Education
Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world. The friendliness and hospitality for which Irish people are renowned, contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life.
Having developed from being a predominantly agricultural economy in the 1950s Ireland is now a thoroughly modern nation with well developed manufacturing and international services sectors and has the highest economic growth rate in the E.U. - hence the title 'The Celtic Tiger'. The educated workforce produced in Ireland by the education system has been a key factor in attracting international investment to the country and in the growth of the modern technological industries which have helped make Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The international dimension of education is important in Ireland, which has one of the most trade dependent economies in the world. The Irish Government has invested in the internationalisation of our education system, both to promote the international activities and linkages of our colleges and to encourage students from overseas countries to study in Ireland.
Higher education in Ireland is judged by international standards and the employment market for graduates is a global one. Overseas students receive a quality education in a friendly environment. They in turn enrich the educational experience of our own students and bring an international dimension to our campuses. Lifelong friendships and networks are formed between Irish and overseas students which later enhance the cultural and trade relationships between our countries.
Economy
Ireland's economy is 82.4 percent free, according to our 2008 assessment, which makes it the world's 3rd freest economy. Its overall score is slightly lower than last year. Ireland is ranked 1st out of 41 countries in the European region, and its overall score is much higher than the regional average.
Ireland has high levels of business freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom, property rights, and freedom from corruption. Government regulation is light. Inflation is low, but Ireland's monetary score suffers somewhat from distortionary EU agricultural subsidies. Foreign investment is restricted only in a few sectors. Financial markets are transparent and open to foreign competition. Property rights are well protected by an efficient, independent judiciary.
Ireland's economy is significantly free, with only two categories slightly below the average world score. Fiscal freedom and government size both score 3 percentage points below average. Government spending as a proportion of GDP is just over one-third, and the top individual income tax rate is a high 42 percent.
Climate
Ireland has a temperate climate and is cold and damp much of the year. Summer (May to September) is the warmest and driest season and is the best time to visit, though attractions can get crowded in July and August. Winter is characterised by short, wet, foggy days and long night, but the temperature rarely gets below freezing due to the tempering Gulf Stream winds that buffet the west coast of Ireland. Some attractions are only open in summer.
Dublin has a maritime temperate climate, and less rainfall than the rest of the 'emerald isle', although winters are still very soggy and damp and showers are common all year round. The wettest month, December, averages 76mm of rainfall. Summers in Dublin are cool and pleasant, temperatures in July peaking at around 68°F (20°C), the most sunshine being experienced in May and June. Winters, apart from being wet, are mild with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing point. Snow is unlikely, the main precipitation being rain, but a few flurries can occur.
List of Universities in IRELAND
North America
North America
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