The Emerald Isle. One Island, two countries. It is in the Atlantic Ocean and is the 20th largest island in the world. It is considered part of Europe and is full of history. The countryside is home to famous castles and most of them come with stories of ghosts and hauntings. This island is the original home to fairies, leprechauns and the headless horseman. It is also said that it is the home of some of the friendliest people on Earth. Welcome to Ireland!

The Republic of Ireland lies to the south and is an independent country under its own rule. Northern Ireland is a part of The United Kingdom. It is a tiny country compared to the United States. As a matter of fact, the whole island would fit inside the U.S. state of Indiana, and Indiana has more people living there. All together the population of Ireland is just over 5 million people. The capital of The Republic of Ireland is Dublin and the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast. With the island home to two different ruling governments, there are also two flags. The easily recognizable British flag known as the Union Jack, and the green, white and orange 'Bratach na hÉireann'of The Republic of Ireland.

Ireland is home to many famous musicians, artists, actors and politicians, but the most famous person to come out of Ireland is probably Saint Patrick. As a teenager, Saint Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and turned into a slave. He was able to escape slavery and become a Catholic priest. He returned to Ireland to teach people about Christianity. St. Patrick’s day is celebrated on the 17th of March every year. People around the world recognise Irish symbols like shamrocks and leprechauns. Although this was originally a religious holiday in Ireland, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the United States by Irish immigrants.

The countryside of Ireland offers great views, natural wonders like the Giant's Causeway and some of the highest cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The land is also dotted with castles, watch towers and keeps built by clan kings. The most famous castle may be the Blarney Castle where people can go to kiss the Blarney Stone. Each castle has stories of battles lost and won, knights and ladies and ghost stories. According to some, Leap castle, which is almost 1,000 years old, may be the most haunted because of all the battles fought over control of the land.