Ireland's closest allies are multifaceted: the United Kingdom due to deep historical, cultural, and geographical ties, with strong cooperation through bodies like the British-Irish Council; and the United States, driven by massive trade, extensive family links, and shared values, with the US being a huge investor and a major cultural connection. While the UK is a key partner for practical security and governance, the US provides significant economic and diplomatic support, making both vital allies for the traditionally neutral Ireland.
Ireland-US relationship 'one of the strongest in world' - Taoiseach. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the relationship between Ireland and the United States remains one of the strongest and most successful in the world.
More than any other nation, the United States has provided unstinting friendship and support throughout Ireland's existence as a free and democratic state. The relationship between our two countries is based not just on common ancestral ties but, crucially, on shared human values.
Although the Republic is not in any military alliance, it relies on a NATO member, the United Kingdom, to protect Irish airspace. In recent years, the UK has intercepted armed Russian bombers flying into Irish airspace. The Republic also allows stopovers by some foreign military aircraft, provided they are not armed.
The foreign relations of Ireland are substantially influenced by its membership of the European Union, although bilateral relations with the United States and United Kingdom are also important. Ireland is one of the group of smaller nations in the EU and has traditionally followed a non-aligned foreign policy.
Ireland and Australia enjoy warm and strong bilateral relations founded on historic ties of kinship and a shared commitment to democratic values. Both countries work closely together on issues of mutual interest, including defending multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
America. America is arguably the country most inspired by the Irish. With more than 30 million Irish-Americans living in the U.S., it is easy to find an Irish influence around most corners. From Irish pubs to celebratory parades on Saint Patrick's Day, it is clear how 'Irish' many Americans are.
While the Irish government expressed its support for the goals of NATO, it opposed joining as it did not wish to be in an alliance with the United Kingdom (who was a signatory to the agreement founding NATO) with which it disputed the sovereignty over Northern Ireland.
Housing was seen as the most important issue facing the Republic of Ireland as of 2025, with 64 percent of respondents placing it as one of the top two issues facing the country.
As of June 2025, there were 7,531 permanent personnel in the Defence Forces out of an established strength of 9,739, a decrease from September 2020 when there were 8,529 personnel, comprising 6,878 Army, 752 Air Corps and 899 Naval Service personnel.
While the United States (US) is Australia's key strategic ally and often seen as a very close partner by leaders, public opinion polls consistently show New Zealand as Australia's "best friend" in the world, followed by the US and then the United Kingdom, reflecting deep cultural and historical ties with both neighbors.
Common greetings include “Howaya?”, "What's the craic?" and "How's she cuttin'?" “Grand” is a word you will hear a lot in Ireland and means fine or okay. Irish people love slagging.
Ireland is an open economy (3rd on the Index of Economic Freedom), and ranks first for high-value foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. In the global GDP per capita tables, Ireland ranks 2nd of 192 in the IMF table and 4th of 187 in the World Bank ranking. (2023 est. )
A Rivalry Written in the History Books
The roots of this clash run deep. Ireland and England first met on the rugby pitch in 1875. Since then, they've faced off in over a century's worth of gripping encounters, evolving into one of international rugby's most iconic rivalries.
A 'good' salary in Ireland generally ranges from €50,000 to €70,000 per year. This would allow a single person or small family to live comfortably, especially outside of Dublin.
Most tourists visiting Ireland come from the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France.
For most people, a household salary of €100,000 would put a family in the category of “rich”. And if you earned that last year, you were among the top 6.6pc of employees, Revenue figures show. The average gross pay for a PAYE worker nationwide was €42,100 in 2024, while the Dublin average was €49,500.
The causes of Ireland's growth are the subject of some debate, but credit has been primarily given to state-driven economic development; social partnership among employers, government and trade unions; increased participation by women in the labour force; decades of investment in domestic higher education; targeting of ...
Ireland will have a greater proportion of elderly people in the population by 2025 and life expectancy will have increased further. Healthcare costs are likely to continue to increase and with technological advancements personalised genetic-based care will also be more pervasive.
The largest group of European nations not in NATO are those that profess their neutrality. Including nations such as Austria, Ireland, and Switzerland, some have military neutrality enshrined in their constitutions, or because of previous dealings with the great powers.
The policy of neutrality was adopted by Ireland's Oireachtas at the instigation of the Taoiseach Éamon de Valera upon the outbreak of World War II in Europe.
It is not part of the UK and has been independent since 1922. However, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (UK).
Cities with the largest Irish-born populations were Sydney (12,730), Melbourne (8,950) and Perth (7,060).
If the service charge is not already added to your bill, then tipping is at your discretion - but will always be appreciated. The staff working in restaurants and hotels in Ireland often have tough jobs for lower end wages - think twice before canceling any gratuity tip request on their payment terminals.
The 11 Most Beautiful Counties in Ireland