Dublin

(St.Patrick's Cathedral)

chief physiographic features are a region of lowlands, occupying the central and east central sections, and a complex system of low mountain ranges, lying between the lowlands and the periphery of the island. Among the principal ranges are the Nephin Beg Range in the west, containing Mount Nephin, 719 m (2,359 ft); the Caha Mountains in the southwest, containing Mount Knockboy, about 707 m (about 2,321 ft); the Boggeragh Mountains in the south, rising to 640 m (2,100 ft); and the Wicklow Mountains in the east, rising to more than 915 m (3,000 ft). Carrauntoohil, located in the southwestern section of the island, is the highest point in Ireland (1,041 m/3,415 ft above sea level). Numerous bogs and lakes are found in the lowlands region. The principal rivers of Ireland are the Erne and the Shannon, which are actually chains of lakes joined by stretches of river. The middle section of the central plain is drained by the Shannon, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean through a wide, lengthy estuary. Nearly half of the Shannon, above the estuary, comprises the Allen, Ree, and Derg lakes. All of Ireland's principal rivers flow from the plain, and an interior canal system facilitates transportation.

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A. Climate
Plants and Animals The climate of Ireland is like that of other islands. Because of the moderating influence of prevailing warm, moist winds from the Atlantic Ocean, the mean winter temperature ranges from 4^° to 7°_{C (40° to 45°F)}, approximately 14 Celsius degrees (25 Fahrenheit degrees) higher than that of any other places in the same latitude in the interior of Europe or on the eastern coast of North America. The oceanic influence is also pronounced in the summer; the mean summer temperature of Ireland ranges from 15° to 17°C (59^{° to 62°F), about 4 Celsius degrees (7 Fahrenheit degrees) lower than that of other places in the same latitudes. Rainfall averages 1,000 mm (40 in) annually.
B0. Plants and Animals
Ireland's fauna does not differ markedly from that of England or France. The great Irish deer and the great auk, or garefowl, were exterminated in prehistoric times. Since the island became developed, species such as the bear, wolf, wildcat, beaver, and native cattle have disappeared. Small rodents living in the woods and fields remain, as do small shore birds and field birds. No serpents are found in Ireland, and the only reptile is the lizard. Sedges, rushes, ferns, and grass are the principal flora.}