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Ireland is an [[island]] off the northwestern coast of [[Europe]].  

Ireland is an [[island]] off the northwestern coast of [[Europe]].  

Historically, Ireland's culture has been distinct from other regional cultures, as it was the one of the only [[Celtic]] territories never conquered by the [[Roman Empire]]. For several centuries after Roman rule, it was independent of outside governance, until it was conquered in the 17th century by [[England]]. The British retained control of the whole island until a war of independence broke out in 1919. The war with the British ended in 1921 with the British retaining control of six counties in the region of [[Ulster]]. The territory independent of the British became the [[Irish Free State]], while the territory controlled by the British became [[Northern Ireland]]. Later, in 1937, the Free State adopted a new constitution, changing its name to Ireland.  

Historically, Ireland's culture has been distinct from other regional cultures, as it was the one of the only [[Celtic]] territories never conquered by the [[Roman Empire]]. For several centuries after Roman rule, it was independent of outside governance, until it was conquered in the 17th century by [[Great Britain]]. The British retained control of the whole island until a war of independence broke out in 1919. The war with the British ended in 1921 with the British retaining control of six counties in the region of [[Ulster]]. The territory independent of the British became the [[Irish Free State]], while the territory controlled by the British became [[Northern Ireland]]. Later, in 1937, the Free State adopted a new constitution, changing its name to Ireland.

 

The southern 26 counties officially became a Republic in 1949.

It is generally referred to as the Republic of Ireland, although this is technically merely a description of the country.

It is generally referred to as the Republic of Ireland, although this is technically merely a description of the country.

[[Image:Ireland.gif]]

[[Image:Ireland.gif]]