Ireland

Geographical isolation has helped Ireland develop a rich heritage of culture and tradition, initially linked to the Gaelic language, and the magnificent scenery of Ireland's Atlantic coastline overlooks a 2,000-mile expanse of ocean. The country's extensive grasslands, washed by abundant rainfall, produce a lush green landscape. This is what gives the country its famous nickname, the Emerald Isle. Ireland is renowned for the richness of folklore, from the story of the little leprechaun with the hidden pot of gold, to the story of St. Patrick, who is said to have freed the island from serpents, to the use of the three-leaved clover as a symbol of the Christian Trinity. In contrast to Great Britain, which was connected to mainland Europe by a land bridge, Ireland was only connected by an ice bridge that ended about 14,000 years ago with the end of the last ice age, and as a consequence it has fewer species of terrestrial flora and fauna compared to Great Britain or mainland Europe. Ireland has 55 species of mammals, of which only 26 are regarded as native to the island. Certain species, like the Red Fox, hedgehog and badger, are abundant, while others, such as the Irish Hare, Red Deer and Pine Marten, are rare. Marine life is common off the coast, including sea turtles, sharks, seals, whales and dolphins. Ireland has been recorded to have about 400 species of birds. Among these, many are migratory, such as the Barn Swallow. The Irish Sea was too much of an obstacle for the three British species of snakes, and so Ireland remained free of snakes. However, one other reptile has succeeded and is now the only reptile in Ireland, the Common Lizard.