Ireland编辑历史

# Ireland

**Ireland** is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, separated from Great Britain to the east by the Irish Sea. Politically, the island is divided into the Republic of Ireland (a sovereign state covering about five-sixths of the island) and Northern Ireland (a constituent part of the United Kingdom). Known for its lush green landscapes, deep literary heritage, and distinct Celtic culture, Ireland has a history that stretches from prehistoric settlement through medieval Gaelic kingdoms, Anglo-Norman invasion, British rule, and eventual partition. Its modern identity balances traditional music, dance, and folklore with a dynamic, globally integrated economy.

## 1 Geography

### 1.1 Physical geography

#### 1.1.1 Landforms and regions

Ireland’s topography is characterized by a low-lying central plain surrounded by coastal mountains, hills, and rugged cliffs. The island is roughly oval in shape, with a coastline of about 3,172 kilometers indented by bays, estuaries, and sea loughs. The central limestone plain is largely flat or gently rolling, interspersed with drumlins, bogs, and eskers. Major mountain ranges include the Wicklow Mountains in the east, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks in the southwest (containing Carrauntoohil, the highest peak at 1,038 meters), the Comeragh Mountains in the southeast, and the Sperrin Mountains in the north. The western coastline is notably dramatic, with sea cliffs such as the Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League, as well as numerous peninsulas like the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry.

#### 1.1.2 Rivers and lakes

The longest river in Ireland is the River Shannon, which flows 360 kilometers from the Cuilcagh Mountains in County Cavan through Lough Allen, Lough Ree, and Lough Derg to the Shannon Estuary in the west. Other significant rivers include the Barrow, the Suir, the Nore (forming the Three Sisters), the Liffey (flowing through Dublin), the Boyne, the Erne, and the Bann. The island’s largest lake, Lough Ne