IRELAND - The Franciscans

Thanks to John for the card.

The card read: 'The franciscans, built fine cloistered  friaries.  This one, at Quin, Country Clare, was built in the 15th Century by Sioda Macnamara on the site of Sir Thomas de Clare's, 13th Century Castle, part of which still remain.'

IRELAND - Greetings From Dublin

Thanks to Est for the swap.

IRELAND - Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City

 Thanks to Daria for the card.

"Christ Church Cathedral (or, more formally, The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) is the cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and the cathedral of the Ecclesiastical province of the United Provinces of Dublin and Cashel in the Church of Ireland. It is situated in Dublin, Ireland, and is the elder of the capital city's two medieval cathedrals."

IRELAND - Doolin

Doolin.  A small coastal village in County Clare.  Fine food and traditional music make it a top tourist destination.  The Cliffs of Moher are located 8km away.  Thanks to postcrosser Dina for the card.

IRELAND - Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise is one of the old holy site in Ireland. Thanks to postcrosser Nora for the card.

Clonmacnoise, Country Offaly, one of Ireland's most important monasteic sites is situated on the banks of the Shannon River.  Founded in A.D.545 by Saint Ciaran the site contains tow Round Towers, eight churches, three high crosses and Castle.

IRELAND - Greeting from Ireland

Ireland  map card, thank you Aurelia for the swap.

IRELAND - Enniscorthy Castle

"Renovated and Refurbished, Enniscorthy Castle explores the Development of the Castle and Town from its earliest Anglo-Norman origins (12th Century) through the 16th century with recreations of Rooms of the last residents, Mr. Henry J. Roche and his family, who lived here from 1903 to 1951. The Exhibitions also explore the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy and the work of Irish Furniture Designer and Architect Eileen Gray born in 1878 just outside Enniscorthy. The Roof of the Castle is also accessible, with spectacular views of the surrounding Buildings, Vinegar Hill, and Countryside.

Enniscorthy Castle is one of the few Irish Castles to offer access to its roof where a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Or descend to the deeps of eerie dungeon and view Ireland’s rarest wall art which depicts a medieval soldier who was imprisoned in the dungeons over 400 years ago."

“What is the difference between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?” 

The Short Answer:

- Ireland is a single island, situated next to Britain, but there are two countries on the island 

-  The Republic of Ireland makes up most of the island

-  The Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign state

-  Northern Ireland makes up the northeastern part of the island

-  Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 

Some More Details:

-  The Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom

-  Along with Northern Ireland, the other countries of the UK are England, Scotland and Wales and some smaller islands

-  The Republic of Ireland is usually referred to as Ireland

-  When people say Ireland, they usually mean the Republic of Ireland, but sometimes they mean the whole island of Ireland 

-  Northern Ireland is usually called the North by people living in the south; while Northerners call the Republic the South

-  Protestants living in Northern Ireland sometimes refer to their country as Ulster, but Ulster is also a larger province, encompassing Northern Ireland and three counties in the Republic

-  Catholics living in Northern Ireland sometimes refer to their country as the Six Counties, and sometimes call the Republic the Free State

Everyday Differences:

There are not much day-to-day differences between one part of the island and the other. The main ones are: 

-  The currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro, while in Northern Ireland people use the UK currency (sterling) 

-  In the Republic of Ireland all speed limits on road signs are indicated in kilometres per hour. In Northern Ireland, speed limits are indicated in miles per hour — watch out for this.

-  In Northern Ireland, you will see an (increasingly smaller) number of food or UK retail outlets, such as Sainsburys, that do not have any presence in the Republic of Ireland. 

The Good Friday Agreement:

The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed in April 1998, and was approved by people in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, in a referendum held in May 1998. 

The Agreement was a recognition that: 

-  the majority of the population of Northern Ireland wanted to remain a part of the United Kingdom 

-  a substantial section of the population of Northern Ireland, and the majority of the people of the island of Ireland, wanted to bring about a united Ireland

The agreement acknowledged that both these viewpoints were equally legitimate. 

Northern Ireland is to remain part of the United Kingdom unless or until a majority of the population of 

a) Northern Ireland 

and 

b) the Republic of Ireland 

want the status of Northern Ireland to change. 

If this ever comes about, then both the British and Irish governments are under a binding obligation to change the status of Northern Ireland and, presumably, bring about a united Ireland. 

Source : here

IRELAND - Thatches cottage

Thatches cottage typical of the type to be found along the West coast of Ireland from Donegal to Kerry.