-	All photographs of Ireland

Ireland, home to Guinness, James Joyce, U2, potatoes, Father Ted, hurling and the "craic", now has the highest standard of living in the whole of the European Union.

Located at the most westerly point of Europe, at the edge of the Atlantic, Ireland is a land of Celts, myths and legends. The ancient language (Gaelic) is still spoken in the west of Ireland - an enchanting land; wild, windswept and barren; a see-saw of mountains, rivers and bogs.

Also known as the "Emerald Isle", Ireland is green - very green. It rains a lot here, but the beauty of the landscape more than makes up for it. Thanks to the rain, Ireland has an abundance of lush green fields and miles and miles of fertile grazing farmland. The island of Ireland is just 84,288 sq km in total so no matter where you are you'll never be more than about 60 kms from the coast.

Over the centuries Ireland has been conquered and plundered - first by the Danes and later by the Normans. It took the Irish 700 years to eventually free themselves from their occupiers. Ireland's history is as fascinating as it is tragic. The legacy of the troubles still lives on today.

The Irish were once a Pagan race. The most famous Pagan monument is Newgrange - an ancient burial mound dating back centuries. Nowadays the Irish people are predominantly Catholic. We still have many monuments left over from the time of our conversion to Christianity. Back then, Ireland was known as the "Island of Saints and Scholars".

The legends of Ireland are full of great heroes and lovers. Some of the most well known characters include: Maeve of Connaucht, Fionn Mac Coill, Deirdre of Sorrows and Chlann Uisnigh

The Irish are well known for their love of people, partying, drinking and socializing. Irish music and Ceili dancing are known all over the world. In the atmospheric old pubs you'll experience the legendary 'craic' where music, song and dance lead the course of an evening.

In recent times, Ireland has experienced phenomenal economic growth. There are plenty of jobs here but the Irish still have the wanderlust and can be found in some of the farthest parts of the globe. No matter where you go, you'll always find an Irishman (or woman).

Modern day Ireland is home to a dynamic and multicultural mix of people, it has a thriving economy, excellent infrastructure and some of the best pubs in the world. The Irish are an incredibly friendly, fun-loving race with an exceptionally beautiful country. Spend your holidays in Ireland and fall in love with the isle...

Failte go Eire (Welcome to Ireland)!