Geographically, the Republic of Ireland cannot be categorized as a large country on the European Continent. However, the natural beauty, friendliness of the people, history of civilization, and intellectual property in the country have proven that this country is a country to be reckoned with. The country with the capital city of Dublin holds many amazing things. There, you can not only glance back by visiting the remnants of civilization’s history but also have the opportunity to peek into the future.
Why is That?
The following reasons will fully answer the question of why the country known as the Emerald Island is able to make you feel like you are crossing the ages.
Remains of Civilization in Prehistoric Times
There was a time when humans did not know how to read and write, they still communicated with body language, and survived by using makeshift items.
We know these times as prehistoric times
One of the oldest periods in ordinary prehistory is the stone age. Humans at that time used rocks as a tool for them to survive, both as a tool for hunting, farming, and living.
Several areas in the Republic of Ireland keep historical evidence of human civilization at that time.
One of them is the Hill of Tara, the most famous stone age site in Ireland. The location is in the north of Dublin City. There, there are various shapes and forms of stones that show human life at that time , such as the Stone of Destiny, Mound of the House stage, and Ringfort which became the land where a group of people lived at that time.
Not only on the Hill of Tara, but the Republic of Ireland also stores various other prehistoric relics, such as Newgrange, the largest tomb that has been named one of the best cultural reserves in the world, and Céide Fields which is also one of the widest Neolithic era remains in the world.
Historical Evidence in the Middle Ages
Towards historical times, when humans began to enter the ancient and medieval eras, civilization in Ireland was growing.
In the era when the small kingdoms began to stand, many castles were built in almost the entire territory of the Republic of Ireland The castle is still standing strong today. Some of them have become tourist destinations, while others have been transformed into inns.
Evidence of the history of human civilization at this time is also shown by the existence of sites and former settlements. One of the most famous is Skellig Michael, the former nun complex, which was once the shooting spot for the film Star Wars, where in the film, this place is better known as the Jedi Temple.
As for other relics of this era, you can also find them in big cities there. Especially, seen in the magnificent churches, where the development of Catholicism, which is currently embraced by the majority of the population of Ireland.
Works and Figures in the Modern Era
Entering the modern era, where science began to develop rapidly, historical heritage in Ireland also shifted from just physical buildings to stories of world leaders with their phenomenal works.
Call it Bram Stroker, a Dublin-born writer who succeeded in creating the character of Dracula, a ghost who is said to be the incarnation of a bloodsucking bat. There is also Robert Boyle, a world figure with the nickname “Father of Chemistry” who was born in Lismore, Republic of Ireland. James Joyce, Maureen O Hara, Michael Collins, Oscar Wilde, and others, are also world figures who were born in the Republic of Ireland.
Apart from world figures, Ireland also has the oldest operating hospital in the world. The hospital is Rotunda Hospital , located in the City of Dublin.
How Is Ireland Today?
It’s not only civilizations in the past and their heritage that make Ireland amazing. The achievements, he has made at this time also emphasize that this country is a country to be reckoned with.
The proof is the release of Fortune in mid-2018, which crowned the Republic of Ireland among the top five richest countries in the world.
Likewise, in terms of scientific development, Ireland also has a significant role. This is because universities in Ireland are included in 1% of all world research institutions that have broad influence in various fields.
Peek into the Future in Ireland, Europe’s Silicon Valley
Well, this is a compliment, why the Republic of Ireland can be considered as a ‘time machine to explore human civilization from time to time. Having discussed the past and present, it’s time to take a peek at the future of the country.
In line with the increasingly rapid development of information technology, Ireland’s development towards becoming a more mature country in terms of technology and information is also getting better.
This country is a reference for the giant information technology companies in the world.
Especially in the capital Dublin, which is predicted to become Europe’s Silicon Valley.
Technological developments in Dublin have been matched by achievements in related fields. Yes, based on the report of The Cultural and Creative Monitor, five cities in Ireland occupy the top positions, in their respective categories.
Meanwhile, in terms of innovation, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) stated that Ireland is the top 10 most innovative countries in the world.
The data above has shown how Ireland has a chance to become a country capable of responding to challenges in the future. So in that way, you can be sure that visiting Ireland will give you the opportunity to peek at the direction of the world’s movement in the future.
The past and the future are dimensions that cannot be separated from human life. In fact, knowing the past and responding to challenges in the future can improve our capacity as humans.
For this reason, with various cultural artifacts in the Republic of Ireland that represent each era, of course, it will be very useful for us in living life in the world. That’s why Ireland can take us to explore the eras where human civilization was born and developed.