Ireland — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Ireland: capital Dublin, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Ireland is in Europe. Its capital is Dublin.

Climate

Temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid

Mostly flat to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on the west coast

Ireland has no snakes - they've been absent since the Ice Age.

Ireland's national symbol is the harp, not the shamrock - it's the only country with a musical instrument as its national symbol.

Halloween originated in Ireland from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain over 2,000 years ago.

432: Saint Patrick arrives and begins the spread of Christianity

1171: Anglo-Norman invasion begins English involvement in Ireland

1845: Great Famine begins, devastating the population

1916: Easter Rising against British rule in Dublin

1922: Irish Free State established after War of Independence

1973: Ireland joins the European Economic Community