Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | IE, IRL |
| Official Name | Republic of Ireland |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Dublin |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Republic |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Calling Code | +353 |
| Member Of | United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, OECD |
| Population | Approximately 4.9 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | About 70,273 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Carrauntoohil (1,038 meters or 3,406 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Atlantic Ocean (sea level) |
| GDP Per Capita | Estimated around $78,000 USD |
| Life Expectancy | Around 82 years |
| Internet TLD | .ie |
Irish National Anthem
Amhrán na bhFiann (The Soldier’s Song)
Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland,
Some have come from a land beyond the wave,
Sworn to be free, no more our ancient Ireland,
Shall shelter the despot or the slave.
Tonight we man the “bearna baoil”,
In Erin’s cause, come woe or weal,
‘Mid cannons’ roar and rifles’ peal,
We’ll chant a soldier’s song.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Irish Flag
The flag of Ireland, also known as the Tricolour, is deeply rooted in the country’s struggle for independence and its complex history. Adopted officially in 1937 but first flown in 1848, the flag’s design and colors—green, white, and orange—symbolize Ireland’s political and religious history and aspirations for peace.
The green stripe represents the Roman Catholic, nationalist tradition of Ireland, historically associated with the struggle for independence from Britain. The orange stripe represents the Protestant, unionist community, descendants of the settlers from Britain. The white in the center symbolizes the hope for peace and unity between these two communities.
The origin of the Irish Tricolour is often attributed to Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist leader who was inspired by the French Revolution’s ideals of liberty and equality. He first unveiled the flag in Waterford, Ireland, in 1848, during a period of nationalist fervor.
The adoption of this flag was a significant step in Ireland’s journey to self-governance. It replaced the previous green flag with a harp, symbolizing a new era of Irish nationalism and the aspiration for a peaceful, inclusive society.
Throughout Ireland’s tumultuous history, including the Easter Rising in 1916 and the subsequent war of independence, the Tricolour became a unifying symbol for Irish independence. It was officially adopted as the national flag when the Irish Free State was established in 1922 and later carried over when Ireland became a republic.
Today, the Irish flag is not just a national emblem but also a representation of Ireland’s commitment to peace and unity in a diverse society. It reminds the Irish people of their turbulent past and their hopes for a harmonious future, respecting the complexity of their shared history.