Study, work and live in Ireland

The entire island was part of the UK until 1921, when 26 counties gained independence to form the Republic of Ireland. Six northern counties, collectively known as Ulster, remain part of the UK. The Republic of Ireland has come a long way since joining the European Economic Community (now European Union) in 1973. Its economy has been transformed completely and is today one of the most vibrant and technologically advanced in Europe. In June 2005, the Irish language was officially recognised as a working language of the European Union. More than a quarter of Ireland’s 4 million population said in a 2002 census that they could speak Irish.

Ireland is a beautiful island with lush green fields and with rugged hills and sea cliffs on the western coast. Ireland has produced some of the greatest writers of the twentieth century such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett.

Quick facts:

• Population- 4,062,000 (est 2006)
• Principal Language(s)- English, Irish
• Capital- Dublin
• Other major cities- Cork, Limerick
• Monetary Unit- 1 Euro = 100 cents
• Internet domain- .ie
• International dialling code- +353