Ireland is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, on one of the two major British Isles off of the coast of Western Europe. The island of Ireland is the twentieth largest island in the world with an area of 32,595 square miles and reaching a maximum elevation of 3,415 feet above sea level. The island is divided politically into two domains, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the latter being a part of the United Kingdom. This current division was established after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. The main languages used in the country are English, Irish, and Ulster Scots. Dublin is the largest and the capital city of the Republic of Ireland with a metro population of approximately 1.9 million. It and other major Irish cities are discussed below.
Dublin
Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland, is located at the mouth of the River Liffey in Leinster Province in east-central Ireland. It was established as a Viking settlement and became a principal city after Norman invasion. It has rapidly grown over the years from the 17 th Century and experiences a maritime climate with cool summers, mild winters without extreme temperatures. It covers a land area of approximately 44 square miles with a population of 1.9 million.
Cork
The city of Cork in Ireland is located in Cork County in Munster Province. It was founded in the 6th Century AD and is the second largest city in the country. It covers an area of 14.4 square miles and an estimated metro population of 399,216. During the Irish Civil War, the city was a center of anti-treaty forces and is often referred to as the real capital by the inhabitants of the city. It has a mild oceanic climate, with abundant rainfall, and no extreme temperatures.
Limerick
Limerick city in Ireland was founded in 812 AD, and is located in Limerick County in Munster Province. It is the third most populous city in the country with a population of 162,413. During the Williamite War in Ireland in the 17 th Century, Catholics and Protestants fought against one another in the region, but the Treaty of Limerick brought an end to the hostilities in 1691. The city has a temperate oceanic climate mild and majorly cloudy. The town is also the inaugural National City of Culture with high cultural and artistic significance.
Galway
Galway city is located in the western part of Ireland in Galway County in the province of Connacht. It is situated 82 feet above sea level and covers an area of 20 square miles with a population 79,504. A fort was built by the king of the province in 1124, which was later captured during the Norman Invasion of Ireland, and the city has consistently grown over the centuries. The prevailing wind of the North Atlantic Current has an all-year-round mild, moist, and temperate climate.
Swords
Swords, an expansive urban town in the Dublin Region of Leinster Province, was founded in 560 AD by Saint Colmcille as an early Christian settlement. It became a county seat in 1994 for the County of Fingal after the new county's breakaway from the County of Dublin. The town has a maritime temperature climate without extreme temperatures. It has a population of 68,543 which began to boom in the 1970s following the construction of the Rivervalley Estate development.
Problems Facing Irish Cities Today
There has been increased air pollution due to a rise in the number of of industries which release harmful gases into the atmosphere. In the long run, these gases lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. With the ever increasing urban population, more vehicles are needed, and thus public transport has been increased and traffic jam is constantly on the increase. Overcrowding is another challenge faced in the cities, especially in terms of the scarcity of infrastructure and municipal services available.
Biggest Cities In Ireland
Rank Biggest Cities in Ireland Metro Area Population
1 Dublin 1,904,806
2 Cork 399,216
3 Limerick 162,413
4 Galway 79,504
5 Swords 68,583
6 Waterford 51,519
7 Drogheda 38,578
8 Dundalk 37,816
9 Bray 31,872
10 Navan 31,689
By Kenneth Kimutai too
•culled fro www.worldatlas.com
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