Geography of Ireland

The geography of Ireland describes an island in northwest Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean. The ocean is responsible for the rugged western coastline, along which are many islands, peninsulas, and headlands. The main geographical features of Ireland are low central plains surrounded by a ring of coastal mountains. The highest peak is Carrauntuohill (Irish: Corrán Tuathail), which is 1041 m (3414 ft). There are a number of sizable lakes along Ireland's rivers, with Lough Neagh being the largest in Ireland. The island is bisected by the River Shannon, at 259 km (161 miles) with a 113 km (70 miles) estuary the longest river in Ireland which flows south from County Cavan in the north to meet the Atlantic just south of Limerick.

The island of Ireland consists politically of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, (United Kingdom). Located west of the island of Great Britain, it is located at approximately 53° N 8° W. It has a total area of 84,079 km² (32,477 mile²). Ireland is separated from Britain by the Irish Sea and from mainland Europe by the Celtic Sea.