Its greatest length is 485 km (302 miles), its greatest width 304 km (189 miles), and its coastline extends for over 5,631 km (3,500 miles).
The highest mountain is Carrantuohill (1,040 mtres/3,414 feet), near Killarney in County Kerry. The longest river is the Shannon (370 km/230 miles).
The largest lake is Lough Neagh (396 sq. km/153 square miles) in Northern Ireland.
The country is divided into four historic provinces. Ulster (9 counties) in the north; Munster (6 counties) in the south; Leinster (12 counties) in the east; and Connacht (5 counties) in the west.
The population of the 32 counties of Ireland is approximately 5 million.
As Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, the pound sterling (Stg£) is in use and denominations are similar to that of the euro.
Euro currency should only be used in the Republic and sterling currency in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland the opening hours are 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. In some places, the banks close for lunch 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.
In the Republic and Northern Ireland, in very small villages, banking services may be provided only on two or three days per week. Therefore, it is advisable that you make arrangements to get cash in the bigger centers. Cash dispensers have become more widely available in recent years and post offices can also provide limited cash services.
For a comprehensive list of Ireland accommodation, check out our list of hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, castles, country houses, self-catering, farmhouses, college & campus accommodation and hostels.