Geography and Climate of Ireland

As an ocean outpost at the western edge of Europe, Ireland has a natural character quite different from that of the Continental landmass. Its weather is remarkably varied as cloud-shadows chase across the island, and flowers grow abundantly in the mild, moist air. Once, long ago, Ireland was covered by ice, and the track of the glaciers can be read in the dramatic shapes of the mountains and the little drumlin hills of the countryside. The retreat of the ice left Ireland dotted with thousands of lakes.

The saucer-like shape of Ireland has made it difficult to drain the land, so that many watery habitats and wetlands have persisted.

Some of Ireland's natural habitats are exciting because they are rare and special ecosystems. In County Clare, for example, the plants of the limestone terraces of the Burren are among the finest botanical sights of Europe. But other Irish habitats, not nearly so specialized, are to be treasured simply for their continuing enrichment to the countryside. In the western counties, the landscapes are braided with ancient, drystone walls which shelter wrens and stoats, ferns and lichens.

The fields within these walls are often tiny, and quite untouched by machinery and chemical sprays. In these moist meadows, summer brings a tapestry of wildflowers and a profusion of butterflies and bumblebees.

Map of Ireland This site shows a map of Ireland with it's provinces.

Landscape of IrelandThis site gives an overview of the beautiful and mysterious landscape of Ireland

National ParksThis site shows some of the national parks in Ireland and includes some of the characteristics and highlights of the parks.

The Wild BoglandsThis site offers background about the boglands and their usefulness. It also gives some suggestions of boglands to visit.

Forest Reserve ParksThis site shows some of the forest reserve parks in Ireland and includes some of the characteristics and highlights of the parks.