The island of Ireland consists of a large central lowland of limestone with a relief of hills and several coastal mountains and is situated in the north-west of Europe. The mountain ridges of the south comprise old red sandstone separated by limestone river valleys. Elsewhere granite predominates, except in the north east which is covered by a basalt plateau. The central plain contains glacial deposits of clay and sand. It is interrupted by low hills and has large areas of bog and numerous lakes.
| Longitude | 5.5˚ and 10.5˚ west | ||||
| Latitude | 51.5˚ and 55.5˚ north | ||||
| Total area | 84,421 km2 | ||||
| (Ireland) | 70,282 km2 | ||||
| (Northern Ireland) | 14,139 km2 | ||||
| Coastline | 3,172 km | ||||
| Highest mountain | Carrantuohill | 1,041m | |||
| Longest river | Shannon | 340 km | |||
| Largest lake | Lough Neagh | 396 km2 | |||
| Highest waterfall | Powerscourt | 122m | |||
Climate
Influenced by the Gulf stream, and with the prevailing southwesterly winds, the climate of Ireland is temperate. The coldest months are January and February which have mean daily air temperatures of between 4˚c and 7˚c while July and August are the warmest, with mean temperatures of between 14˚c and 16˚c.
In low-lying areas average annual rainfall is mostly between 800mm and 1200mm but in mountainous areas it may exceed 2000mm.
Flora and Fauna
Ireland was separated from the european mainland after the last Ice Age. As a result the island has a smaller range of flora and fauna than is found elsewhere in Europe. The original forests have been cleared over most of the country. There are over 400 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
A spectacular example of the impact of glaciation on the landscape is found in the Burren in Co. Clare, a region of bare carboniferous limestone containing arctic-alpine plants.
Ireland is important for its seabird colonies and migratory
waterfowl, with considerable migration of birds from Iceland and
Greenland in spring and autumn. Rivers and lakes contain a
wide variety of fish life. Mammals are similar to those found
throughout the temperate regions of europe. The only amphibians are
a single species each of frog, toad and newt. There are no snakes
in Ireland and the only reptile is the common lizard.
Responsibility for protecting and conserving Ireland’s natural and built heritage lies with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works.
Population
The present population is approximately 4.5 million, the highest on record since 1861. As a consequence of Ireland’s improved economic performance there was a significant increase in net migration in recent years, as a result, in particular, of large numbers of migrants from the newly-acceded EU states, plus Irish emigrants returning from abroad. However the global economic downturn led to net outward migration in 2009.
The major centres of population are Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. sixty per cent of the population live in cities and towns of 1,000 people or more. A high proportion of the population is concentrated in the younger age groups.
