Ireland Facts – The Island’s Environment

The area of Ireland is 32,599 square miles, or 84,431 square kilometers. From North to South, the maximum length of Ireland is 302 miles, or 280 kilometers. The northern most part of Ireland is Malin Head and the southern most part of Ireland is Mizen Head.

The West coast of Ireland is covered with valleys and steep cliffs. There are also hundreds of small islands next to the mainland in the Atlantic Ocean. The East coast, however, is relatively regular with few deep indentations.

The surface of Ireland is basically basin-shaped with a few physiographic features that stand out. Ireland has a region of low lands in the central and East central areas and a system of low mountain ranges between the lowlands and the outskirts of the island. The main mountain ranges include the Mourne Mountains in the Northeast, the mountains of Donegal in the North, the Sperrin Mountains in the Northwest, the Maumturk Mountains in the West, the Caha Mountains in the Southwest, and the Boggeragh Mountains in the South.

The lowlands area of Ireland has several bogs, lakes and rivers. The principal rivers of Ireland are the Erne and Shannon. They are really more chains of lakes connected by stretches of river.

Ireland Politics Divide the Island
Politically, the island of Ireland is divided into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (formerly Eire). Northern Ireland is a constituent part of Great Britain. The island is divided into four historical provinces and administrative units called counties. The four provinces are Connaught, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. The Republic of Ireland consists of three counties in the Ulster province in the North, as well as all of Connaught, Leinster, and Muster provinces, making up 23 counties.

Ireland Climate
There are prevailing warm, moist winds flowing into Ireland from the Atlantic Ocean. Those winds cause winter temperatures to be about 25 degrees Fahrenheit higher than that of other places with the same latitude. The harsh winter temperatures in Ireland ranges from about 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the summer temperatures are about 7 degrees Fahrenheit lower than that of other places with the same latitudes. The summer temperature of Ireland ranges from about 59 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ireland Facts about Flora and Fauna
The flora of Ireland comes mostly from England. The island includes sedges, rushes, ferns and grass as its principal flora. The fauna is also similar to England or France. There once were great Irish deer and auk but those were exterminated in prehistoric times. Since civilization has developed in Ireland it has lost its bear, wolf, wildcat, beaver, native cattle, and other animals. What make up the majority of Ireland’s current fauna are rodents and small birds. There are no snakes in Ireland and the lizard is Ireland’s only reptile.

These Ireland facts can help those unfamiliar with the island understand some of its natural features and climate. Along with the physical atmosphere and environment, Ireland also has a rich political and religious history and very unique culture.

> Return to Abroad Reference Section
> Return to Destinations Main Reference Category
> Return to NEWSdial.com