{"id":3,"country_list_id":"105","about":"Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel. Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles, the third-largest in Europe, and the twentieth-largest on Earth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, in the northeast of the island. In 2011, the population of Ireland was about 6.4 million, ranking it the second-most populous island in Europe after Great Britain. Just under 4.6 million live in the Republic of Ireland and just over 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The island's geography comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable climate which avoids extremes in temperature. Thick woodlands covered the island until the Middle Ages. As of 2013, the amount of land that is wooded in Ireland is about 11% of the total, compared with a European average of 35%. There are twenty-six extant mammal species native to Ireland. The Irish climate is very moderate and classified as oceanic. As a result, winters are milder than expected for such a northerly area. However, summers are cooler than those in Continental Europe. Rainfall and cloud cover are abundant.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The earliest evidence of human presence in Ireland is dated at 10,500 BC. Gaelic Ireland had emerged by the 1st century CE. The island was Christianised from the 5th century onward. Following the Norman invasion in the 12th century, England claimed sovereignty over Ireland. However, English rule did not extend over the whole island until the 16th–17th century Tudor conquest, which led to colonisation by settlers from Britain. In the 1690s, a system of Protestant English rule was designed to materially disadvantage the Catholic majority and Protestant dissenters, and was extended during the 18th century. With the Acts of Union in 1801, Ireland became a part of the United Kingdom. A war of independence in the early 20th century was followed by the partition of the island, creating the Irish Free State, which became increasingly sovereign over the following decades, and Northern Ireland, which remained a part of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland saw much civil unrest from the late 1960s until the 1990s. This subsided following a political agreement in 1998. In 1973 the Republic of Ireland joined the European Economic Community while the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland, as part of it, did the same.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Irish culture has had a significant influence on other cultures, especially in the fields of literature. Alongside mainstream Western culture, a strong indigenous culture exists, as expressed through Gaelic games, Irish music, and the Irish language. The culture of the island also shares many features with that of Great Britain, including the English language, and sports such as association football, rugby, horse racing, and golf.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n<\/ul>","accomodation":"Hotels<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nHotels on the island of Ireland are rated on a one to five Star scale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
***** (5 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The very best of the best in comfort and service. Hotels of this standard range from stately castles, country club hotels and luxury city hotels. Accommodation in 5-star hotels is luxurious and spacious; suites are available, and they also boast some of Ireland’s top restaurants – it’s really more than just a hotel, it’s a real treat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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**** (4 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
4-star accommodation includes contemporary hotels and charming period houses to the highest standards with all modern comforts. Guest accommodation is luxurious, with suites and half-suites available. These hotels also house restaurants that dish out excellent food and service.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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*** (3 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
3-star accommodation ranges from small family-run hotels to larger city hotels. Every guest room will have a private bathroom with a bath and\/or shower. 3-star hotel restaurants prepare food to high standards in a relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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** (2 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A 2-star hotel is likely to be family-run premises with charm and character. Guest rooms will have a telephone, private bathroom and dining facilities will also be available. You may not be able to order a margarita at three in the morning, but the service will still be great.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
* (1 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With 1-star hotels you can expect all the mandatory services and comforts to a good standard. Some guest rooms may have private bathrooms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Guesthouse Classification<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nGuesthouses on the island of Ireland are rated on a one to four scale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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**** (4 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
These are the cream of the guesthouse crop. Guest accommodation includes half suites and every room will have a private bathroom with a bath and\/or shower. Direct telephone, TV with remote control and room service are also available. Other services you can expect include dinner service, safety deposit boxes, newspapers and, in some cases, a babysitting service.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
*** (3 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
3-star guesthouses come with cosiness as standard. Guest rooms have a private bathroom and a direct telephone. You can expect a TV lounge area, and at least two major credit cards are accepted. Some guesthouses will have restaurant services, too.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
** (2 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Most guest bedrooms in 2-star guesthouses have a private bathroom. There will be a reading\/ TV lounge area and, in some cases, a restaurant.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
* (1 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though simple, 1-star guesthouses meet all the mandatory requirements and perform their services to a good standard. Some of these guesthouses will have restaurant facilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Self-catering classification in Northern Ireland<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nSelf-catering accommodation in Northern Ireland is rated on a one to five scale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
***** (5 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
You can expect a really high standard of comfort and facilities, including TV, washing machine and tumble dryer, fresh linen, controlled heating and telephone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
**** (4 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
4-star accommodation should include all the mandatory facilities and a washing machine and tumble dryer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
*** (3 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
3 star self-catering properties should be self-contained with the mandatory facilities including fresh linens and colur TV.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
** (2 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
2-star self-catering properties will include extras such as TV and linens. Though simple, these properties will have a good level of comfort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
* (1 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though on the bottom rung, 1-star self-catering properties will have adequate facilities and services, bear in mind that accommodation will be basic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Self-catering classification in the Republic of Ireland<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nSelf-catering accommodation in the Republic of Ireland is rated on a one to four scale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
**** (4 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
4-star accommodation should include all the mandatory facilities and a washing machine and tumble dryer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
*** (3 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
3 star self-catering properties should be self-contained with the mandatory facilities including fresh linens and TV.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
** (2 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
2-star self-catering properties will include extras, such as TV and linens. Though simple, these properties will have a good level of comfort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
* (1 Star)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
All 1-star self-catering properties will have adequate facilities and services, however, bear in mind that accommodation will be basic.<\/p>","living_cost":null,"study":"
Why study in Ireland?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\t- Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe.<\/li>\r\n\t
- The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Irish higher education institutions are widely recognised for excellence in many disciplines.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland is the largest exporter of software in the world and rates amongst the top five producers of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals globally. The ever-increasing demands of this high technology economy have ensured that the higher education technological sector offers the highest and most advanced standards and opportunities available today.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland is recognised as an international location for high quality scientific research.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland is an English speaking country.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland's emerald landscape and its people are among the most enriching reasons to study in Ireland.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Also Ireland's landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic) music, culture and sports.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland is a dynamic, lively and modern country.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland has a young vibrant population, with 40% of the population under the age of 25; Ireland is one of the most exciting places in the world to be a student.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland is a safe country to study in.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.<\/li>\r\n\t
- The new government rules allow students to stay back for 6 months on declaration of results to seek employment. Once a student gains employment, the student becomes eligible to apply for Green Card\/Work Permit.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","transport":null,"advantages":"
\r\n\t- One of the best education system in Europe<\/li>\r\n\t
- Friendly environment<\/li>\r\n\t
- Safe countries<\/li>\r\n\t
- Stable democracy<\/li>\r\n\t
- Opportunity for work permit\/ Green Card after graduate<\/li>\r\n\t
- Beautiful landscape<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","migration_info":"
For all of the visa assistance, please click the button below.<\/strong><\/p>","hero_image":null,"deleted_at":null,"created_at":"2017-04-29 19:15:06","updated_at":"2017-05-26 18:36:01","country_detail":{"id":105,"shortname":"IE","name":"Ireland","phonecode":"353","created_at":null,"updated_at":null}}