forced hundreds of thousands of Irish people to cross the Irish Sea in search of work and a better life.

Opposition to Anglo-Saxon dominance never faded, even as the Irish reluctantly accepted English supremacy in the British Isles and throughout the empire. The resistance movement, of which now only the IRA remained, continued for many years, and the Irish - whether at home, or in the United States, or in Australia - took every opportunity to damage British interests. The attitude of the British changed - from violence to kindness, from tolerance to contempt, from admiration to ridicule.

The eventful, complex past of the Irish is beautifully presented in this lively and engaging book. Ireland is the source of many legends, but its history is often more amazing than any fiction. It is a country of poets, playwrights and novelists, but at the same time a country of eloquent politicians, famous warriors and die-hard rebels. The Irish Republic became an integral part of the European Community. The Irish recently elected a woman president for the first time. Despite the vagaries of history, Ireland has always been a remarkably hospitable country, and those who visit it are delighted.

Denis Judd

Ireland represents the western tip of the group of islands known as the British Isles. However, it is distinguished from England, Wales and Scotland by distinctive characteristics. From the north (Ulster) to the southwest (the wild coast of County Kerry) the country stretches for 350 miles, and from the northwest to the southeast - 200 miles. Ireland is washed by a large sea - the Irish Sea - and one of the world's largest oceans - the Atlantic.

The sea has had a defining influence on Ireland throughout its history. No point on the island is more than 100 miles from the sea.

Ireland has a temperate climate: it is not too hot and not very cold, although the southwest of the country boasts subtropical vegetation. Three mountains rose above 3,000 feet, and a series of low mountain ranges stretched along the coast. The space enclosed in mountain rings is a low, marshy plain with large reserves of peat. This is the island's only natural resource. Unlike England, Wales and Scotland, there is no coal or iron ore here, but the peat deposits are the best in Europe.

The evolution of ancient peat deposits was a long process. It began when a glacier left the territory of central Ireland, leaving behind small lakes. Over time, the lake vegetation withered, degenerated and turned the old lakes into swamps (like Norfolk) and peat bogs. Ireland once had about 311,000 hectares of peatland (for centuries, cubes of peat were cut out and used as fuel), but by 1985 only 54,000 acres remained. The peat bogs were disappearing at an alarming rate. Their economic value is obvious in a country without coal deposits. In 1921, the country gained independence, and peat began to be used as fuel for power plants built on Ireland's largest river, the Shannon. It was not long before Ireland realized the historical and ecological value of the peatlands. It turned out that the peat bogs of the central plain are not only a huge reserve of rare plants and birds, they are also a repository of human remains and artifacts dating back to 9000 BC. Even now, the peat fire, along with clover, is a symbol of Ireland.

Modern Ireland is divided into four provinces: Ulster, Leinster, Connacht and Munster (Munster). In the medieval period, a fifth province was mentioned - Meath, or Midland, but over time it disappeared. Nevertheless, the names of the surviving provinces, like much else in Ireland, have ancient roots. In the distant past, according to legend, the northern half of the island was known as Leth Cuinn ("Conn's Share", after the mythical hero Conn), the southern half was called Leth Moga (or "Mage's Share" in honor of another mythical hero called the Magician Nuada ). Leth Cuinn became the northern provinces of Ulster and Connacht, and Leth Moga became the southern provinces of Leinster and Munster.

After the Boer War (1918-1921), Ireland was divided, with the six northern counties (Armagh, Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Londonderry) remaining part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is often called Ulster, but this is incorrect because of the nine counties of Ulster, three (Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan) became part of an independent Ireland. In Northern Ireland, or the "Six Counties", two-thirds of the population is Protestant (1.6 million people practice this religion) and a third is Catholic.

The bloody aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin gave impetus to the struggle for Irish independence; and in the British general election of 1918, Irish republicans won a substantial majority of Irish parliamentary seats. They declared Ireland an independent country and formed the first Dail Eireann (the lower house of the Irish Parliament) under the leadership of Eamon de Valera, a surviving hero of the Easter Rising.

The Celts, warriors from Eastern Europe, arrived in Ireland around 300 BC. They held Ireland under their rule for 1000 years and left their own language and culture in Ireland, which survive to this day, especially in Galway, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. The Romans never reached Ireland, and as the rest of Europe fell into early medieval decline after the fall of the empire, the country became an outpost of European civilization, especially after the adoption of Christianity in the 3rd to 5th centuries.

In the 8th century, Viking invaders began plundering Irish monasteries. They became firmly established in Ireland in the 9th century and formed alliances with local tribes and chiefs. They founded Dublin, which became the capital of a small Viking kingdom in the 10th century. The English arrived here with the Normans in 1169, easily capturing Wexford and Dublin. The English king Henry II was recognized by the pope as Lord of Ireland and in 1171 he proclaimed Dublin a royal city. Anglo-Norman lords established control over parts of Ireland, bypassing royal authority.

English power was consolidated under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. England's final challenge was the city of Ulster, the ultimate outpost of Irish leaders, particularly Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. In 1607, O'Neill's ignominious escape along with 90 other leaders left the city ungovernable and opened the door to the English colonial policy called "plantation" - the organized active confiscation of land and the placement of settlers on it who contributed to the division of Ulster, existing and this day.

The newly arrived settlers did not intermarry with the locals and did not mix their blood with the impoverished and very aggressive population of full-blooded Irish and old English Catholics who began a bloody rebellion in 1641. The original Irish and old English Catholics supported the royalists in the English Civil War, and after the execution of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell - the victorious Protestant parliamentarian - arrived in Ireland to teach his opponents a lesson. He left behind a trail of death and destruction that cannot be forgotten.

In 1695, harsh laws were introduced against papists and nonconformists, known as the Papal Code: Catholics were prohibited from buying land, raising their children according to Catholic traditions, and participating in politics and lawmaking. Irish culture, music and educational traditions were banned. Religion and culture survived through secret street meetings and illegal schools called "open-air schools", but by 1778 Catholics had only 5% of the land left. Alarmed by the growing unrest in the country at the end of the 18th century, the Protestant nobility gave the remains of their independence into the hands of Britain; The Act of Union of 1800 united Ireland politically with Britain. The formation of the Catholic Association by the famous leader Daniel O'Connell led to limited Catholic emancipation, but subsequent resistance was temporarily halted by the tragedy of the Great Famine (1845-51). The virtual failure of the potato harvest during these years - during which Ireland exported other foodstuffs to England - led to mass starvation and began immigration that continued well into the 20th century.

The bloody aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin gave impetus to the struggle for Irish independence; and in the British general election of 1918, Irish republicans won a substantial majority of Irish parliamentary seats. They declared Ireland an independent country and formed the first Dail Eireann (the lower house of the Irish Parliament) under the leadership of Eamon de Valera, a surviving hero of the Easter Rising. This sparked the Anglo-Irish War, which lasted from 1919 until mid-1921. The Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1921 gave independence to the 26 Irish counties and the six mostly Protestant Ulster counties to decide whether to separate from England. The Northern Ireland Parliament was formed with James Craig as Prime Minister. Northern politicians could not reach a consensus on some religious issues; Discrimination against Catholics was evident in politics, housing rights, employment and social services. The south of Ireland was eventually declared a Republic in 1948 and left the British Commonwealth in 1949.

Instability in the north began to emerge in 1960, and when a peaceful civil rights march in 1968 was brutally broken up by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) the situation took a turn for the worse. British troops were sent to Derry and Belfast in August 1969; they were initially welcomed by Catholics, but it soon became clear that Catholics were instruments of the Protestant majority. All peace measures failed and the Irish Republican Army (IRA), which had fought the British in the Anglo-Irish War, was formed again. This coup was apparently stimulated by endless tit-for-tat killings on both sides, punitive operations against local residents, the internment without trial of IRA supporters, prison deaths from hunger strikes, and the emergence of terrorism on mainland Britain.

Northern Ireland lost the remainder of its parliamentary independence and has been under London's leadership ever since. The Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 gave the Dublin government the right to a formal advisory role in Northern Ireland for the first time. The solemn reconciliation of 1994 was undermined by further killings, the re-emergence of terrorism in Britain and the apparent intransigence of the British government in Whitehall. This sentiment was again suppressed by the 1997 election of Tony Blair and the Labor majority to support him. The two sides resumed negotiations, and in 1998 formulated a peace plan giving a degree of self-government for Northern Ireland, and formed a North-South Council, which would have full powers to implement all-Ireland policies, by agreement of the Belfast and Dublin governments. As part of a plan that was fully confirmed by referendum, the south renounced its constitutional claims to the north.

By the end of the 90s, the Republic's economy was developing rapidly, mainly due to the introduction of investment funds from the EU, which helped to update the country's infrastructure. Ireland is said to have jumped straight from an agricultural economy to a post-industrial one, during which large computer and telecommunications companies began to emerge, creating jobs and attracting investment. A century-and-a-half-long immigration trend has slowed and may have stopped altogether as young people remain in the country and even return from abroad to take up jobs in their own countries. Are there any downsides? Try buying a modest two-bedroom house in Dublin and you'll find a selection of homes costing around $1 million.

Brief history of Ireland

Ireland has always remained one of the countries that has almost always remained aloof from global events. Its early history can be briefly described - it began in the 4th century BC, when this land was inhabited by Celtic tribes. Six centuries later, a full-fledged state appeared here, which existed peacefully until 796. It was during these years that Vikings began to raid all the islands of the British archipelago. For some time they even gained a foothold on the island, but in 1014 after the Battle of Clontarf they were expelled. However, the Normans (who, in fact, are also Vikings) seized power in Britain in 1080, and already in 1169 they attacked the island, gradually completely seizing power in it.
The British for a long time suppressed any attempts by the Irish to restore independence. In the middle of the 17th century, an uprising arose here, which was brutally suppressed by the British. Only in 1921 did it achieve relative independence, achieving the status of a British dominion. However, after two world wars, Britain's power waned, and in 1949 the Irish Republic was proclaimed. Meanwhile, six counties of Ulster (the northern part of the island) remained under British control. Ireland and Britain have coexisted peacefully since then, and have entered into a number of agreements to peacefully resolve all issues relating to the disputed territory.
Thus, the history of Ireland can be described briefly. As of today, the capital of modern Ireland is Dublin, which is one of the oldest capitals in Europe. Today it covers an area of ​​70,273 square meters. km, and 4 and a half million inhabitants live here. The Irish pound and Irish and English languages ​​are used here. Irish landmarks date back to both the medieval and early periods. Nature has not deprived this island.
Ireland has an indescribable flavor - folk dances, friendly people and love for the color green - these are not all the features of the local culture. There are a large number of ancient castles left here, many of them today turned into hotels. The oldest Irish city is Waterford - founded by Vikings in 914. The Irish are Catholics, this faith came here along with English expansion. However, local residents wanted to stand out here too, considering St. Patrick their main patron.

The famous Russian poetess Zinaida Gippius once upon a time, although she had never seen Ireland, called it “a foggy country with sharp rocks.” Now the island of Ireland, on which, in fact, the Republic of Ireland is located, is called the “Emerald Isle”, because the trees and plants there are green almost all year round. However, tourists in Ireland will be interested not only in nature, but also in numerous medieval castles, as well as other attractions, traditional festivals and local alcoholic drinks (Irish whiskey, beer and ale).

Geography of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is located on the island of Ireland, in northwestern Europe. This country shares a land border only with Northern Ireland, which is part of Great Britain. The island of Ireland is washed on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean (the Celtic Sea in the south, St. George's Channel in the southeast and the Irish Sea in the east). The total area of ​​this country is 70,273 square meters. km. The highest peak in Ireland is Mount Caranthuill, whose height reaches 1041 m.

Capital

The capital of Ireland is Dublin, whose population now numbers about 550 thousand people. Historians claim that a Celtic settlement on the site of modern Dublin existed already in the 2nd century AD.

Official language of Ireland

Ireland has two official languages ​​– Irish and English. However, only 39% of the Irish population speaks Irish.

Religion

About 87% of the inhabitants of Ireland are Catholics belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.

State structure

According to the Constitution, Ireland is a parliamentary republic, the head of which is the President, elected for a 7-year term.

Executive power belongs to the bicameral Parliament - the Oireachtas, consisting of the Senate (60 people) and the House of Representatives (156 people).

The main political parties are the Labor Party, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Labor Party of Ireland, and the Socialist Party.

Climate and weather in Ireland

The climate in Ireland is determined by the Atlantic Ocean and the warm Gulf Stream. As a result, the climate in this country is temperate maritime. The average annual air temperature is +9.6C. The warmest months in Ireland are July and August, when the average air temperature reaches +19C, and the coldest months are January and February (+2C). Average precipitation is 769 mm per year.

Average air temperature in Dublin:

• January - +4C
• February - +5C
• March - +6.5C
• April - +8.5C
• May - +11C
• June - +14C
• July - +15C
• August - +15C
• September - +13C
• October - +11C
• November - +7C
• December - +5C

Seas and oceans

The island of Ireland is washed on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. In the south, Ireland is washed by the Celtic Sea, and in the east by the Irish Sea. In the southeast, the St. George's Canal divides Ireland and Great Britain.

Rivers and lakes

Many rivers flow through Ireland. The largest of them are Shannon, Barrow, Suir, Blackwater, Bann, Liffey, and Slaney. As for the lakes, the following should be mentioned first of all: Lough Derg, Lough Mask, Lough Neagh, and Killarney.

Note that Ireland has an extensive network of canals, most of which were built more than 100 years ago.

Story

The first people appeared on the island of Ireland 8 thousand years ago. Then, during the Neolithic period, Celtic tribes from the Iberian Peninsula arrived in Ireland. The spread of Christianity in Ireland is associated with the name of St. Patrick, who arrived on this island around the middle of the 5th century.

Since the 8th century, Ireland has been subject to a century-long Viking invasion. At this time the country is divided into several counties.

In 1177, a significant part of Ireland was captured by English troops. In the middle of the 16th century, the British tried to impose Protestantism on the Irish, but they were never able to do it completely. Thus, to this day, the inhabitants of the island of Ireland are divided into two religious concessions - Catholics and Protestants (in the Republic of Ireland the majority of the population is Catholics).

In 1801, Ireland became part of Great Britain. It was not until 1922, after the Irish War of Independence, that most of Ireland seceded from Great Britain, forming the Irish Free State (but which was part of the Commonwealth of Great Britain). It was not until 1949 that Ireland became truly independent. However, Northern Ireland, where the majority of the population is Protestant, is still part of Great Britain.

In 1973, Ireland was admitted to the EU.

Irish culture

Despite the fact that the British tried for many centuries to include Ireland in their empire, the Irish still managed to preserve their national identity, as well as traditions and beliefs.

The most popular festivals in Ireland are the St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade, Galway Oyster Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, Bloomsday Festival, and the Dublin Marathon.

Kitchen

Traditional products in Ireland are meat (beef, pork, lamb), fish (salmon, cod), seafood (oysters, mussels), potatoes, cabbage, cheese, dairy products. The most famous Irish dish is Irish stew, which is made from lamb, potatoes, carrots, parsley, onions and caraway seeds.

Another traditional Irish dish is boiled bacon with cabbage. Ireland is also famous for its traditional soda bread and cheesecake.

Everyday soft drinks in Ireland are tea and coffee (think of the famous Irish coffee, which contains whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream). As for alcoholic drinks, the Irish prefer whiskey, beer and ale.

Sights of Ireland

Even though Ireland is a small country, it still has a lot of interesting attractions. The top ten of them, in our opinion, include the following:

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Ireland are Cork, Limerick, and, of course, Dublin. The largest of them is Dublin, which is now home to about 550 thousand people. In turn, the population of Cork is more than 200 thousand people, and Limerick is about 100 thousand people.

Souvenirs/shopping

Tourists from Ireland usually bring traditional Irish sweaters from the Aran Island (we recommend buying white Aran sweaters rather than colored ones), Waterford Crystal glassware, tweed suits, linen, Irish music CDs, fishing tackle, and, of course, Irish whiskey

Office hours

Banks: Mon-Fri: 10:00-16-00 (Wednesdays - 10:30-16-30).

Some shops in Ireland are open until 21:00 on weekdays. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day. Bars and pubs in Ireland open at 10:00 (Mon-Sat) and close at 23:00 (Mon-Thu), at 00:30 on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday at 23:00.

Visa

To enter Ireland, Ukrainians need to obtain a visa.

Currency of Ireland

Ireland is a member of the European Union, which means that the euro is used as currency in this country. All major credit cards are widely accepted in the country, including Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Customs restrictions

You can import foreign currency into Ireland without restrictions, but you can export no more than what was declared upon entering the country. Customs regulations in Ireland are the same as in other EU countries.