Ireland's high-quality education enjoys an international reputation, built on a solid foundation of pursuing excellence. Ireland is a beautiful island nation where modern cities blend with pristine countryside; the urban landscapes are rich in history, and the country boasts abundant natural habitats.
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Ireland, known as the "Island of Saints and Scholars," provided education to much of the Western world. More recently, Irish writers such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Oscar Wilde are studied worldwide, and continuous investment in research and development has placed Ireland at the forefront of science and technology today.
A friendly and safe environment—this is no boast! Ireland was named the world's friendliest country by Lonely Planet in 2008 and 2010, and ranked 12th in the "2009 Global Peace Index." A hospitable nature combined with an unparalleled sense of humor makes life in Ireland an unforgettable experience. The island's diverse environment is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as rock climbing, water sports, and various ball and team sports.
Global companies established in Ireland—companies seeking a skilled, highly educated, and capable workforce to drive successful development choose to settle in Ireland. To name just a few, Ireland has attracted numerous well-known enterprises such as Google, Facebook, Pfizer, Apple, and Intel, all of which have chosen Ireland as their European base.
According to the independent "IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009," Ireland possesses one of the best education systems in the world (ranked 8th).
The excellence of the Irish education system has been a primary driver of Ireland's rapid economic development in recent decades (in the World Economic Forum's "Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010," as assessed by the business community, Ireland's secondary and higher education systems ranked 8th out of 133 economies).
Ireland is a globally recognized center for high-quality international scientific research. Ireland's ranking in scientific output has risen rapidly from 36th in 2003 to within the top 20 in recent years. In terms of scientific output, Ireland has joined the ranks of countries such as Finland, Germany, and the United States.
Quality of Life: Ireland ranks 5th in the United Nations' "Human Development Index."