Page 113 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

BRIT AIN AND IRELAND  111

IRELAND

It is easy to see Ireland as a lush, green island dotted with quaint, thatched
cottages and friendly pubs filled with music, wit, and poetry. Despite the
contrasting reality of rapid economic growth and fundamental political change,
the tourist industry helps sustain this image of rural bliss, and the genuine good
humor of the people invariably makes Ireland a most welcoming place to visit.

History and religion have created two 2010 was paid off within three years. The
communities in Ireland, with the Protestant economy is slowly recovering. Agriculture
majority in the North determined to remain remains a mainstay, with dairy cattle
part of the United Kingdom. In the latter feeding on rich meadowlands and sheep
half of the 20th century, violent attacks in grazing on the poorer upland pastures.
Northern Ireland tarnished the world’s view The traditional Irish talent for breeding
of the country, but in 1998 the Good Friday and training racehorses is undiminished.
Agreement brought new hopes for peace. Tourism also thrives, with more than 6.5
Despite the Troubles of the past, the Irish million visitors to the Republic each year.
retain a positive attitude. The Republic of Dublin is one of Europe’s hotspots for a
Ireland, formerly one of the poorer countries weekend break, as well as being a tech
of the European Union, became one of its hub, with many media companies having
success stories during the economic boom their headquarters there.
known as the “Celtic Tiger” years. Between
1990 and 2007, the economy saw growth History
of between 7 and 11 percent annually. But In the past, Ireland’s isolation cut it off
in 2008, it became evident that the inflated from many of the major events of
economy was built on an unsustainable European history. Roman legions never
property bubble. The worldwide recession invaded, and the country’s early history
did not spare Ireland, but an €85 billion is shrouded in myths of warring gods
bailout provided by the EU and IMF in and heroic High Kings.

Dingle, a picturesque fishing harbor in southwest Ireland
O’Brien’s Tower, on top of the majestic Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare, Ireland

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