Honestly, how many people here don't realise that the Republic of Ireland is not a apart of the UK/GB?

Question

There are so many questions posted on here ref. Is Scotland part of England or Does Wales govern itself over England and worse of all the answers referencing Ireland as part of the UK!!! I despair no geography/history must be taught in England - either that or The Wind that Shakes the Barley must of been banned!!! And everyone is Irish come 17 March???

I know I will be hated now - but blame the pinot!! :)xx

Answer 1

I knew that, but not everyone is into Irish history. I happen to have done some reading on Ireland even though most of it has been medieval history.

Answer 2

I'm an American and I know that the Rep. of Ireland is it's own country and that Northern Ireland is part or the UK. That's right isn't it? I feel dumb though because I thought Scotland was part of the UK, too, is it not? But has it's own government....I really don't know. Admittedly, I'm somewhat ignorant geographically, but at least I knew Irish Rep was it's own country. I've even been there, for six weeks when I was twelve. I used to do the Irish dancing and my teacher moved back to Donegal and invited me to spend the summer with her. Most fun I've ever had.

Answer 3

Ok, this is going to set the cat among the pigeons but here goes!
It depends if your talking about geographical or political.
The "archipelago " (group of isles) for the British Isles is - wait for it consists of
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland and all the small surrounding islands.

The "political meaning" for The British isles is, England Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom is all of the above in the "political meaning."
England Scotland Wales and northern ireland.

Great Britian is England Scotland and Wales.

So basically if you live in the South of Ireland and you really wanted to you could say you lived in the south of ireland and the british isles.

Now if you live in the North of Ireland you can have your pick depending on mood your in on any day.
You can be part of the british isles, and great britian but you are not part of the United Kingdom.....................is it any wonder people get confused.

Answer 4

Geography is not a strong point for many people. There are mistakes made all the time on this thing. Very silly ones too!
There are people who think Washington DC is a state.
Some think that there is only one city of Des Moines in the USA.
I have known people to mistake Poland for Hungary.
Some people believe that Easter Island does not exist for the other 364 days of the year.

As far as March 17 goes, it's an excuse to drink and turn stupid. Then they believe they are all sorts of things, including Irish.

Answer 5

I know what you mean but Im going to be kind here and suggest a reason for the Irish part of it anyway. Geographically, at the moment, these group of islands are called The British Isles. So, anyone looking at a map could be forgiven for thinking that Ireland is British by virtue of the fact that she is one of the 'British Isles'. They will have to rename the group as the British Isles ands the Republic of Ireland. There is something afoot that is trying to make the powers that be actually do this. Let's hope they are successful. Your other point is right, though. What are they being taught in their schools? Surely this would be made clear in a geography lesson? And who will hate you for telling the truth?

Answer 6

i must be the only Scots man on this tonight Scot land was an in dependant country up until three hundred years ago until the act of union was made when the Scots signed a document to be part of the UK but WE ARE STILL A COUNTRY the people in Scotland are nowhere near like the English, Scots are of Celtic descendants English are from Saxon and Norman descendants have you herd of the battle of Hastings . and regarding to southern Ireland being part of the UK ha ha that's the best joke Ive heard in a long time theres movies made on the war between s.i and the UK how many of you have been in Scotland or wales or n.i or s.i

Answer 7

There aren't really British people who think that... ? I'm an American (and I certainly DO live in the land of the predominantly ignorant), and of course I'm well aware that the R. of Ireland is a fully independent nation, with no legal or political ties to Great Britain... and that Northern Ireland, though, is a part of the United Kingdom of GB & N.I.

Speaking of GB, though, it's always funny to hear stories about tourists in Wales referring to the Welsh as "English". I'm sure such ignorance has prompted a few broken noses and split lips!

All people with IQs over 50 know the make-up of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland... I suppose the only thing that confuses some people is that Wales and Scotland are frequently referred to as 'countries'... now, they certainly are distinct, separate people culturally and historically, but legally they are not separate nations since the formation of GB, despite small measures of self-governing.

Answer 8

I'm fully aware of that fact...but sadly a lot of the youngsters in the UK have no idea of where a lot of places are in the world never mind the UK. To be fair though, you will find that it is mostly people from other parts of the world who are more confused about what constitutes Great Britain or the United Kingdom.

And..I don't hate you now, why would I...

Answer 9

The Republic of Ireland, better known in the world by the name of Eire, is a free and independent republic. Eire is not governed by UK.gov, however, the northern most six counties of Ulster, remain part of UK but will have their own government soon. Not sure of the time-table for the re-establishment of Stormont, but c2007AD.

The people of Eire, inspite of being a free and independant democratic Republic, have always been free to come and go as they please in the Island of Britain. This is even more the case now that we're all in the EU. The Irish people chose the Euro as their committment to being part of Europe. The "Celtic Tiger Economy" of Eire continues to boom ahead of Uk.gov - that penny pintching bunch of thieves.

Answer 10

I hate to say this....but....I didn't realize this until this past summer when we had a family reunion. I had a great chat with some relatives from Ireland. I always thought Ireland was part of the UK because the UK always talked about N. Ireland. (that's another story) Anyhow...I got a nice history about Ireland this past summer and I hope to visit there one day soon.