Living in Ireland

Ireland lies in the Atlantic Ocean west of Great Britain; most people live on the east coast and in the Greater Dublin area. Around 4.9 million people live on the island. Green pastures, hedgerows, peatlands and rugged coastlines shape the landscape. The oceanic climate brings mild winters, cool summers and frequently changeable weather; the west generally receives more rain than the east. In Dublin, many people live in densely built-up neighbourhoods and commute to work by bus, train or bicycle. Outside the cities, houses and roads are more spread out, and the car is often important. Jobs are more concentrated in Dublin and other larger cities, while leisure activities in many places take place in clubs, pubs, at music events or in nature.