Name of mountains in Ireland. Ireland. Useful information for tourists

Ireland - Island state in the North Atlantic Ocean, located on the third largest island in Europe; it is the western of the two largest British Isles. Located between 6° 20`-10° 20` W. D. and 51° 25`-55° 23` N. w. (extreme northern point- Cape Malin Head). From the east it is washed by the Irish Sea, as well as the St. George and Northern Straits, from the west, north and south - by the Atlantic Ocean. The length from west to east is about 300 km, from north to south - about 450 km. The total area is 70,280 km2. Total length border with Great Britain - 360 km. Coastline: 1.448 km. The highest point is Mount Carrauntoohil (1,041 m). The coasts of Ireland (especially in the north, south and west) are rocky, strongly dissected by bays, the largest of which are Galway, Shannon, Dingle and Donegal in the west, Lough Foyle in the north. There are many rocky islands off the coast of Ireland.

The surface is mostly flat, hinterland occupies the vast Central Lowland, in the west and east facing the shores of the island. On the outskirts of the island - low mountains (highest point- Mount Caranthuill, 1041 m) and plateau (the largest is Antrim in the northeast).

There are many rivers (the most important is the Shannon; other large ones are the Lea, Blackwater, Suir, Nor, Erne, Bann), lakes (Lough Neagh, Lough Derne, Lough Mask and others) and swamps (in the central part). Ireland is crossed from west to east by a number of canals (Bolshoy, Royal, Ulstensky, Logansky, etc.). Warm westerly winds predominate. The climate is temperate oceanic, humid; winters are mild, summers are cool. Warm westerly winds predominate. Thanks to its mild climate, Ireland is covered in greenery all year round, which is why it has become known as the Emerald Isle.

Ireland is an evergreen emerald island with impeccable ecology and a relaxing silence of the province, with landscapes ranging from a rocky lunar landscape to green forests and mountains, lakes and even palm trees.

Relief of Ireland

Ireland consists of a low central plain and its elevated surroundings. However, both the inland plain and the coastal mountains are distinguished by significant specificity. The surface of the plain is complicated by individual hills, and in the surrounding ring of mountains there are gaps through which the plain is connected to the coast, this is especially noticeable in the area between Dublin and Dundalk on the east coast. The average height of the plain is only about 60 m above sea level.

Ireland statistics
(as of 2012)

Due to the abundance of precipitation and poor drainage, swamps are widespread there. Only 1/5 of the territory of Ireland is located at absolute heights of more than 50 m, several peaks exceed 900 m. The upper belt of mountains is represented by many short isolated ridges. Of these, only Mount Kerry in the southwest and Donegal in the northwest clearly extend from northeast to southwest, i.e. in the same direction as the mountains of Scotland and Scandinavia. Only in Donegal and Antrim do mountain ranges extend along the coast. All of them, with the exception of the volcanic Antrim Mountains, were formed in the Paleozoic. As a result of long-term denudation, the mountains of Ireland have acquired soft contours, and much of the mountain area is used for pasture. The highest point in Ireland is Mount Carrantuil (1041 m) in the McGillicuddy Reeks mountains southwest of Killarney. To the south of Dublin are the Wicklow Mountains with the highest point being Lagnakillia (924 m). The Knockmealdown Mountains rise to 795m between Waterford and Tipperary. Together with other short ridges located to the west and east, they form an elevated strip stretching from the Atlantic coast almost to eastern shore Ireland. The low ridge of Slieve Bloom with steep slopes, separating the counties of Offaly and Lewis, stands apart. In the county of Connemara in west Galway, Mount Tuelve Pins reaches a height of 730 m. Mount Errigal in the Derrywa Ranges in Donegal rises to 752 m.

Highest point Northern Ireland– Mount Slieve Donard (850 m) in the Morne Mountains north of Carlingford Lough. These mountains, composed of Paleozoic granites, drop steeply to the sea. The Sperrin Mountains, southwest of Londonderry (sometimes called Derry), reach greatest height at 683 m (Soel). The volcanic ridge, formed in the Eocene, stretches from the Atlantic coast in the north almost to Belfast Lough. It divides the historical area of ​​Antrim. Most of the tops of the ridge have now been leveled, and this entire area is used for pasture. In its north are the basalt pillars of the “Giant’s Causeway”. Much of the area around Armagh drains north to Lough Neagh. To the south, predominantly rugged terrain is developed.

Mount Slieve Gullion, located 5 km from the southern border of Northern Ireland, reaches a height of 575 m. The heights of this area, although massive and dissected, do not create obstacles to transport or to the penetration of the prevailing south-westerly winds, which bring moisture and moderate temperatures in the east and in the west.

The coastline in the east of Ireland is leveled and in this respect resembles the coast of England. But the western coast of Ireland is strongly dissected, which makes it similar to the shores of Scotland. The deep fjord-like bays and lochs provide excellent natural harbours. However, they are little used, except for the parking of fishing vessels located in them. Significant cities in this area are Limerick in the estuary of the river. Shannon, Galway and Sligo, each in a bay of the same name, and Tralee in Ballyheigue Cove. Many of Ireland's islands are also off the west coast. These include the Aran Islands off the coast of Donegal, Achille Island and Clare Island off the coast of Mayo and southern islands Aran in Galway Bay. On the south coast of Ireland, as well as on the south coast of England, there are several deep-water harbours, notably Cork and Cove, both in the Bay of Cork, and Waterford at the mouth of the Suir River. The main ports on the east coast are Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay, Dublin at the mouth of the Liffey River, Drogheda at the mouth of the Boyne River, Dundalk on Dundalk Bay, Newcastle on Dundrum Bay and Belfast on the Lagan River at the top of Belfast Lough. In addition to Dundrum Bay and Belfast Lough, there are two other large bays on the coast of Northern Ireland - Carlingford Lough and Strangford Lough. The main port in the north is Londonderry at the top of Lough Foyle, 5 km from Northern Ireland's border with the Irish Republic.

Water resources of Ireland

Shannon is the most big river in the British Isles, its length is 386 km, the drainage basin area is 11,769 sq. km. It begins in the north-west of County Cavan and flows first south and then south-west. In the middle reaches it expands, forming the lakes Lough Ree and Lough Derg. Somewhat above Lough Ree, the Royal Canal approaches the Shannon, and between the two lakes the Grand Canal, both of which reach Dublin. In the area between Lough Derg and the mouth of the river there is a hydroelectric power station, built in 1929. The transatlantic airport Shannon is located in Rinianna near Limerick on the right bank of the Shannon Estuary. In Northern Ireland, the River Bann, starting in the Morne Mountains, flows north to the Atlantic Ocean. In its middle course is Lough Neagh. The River Bann is connected by a canal to the River Lagan and Belfast. Another channel connects Carlingford Lough with the upper reaches of the River Bann and, therefore, with Lough Neagh. This lake is the most prominent feature of the orohydrography of Northern Ireland. It is the largest in the British Isles, with an area of ​​396 square meters. km, the water's edge is raised only 15 m above sea level, depth 31 m. The drainage basin of the Bann River is 5960 sq. km. The river valley contains much of Northern Ireland's best agricultural land. The River Erne, starting in County Longford, flows generally north-west into Donegal Bay through Lough Outer, Upper Lough Erne and Lough Erne. Its length is about 113 km. The basin of this river enters historical region Fermanagh, located primarily in the central plain of Ireland. The River Leafly begins in the Wicklow Mountains and flows into Dublin Bay. The city of Dublin is at its mouth. The river is not navigable. At the mouth of the Foyle River in the north of Ireland is the city of Londonderry, at the mouth of the Lee River is the city of Cork. Among other rivers flowing to south coast Ireland - Suir, Nore, Barrow, which flows into Waterford harbour, Blackwater, which flows into Yule Bay on the border of the counties of Cork and Waterford, and Slaney, which flows into Wexford harbour. The western Connacht counties of Galway and Mayo contain several large and many small lakes. The flow from Lough Mask and Lough Corrib, which have only an underground connection, is directed south into the Galway River, and the flow from Lough Conn in Mayo is directed north along the Moy River into Killala Bay.

Climate of Ireland

The climate in Ireland is velvety, soft and even, and differs from the climate on the neighboring British island in its smaller temperature range and average rainfall. Proximity of the island to the European continent, average geographical latitudes, flowing near the western Atlantic coast warm currents of the Gulf Stream - all this creates an even, mild, temperate climate on the island.

Moderate southwesterly winds prevail on the island, the flows of which are influenced by the powerful warm Gulf Stream current. Air currents can unexpectedly bring clouds filled with Atlantic moisture with heavy or drizzling rain at any time of the year. But just as unexpectedly, the rain may stop, and the Irish sky, combined with evergreen meadows, will open before your eyes in all its splendor of colors.

Since the size of the island is relatively small (the farthest point of land on the island is 110 km from the sea coast), the temperature throughout the island is approximately the same. But, despite the fact that the island is relatively small, in the central part of the island the influence of the marine climate is felt less noticeably than near the coast. At the same time, regardless of the time of year and weather, anywhere on the island you can feel the amazing, healing smell of the ocean, ennobled by the pure aroma of forests and green meadows.

The driest month on the island is February. But Ireland does not belong to the category of dry countries, because rainy days per year is about 175, and the average rainfall on the island is about 1000 mm per year. It must be remembered that the average rainfall varies between the west and east, north and south of the island. In some western counties of the island (Kerry, Mayo, Donegal) there are about 200 rainy days a year, and the average rainfall is about 1500 mm per year. This is due to the predominance of winds from the Atlantic in the western regions of the island. It is also no surprise that on some parts of the coastline of these counties the average number of rainy days reaches 270 per year, and the average rainfall is about 2000 mm per year.

According to statistics from meteorologists, the least rainy eastern Irish counties are Dublin, Meath and Kildare. Precipitation is less than 800 mm, and there are about 150 rainy days per year. South coast islands with the mildest climate.

Snow falls very rarely on the island, as a rule, it is not abundant and does not last long. If it falls in such quantities that it covers the ground, it will completely melt within a few hours. In the mountains, snow falls more often, more often, and lasts longer. Average annual temperature on the island +14°C. The coldest months are January and February. average temperature at this time it fluctuates between +7–14°С. The warmest period is July and August, with an average temperature of about +14–20°C, but sometimes reaching +25–27°C. Precipitation is 1200-2000 mm per year. Sea water temperature in winter is from +6°C to +10°C, in summer from +12°C to +17°C.

Ireland's most unusually low temperature of -19°C (-2°F) was recorded in January 1881 in County Tyrone. An extremely high temperature of +33°C (+91°F) was recorded in June 1887 in County Kilkenny. The heaviest rainfall in a year (3965 mm) was recorded in 1960 in the mountains of County Kerry. And the most generous precipitation within 24 hours (184 mm) was recorded in June 1963 in Dublin. The strongest gale wind (54m/sec) was recorded in 1974 in County Down.

The division into seasons in Ireland is quite arbitrary. Despite the fact that in Ireland the official calendar is the Gregorian, nevertheless, in the country it is customary to divide the seasons somewhat differently than in Europe. The year consists of summer and winter. The first of May marks the beginning of summer, the first of November marks the beginning of winter. Perhaps this tradition takes its origins from some ancient calendar.

Flora and fauna of Ireland

The flora of Ireland is similar to that found in most of Europe, but much less diverse. The Burren region in County Clare is unique, where species from the Arctic-Alpine zone, preserved from the Ice Age, coexist with Mediterranean species. Common tree species are oak, ash, birch, alder, willow, and walnut. The formerly extensive natural forests were cleared over most of the country in the 17th century. and now occupy approx. 6% of the country's territory, mainly in the center and east of the island. State policy is aimed at expanding plantings, mainly of unpretentious and fast-growing coniferous trees that take root even on peat bogs. Law 1976 “On the Protection wildlife» protects 68 species of native flora.

The fauna includes approximately 380 species of wild birds recorded in India; 135 nest on the territory of India. The most interesting views include falcons: gyrfalcon and peregrine falcon, corncrake, and chough. Freshwater fish include salmon, char, whitefish, eel, and pike. Amphibians are represented by a frog, newt, and toad (1 species each). Of the reptiles, only the common lizard lives. The country is home to 31 species of mammals, including red deer, fox, badger, common squirrel, beaver, gray and harbor seals and many cetaceans.

It is located in northwestern Europe and occupies five-sixths of the island of Ireland. It is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The name of the country comes from the Irish Eire - “western country”.

Official name: Irish Republic

Capital: Dublin

The area of ​​the land: 70,285 sq. km

Total Population: 3.52 million people

Administrative division: Ireland includes the provinces of Leinster, Munster and Connaught, as well as part of the province of Ulster. Most of Ulster belongs to Northern Ireland, which is integral part Great Britain. Divided into 26 counties. The cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Dun Lary are separated into independent administrative units.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President, elected for a term of 7 years.

Population composition: 98% are Irish, 2% are English and Scots.

Official language: Irish (Gaelic) and English.

Religion: 93% are Catholics, 5% are Protestants.

Internet domain: .ie

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Country dialing code: +353

Country barcode: 539

Climate

Ireland's climate is maritime, with no significant regional differences. Characterized by uniform temperature background, abundance of precipitation, heavy clouds and high humidity. Throughout the year, west-southwesterly winds prevail, due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, over which they pass before reaching Ireland. These winds bring moisture to all parts of the country, with the greatest amount of precipitation falling on the western slopes of the mountains facing the Atlantic Ocean, and the least on the plains in the eastern part of the island.

Particularly heavy precipitation was noted in some mountainous areas Galway and Kerry - up to 2500 mm per year. However, Whitegate weather station in County Cork receives just 1000mm of rain per year. Dublin, Ireland's driest place, has an average annual rainfall of 700mm, Belfast 880mm and the plains around Lough Neagh about 810mm. The number of days with precipitation in Dublin and Belfast is 231 per year, and in Whitegate - 234. In Ireland, precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year.

Due to underground runoff and very low evaporation, moderate or even deficient rainfall can become excessive, sometimes reaching saturation point. The saucer-shaped surface of the country with a central plain and a peripheral elevated frame and the absence of dry winds or high temperatures even at the height of summer predetermined the spread of marshes, covering perhaps 1/5 of the total area of ​​​​the Irish Republic and a slightly smaller part of the area of ​​​​Northern Ireland. On average, up to 2/3 of all days a year the sky is covered with clouds. Cloudy days are least common in May, when the weather is clear and sunny.

On the western and east coasts temperatures differ slightly, and between the north and south the temperature difference does not exceed 2–3 ° C. Temperature differences between coastal and central regions are small, in winter the interior of the country is usually 2–3° colder, and in summer 3–4° warmer than on the coast. The smallest differences in temperatures between January and July are expressed in the extreme southwest, which is most exposed to the influence of winds from the Atlantic Ocean.

Lakes national park Killarney is at the latitude of southern Labrador, but Killarney has palm trees and temperatures rarely drop below 0°C. The average July temperature is west coast only 15°C, and in Dublin 16°C. In Armagh, the absolute minimum and maximum temperatures are –15°C and 31°C, but the number of days with temperatures below 0°C does not exceed 49 per year. The average January temperature in Dublin is 6° C. Snow falls on the country's coast only 6 days a year, on the central plain 18 days, but in the mountains this happens much more often.

Geography

Ireland is located on island of the same name(occupies most of it) in Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Great Britain. The length from north to south is 465 km, from east to west - 285 km. The length of the coast is about 2.8 thousand km. The entire middle part of the island is occupied by a hilly plain, replete with lakes and peat bogs. The central plain rises towards the edges of the island, giving way to low mountains.

In the southwest, in the Kerry mountains, there is the highest point in Ireland - Carrantuill (1041 m). The island's shores are heavily indented and abound in fjords, bays, bays and deep river mouths. total area countries - about 70.3 thousand square meters. km.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Almost all of the once forested territory of Ireland is now covered by meadows, heather and peat heaths and bogs. Occasionally there are groves of oak, ash, alder, and birch. Natural forests have survived only in the mountains, although in last years Much work is being done to restore forest cover.

Thanks to Ireland's mild climate, there is an amazing combination of southern and northern vegetation types. Here you can find maple with laurel, palm next to spruce, hornbeam with lemon. Subtropical species of trees and shrubs were once introduced into the country and took root here well.

Animal world

The fauna of Ireland is quite poor and if you want to look at rare animals, then you should visit the reserve. We especially visit the Killarney Nature Reserve, where animals such as red deer, wood mice, pine martens, red squirrels, badgers and foxes live. Also here you can find 141 species of birds (there are 380 species in Ireland), such as white-fronted goose, common falcon, blackbird, nightjar, chough and other species of aquatic, forest, mountain and heather birds.

Fish include brown trout and arctic char. Also found here is the very rare Irish lake fish. The seas surrounding Ireland are home to herring, mackerel, cod, flounder, and sardines.

Attractions

Despite its relatively little fame as a tourist region, the country is quite popular among tourists from European countries with its “turbulent” history, charming nature in its own way and an abundance of historical attractions associated with both the medieval period and the prehistoric past of civilization. Who doesn’t remember the famous poem by R. L. Stevenson: “The drink from the heather was forgotten long ago, but it was sweeter than honey, drunker than wine”? But it was precisely Irish legends and traditions that served as the basis for it.

Almost every county has preserved ancient castles- silent witnesses of Irish history: Ballyley, Caldwill, Bunratty, Ballintobir, Carraikfirgus, Cloghan, King John's castles in Limerick and Lowth; Monie, Donsogkhlai and dozens of others, no less majestic and remarkable. Many of them have been converted into first-class hotels. Other monuments of hoary antiquity are also perfectly preserved - Viking sites and castles, as well as cathedrals and monasteries, which are real architectural masterpieces: Coeng Abbey, Lissedall Mansion, Dublin's St. Canike's Cathedral, Millaifont Abbey, Kills Monastery, etc. Many tourists are also attracted by the uniqueness of local traditions , as well as famous pubs and bars - the main meeting and socializing place for the Irish. You can exchange currency in banks, exchange offices, in hotels and travel agencies, but the most favorable rate is offered in banks. Widespread in the country credit cards. Traveler's checks in US dollars, pounds sterling and euros are accepted at any banks; traveler's checks in other currencies are exchanged with a commission.

Useful information for tourists

Alcoholic drinks, including beer, are sold only in retail outlets that have special licenses for this (“Off Licence”).

Airports and train stations in Ireland are not served by porters.

Hotels and restaurants, as a rule, add 10-12% to the bill to pay for services; in establishments of a lower class, tips are usually not given.

Car traffic is on the left.

Dublin buses are double-decker and painted green. You can purchase your ticket from the driver and offer various discounts on pre-paid tickets for periods ranging from one day to one month, as well as on the number of trips. There are also special discounts for train and bus tickets, with such a ticket you can travel around Ireland for 5-8 days both by bus and train.

The Black Mountain dominates much of West Belfast and is one of County Antrim's iconic landmarks. The mountain is a large hill overlooking the city of Belfast. It reaches a height of 390 meters and consists of basalt and limestone.

Small hillocks and farms, abandoned silicon mines, and Ax Field, which got its name for its shape reminiscent of an ancient axe, are scattered everywhere here. Another attraction is the ancient triangular shaped pillars. Locals For a long time, they have been trying to curtail the mining industry in this area, taking care of the safety of the Black Mountain.

Walking in these picturesque places, you can see many different birds such as kestrels, larks and even steppe eagles. Patterns of stones in the fields and rock paintings are reminiscent of the distant times of origin human civilization. However, what is most impressive is the view from the top of the hill over Belfast and the surrounding environs - this is where most tourists strive to get, willingly taking pictures against the backdrop of this unforgettable landscape.

 

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