Ireland is an island nation located on the westernmost edge of Europe. 80 percent of this island belongs to the Republic of Ireland, while the rest is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is known for its wide expanses of lush green fields, which is why some call this beautiful country the Emerald Isle. However, those who love mountains will also find many breathtaking places to visit. The midlands and west coast of Ireland are full of damp peat bogs. It is a country of bards and storytellers, and many famous writers, including Nobel Prize winners in literature, hail from Ireland.