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Landscape of Ireland
Just west of Britain lies the beautiful island of Ireland. This gorgeous place is one of a kind, combining breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities, friendly, welcoming towns and endless options for exploration. Known as the Emerald Isle because of its stunning green countryside, it is best explored by rental car. This way you can pack up your hired automobile with your luggage, maps and even a cooler of food, pop a Pogues CD in the player, and set out to see the sights at your own pace.Mountains are a common sight throughout Ireland, interrupting the green hills and bog lands. They are often located near the coast, and areas like the Atlantic seaboard are an awe-inspiring blend of hills, cliffs and mountains. Equally impressive are the sand dunes that line the western shores.
The interior of Ireland is mostly comprised of flat farmland and bogs. The land is heavily cultivated, and fields growing many different kinds of goods can be seen nearly everywhere.
Oak forests used to cover much of Ireland, but today only about 1% of them remain: much has been replaced by plantation pines. The island boasts a varied collection of animals, including badgers, foxes, hares, bats, shrew and deer. Pine martens and otters can be seen in more remote areas. Those interested in bird watching will be able to see many migrating species as well as a few native birds.