The country of Ireland lies in Europe and occupies the majority of the westernmost island of the British Isles. Northern Ireland consists of the six northernmost counties of this island, while the Republic of Ireland consists of 26 counties. The weather in Ireland is mostly mild and temperate, with extreme weather rarely occurring throughout the year.

Ireland is known for its lush greenery, which is why people call it The Emerald Isle. Over 10 million tourists travel to Ireland every year. With bustling cities and quiet country villages, there's something for everyone to discover.

The population of Ireland is six million, while over 80 million people of Irish descent live in various countries abroad. Many Irish emigrated in the 19th century when a plight caused a major potato famine. Many who chose to stay behind or could not leave Ireland were poor. Unfortunately, thousands of them suffered from disease and famine.

A common misconception is that the shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland. On the contrary, the harp is the national symbol and is visible in front of Irish passports and coins. The harp represents Irish sovereignty from British rule.

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and boasts a population of over 500,000 people. It is on the island's east coast along the River Liffey and features some of the country's most notable tourist destinations.

At the city's center lies St. Patrick's Cathedral. Founded in 1191, historians say St. Patrick baptized thousands of people inside the church during the 16th century. St. Patrick's Church is known for its choir, atmosphere, and impressive architectural style.

Galway is located along the west coast of Ireland and is known for its vibrant entertainment district and delicious cuisine. Galway is also known as the festival capital of the country, hosting dozens of events throughout the year.

One of the most well-known festivals that residents attend is the Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival, which occurs every September. Thousands of people flock to Galway for this festival. The festival features plenty of entertainment, freshly caught oysters, and, of course, pints of Guinness.

In addition to bustling cities, Ireland is also home to over 30,000 castles. Blarney Castle is among the most famous, and its location is in County Cork, just outside the city of Cork. Tourists from across the world travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. Folklore says that someone who kisses the Blarney Stone will receive the gift of eloquence.

Ireland is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see, do, and experience. With its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and friendly people, traveling to Ireland is an experience of a lifetime that you shouldn't miss.