A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for the 26 southern counties; the six northern counties (Ulster) remained part of Great Britain.

In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups.

A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, approved in 1998, was implemented the following year.

Inhabited for almost 7,000 years, Ireland is an historic island nation, located on the eastern edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, directly west of the United Kingdom.

Over many centuries this land has experienced a number of incursions and invasions, resulting in a rich mixture of ancestry, culture and tradition.

It’s known worldwide for fine linen, lace, china, glassware, along with many ales and spirits.