Ireland: A Complete Guide for International Students & Travelers
Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, is a land of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class education. From its vibrant cities to its friendly people, Ireland offers an experience like no other. Here’s everything you need to know about the country before you embark on your journey!
Country Overview
Capital: Dublin
Official Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic)
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~5.2 million
Famous for: Education, tech industry, scenic landscapes, rich culture
Ireland is a highly developed country with a strong focus on education, business, and tourism. It is home to some of the world’s leading universities and multinational companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook.
Geography
Location: Western Europe, occupying most of the island of Ireland Borders: Shares a land border with Northern Ireland (UK) Landscape: Rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, cliffs, lakes, and rivers Major Cities: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford
Ireland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Giant’s Causeway.
History
Ireland has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years.
Early Settlements: First inhabited around 10,000 BC
Celtic & Viking Influence: Irish culture was shaped by Celts & later Vikings in the 8th century
British Rule: Ireland was ruled by Britain for centuries until it gained independence in 1922
Modern Ireland: Became a member of the EU in 1973 & is now a global tech & education hub
Economy
Ireland has one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe.
GDP: ~$550 billion (2024)
Major Industries: Technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, tourism
Big Companies: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Pfizer
Exports: Pharmaceuticals, software, dairy products, whiskey
Thanks to its business-friendly policies, Ireland attracts global corporations and is home to many multinational headquarters.
Climate
Ireland has a mild, temperate climate with frequent rain.
Summer (June–August): 15°C – 25°C
Winter (December–February): 0°C – 8°C
Rainy Days: 150–225 days per year
Due to its maritime climate, Ireland rarely experiences extreme weather, but carry an umbrella—rain can come unexpectedly!
Culture
Ireland is known for its rich cultural heritage, music, and literature.
Traditional Music: Irish folk music, fiddle, bagpipes, and Riverdance
Famous Writers: Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats
Sports: Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, soccer
Pub Culture: Socializing in pubs is a big part of Irish life
The Irish people are warm, friendly, and humorous, making it a welcoming place for visitors.
Food & Drinks
Traditional Irish cuisine is hearty and wholesome.
Irish Stew – Slow-cooked lamb with potatoes & carrots Boxty – Traditional potato pancake
Full Irish Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, sausages, beans & black pudding
Soda Bread – Homemade brown bread
Irish Whiskey – World-famous brands like Jameson
Guinness – Iconic dark Irish beer
Irish food has a strong farm-to-table influence, with fresh dairy, meats, and seafood playing a major role.
Public Holidays
Ireland celebrates a mix of national & cultural holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Fireworks & parties  |
| St. Patrick’s Day | March 17 | Parades, wearing green, Irish culture |
| Easter Monday | March/April | Religious holiday & public holiday  |
| May Bank Holiday | First Monday in May | Start of summer  |
| June Bank Holiday | First Monday in June | Festivals & outdoor events |
| August Bank Holiday | First Monday in August | Summer activities  |
| October Bank Holiday | Last Monday in October | Halloween celebrations  |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Family gatherings & gift-giving  |
| St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) | December 26 | Shopping sales & horse racing   |
Time Zones
Standard Time: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Summer Time (Daylight Savings): GMT+1 (March to October)
Ireland follows Daylight Saving Time, moving the clocks forward in spring and back in autumn.
Quick Facts About Ireland
Nickname: The Emerald Isle 
Official Symbol: Harp Driving: Left-hand side 
Main Religion: Christianity (Catholic majority) 
International Students: Over 32,000 per year UNESCO Sites: Newgrange, Skellig Michael, Cliffs of Moher
Planning to Study in Ireland? Let Impel Overseas Consultants Guide You!
Ireland offers a world-class education system, post-study work opportunities, and a high quality of life. Contact us to explore universities, scholarships, and visa guidance! 
Admission Support Kit – Ireland
| Admission Checklist | SOP- Guidelines | SOP – Do’s & Dont’s |
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| Sample SOP | Resume – Guidelines | Resume – Sample | |||
| CV – Guidelines | CV – Sample | CV v/s Resume | |||
| General RECO Letter |
Business RECO Letter |
