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.
It is generally referred to as the Republic of Ireland, although this is technically merely a description of the country.
[[Image:Ireland.gif]]