In the past, Ireland was an unjustly overlooked destination for studying English abroad, but that has changed in recent years and Ireland is becoming an increasingly popular choice not only for those interested in language stays with English courses, but also for those seeking university-level study in English. This shift towards Ireland as a destination for language stays is entirely well-deserved. Not only does Ireland have a great deal to offer, but its repeated victories in rankings of the world's friendliest nations are equally merited.
The significant competitive disadvantage against England, as the more traditional choice for those wishing to study English abroad, led successive governments of the Republic of Ireland to make extensive investments and subsidies also in the area of language schools and their facilities. The result is dozens of new and modernised schools equipped with modern technological amenities that enhance the quality and effectiveness of language teaching.
The investments and modernisation were of course directed not only towards education but also towards infrastructure. As a result, the Republic of Ireland has a very high-quality network of motorways and first-class roads. This has greatly accelerated and improved travel to the more remote areas of western and southern Ireland, contributing to the development of tourism in those regions.
Ireland is also known as the "Emerald Isle", and entirely deservedly so. Parks and seemingly endless stretches of greenery are everywhere, all complemented by the creations of untamed and merciless natural forces. For example, the mighty Cliffs of Moher on the western side of the island rise to over 200 metres in height.
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Although the weather is the most unpredictable aspect of everyday life in Ireland, the number of sunny moments is greater than is generally believed. If the sky is not blue in the morning, it does not mean it will not be in the afternoon, so you should not let the weather put you off visiting one of the many Irish castles or ancient monument sites.
Those who prefer shelter and a roof over their head for cultural exploration will not be left wanting either. Countless museums and galleries, from national institutions to those housed in the former homes of great literary masters, are quite literally scattered across the whole of Ireland.
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Another top ranking for Ireland in world charts is alcohol consumption per adult per year. The Irish owe their unwavering position in the TOP 5 partly to the incredible number of traditional pubs, which are practically everywhere and whose true count is known only to the alcohol tax collector. A chapter unto themselves are the traditional folk festivals and parades, the largest and most famous of which, celebrated even beyond the island, takes place on St Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland.
Almost every adult has encountered at least one type of Irish whiskey, which are celebrated throughout the world. While studying in Ireland you can not only taste many of them, but also get to know the production process first-hand at the "factory", visit cellars filled with barrels of the finished product and, as is customary, sample it there and then.
