reland, often called "Emerald Island" is famous for beautiful nature, turbulent history greay beer and excellent foods. It is situatedwest of Great Britain between The Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. 85% of the island forms the Republic of Ireland, the other part being Northern Ireland, a part of UK. The Capital of the Republic is Dublin. Most of its area is grassy, and the middle part of Ireland are peatbogs inhabiten by unusually rare species of plants and animals. The western part of the country is just moors and cliffs. The very unusuall geographical position separating the country from the main trends on the continent had a big influence on both its nature, and history and culture of the Irish.
For these reasons from the earlier history before the island`s christianization the country has been full of myths and legends usually of Celtic origin. The culture of the civilised Europe was brought to Ireland by St Patrick in 432. He also being the patron of this beautiful country. Bothered by the Vikings Ireland bravely fought the enemy. Only in 1169 when the British Isles were taken over by the Normans did Ireland acknowledge its superior authority. The Christian Ireland peacefully developed until the XVIth century when the Act of Supremacy made king Henry VIII the secular head of Church of England. The Irish closely connected with their religion immediately became the target of attacks of English Protestant monarchs. Only in 1937 after centuries of wars, famine and mass emigration did Ireland became independent or at least most of it. The north - eastern part of the island populated mainly by protestants was still a part of the UK. The Irish influence has been infections.
It would be very difficult to imagine contemporary folk or rock music without the Irish influence. Neither is it easy to imagine the world literature without James Joyce`s achievements. He is the greatest Irish writer. The Kennedys were Irish too...and so are the members of the U2!
