Ireland

Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest island in the world. It lies to the northwest of continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets. To the east of Ireland is Great Britain, separated from it by the Irish Sea. The population of Ireland is approximately 6.2 million.

Irish culture has had a significant influence on other cultures, particularly in the fields of literature and, to a lesser degree, science and education. A strong Irish culture exists, as expressed for example through Gaelic games, Irish music and the Irish language, alongside a common Western culture, such as contemporary music and drama, and sports such as soccer, rugby and golf, and the English language.



Co. Louth



Co. Louth is a county steeped in myth, legend and history, going back to the pre-historical days of the Táin Bó Cúailnge (Cooley Cattle Raid). Later it saw the influence of the Vikings as seen in the name of Carlingford Lough. There are a number of historic sites in the county, including religious sites at Monasterboice and Mellifont Abbey. In the early fourteenth century the Scottish army of Edward Bruce was defeated in the Battle of Faughart near Dundalk, Edward losing not only his claim to the High Kingship of Ireland, but also his life.

The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries featured many skirmishes and battles involving Irish and English forces. Towards the end of the 17th century the armies of the warring Kings, James and William faced off in South Louth during the build-up to the Battle of the Boyne - the battle takes its name from the river Boyne which reaches the sea at Drogheda.



Dundalk
Since the 1740s Dundalk has been an important industrial centre engaged in the manufacturing of linen and cambric, soaps and sugar, flour and leather, distilling and brewing. Today, the industrial tradition is being continued in a manufacturing complex which includes engineering, food and clothing, computers and a variety of electronic components. The area has few equals as a tourist location, the physical amenities, amongst the best in the country, include the Cooley Peninsula, which offers a variety of activities, e.g. mountain drives, walking, nature trails, adventure holidays, equestrian activities, picnic areas and cruising on Carlingford Lough and several historical sites.

The standard electricity voltage in Ireland is 230V A.C. at a frequency of 50Hz, with plugs being of the 3 pin IS411 (BS 1363) type.

These plugs have three rectangular prongs that form a triangle as shown above. Power outlets incorporate shutters on live and neutral contacts to prevent someone from pushing a foreign object into the socket. Appliances fitted with UK plugs can be used in Ireland.

The Euro (€) is now the currency of 12 of the EU countries including Ireland. Notes and coins came into circulation on 1 January 2001. Northern Ireland still uses the Pound Sterling (£) but many places will accept the Euro. The Euro comes in denominations of: Coins: 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, €1, €2. Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500.