Ireland is an English speaking island on the north western edge of Europe. It is 486 km long and 275 km wide. Ireland has 3,172 km of coastline - the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. The Republic of Ireland occupies three-quarters of the island and its capital city is Dublin.

Link to the official Ireland Tourism website:

http://www.tourismireland.com/

4.5 million, over one million of whom live in Dublin.

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is built on the River Liffey and has a population of approximately 1.5 million people. It is situated beside the sea, and close to the countryside and mountains. The rest of the country is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. Ireland, with its beautiful scenery, offers a range of attractions to the tourist including ancient archaeological sites and monuments, a variety of sporting activities such as fishing, riding and golf, as well as traditional dancing and music.

A city of fine Georgian buildings, Dublin has been influenced by its Danish, Norman and English antecedents. It has excellent shops, museums, antique shops and a range of pubs and restaurants. It has four major theatres, including the world famous Abbey theatre, concert facilities, art galleries and cinemas. There is a wide variety of sporting facilities including golf courses and sailing, as well as racecourses.

Link to the official Dublin Tourism website:

http://www.visitdublin.com/

Ireland enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. Mean daily temperature in July is 18 °C . Dublin enjoys reasonable sunshine and rain belts reaching the east coast are frequently light and generally clear within a few hours. However it is always wise when travelling to Ireland to pack a rain mac or umbrella

The currency in Ireland is the Euro.

A small tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping is not usual in pubs and bars. Tip restaurants and taxi drivers 10% and porters €1 per bag.

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

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Under Irish law, smoking is not permitted in pubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies and most public areas.