The Republic of Ireland is a breathtaking country with many unique traits and characteristics that make it an attractive travel location for many different occasions. A very popular reason to travel to Ireland is to study abroad. Because of the long period of time that students spend in Ireland on a study abroad program, it is important that they learn some things about the country itself, the food, the current political climate, Irish feelings towards Americans, religions and customs. It may seem like a lot to take in, but taking the time to learn about your destination makes the journey much more enjoyable and fulfilling in the end. Ireland is located off the coast of England and has been under the rule of the British monarchy for most of its existence. The Republic of Ireland shares the island with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a predominantly Protestant country, and it is well known that Ireland is predominantly Catholic, so this difference has been the source of much fighting and unrest between neighboring countries. While this is not currently a major issue, it is something to keep in mind while living in Ireland. Dublin is by far the largest city in the Republic, followed closely by Cork. Irish (Gaelic) and English are the official languages ​​of Ireland, but even with an emphasis on the Irish language in schools, the English language is still dominant throughout the country, so students don't have to worry about the language barrier upon their arrival. One of the biggest questions students may ask when planning to study abroad in Ireland is what they should expect in terms of weather and topography. The island has a temperate maritime climate. This means it has mild winters, cool summers and lots of rain, so warmer clothes and ponchos or umbrellas are a must. Furthermore, the