An Intelligent Person's Guide to Modern Ireland

The Republic of Ireland, described variously as The Emerald Tiger, The Celtic Tiger and The Tiger Economy of Europe, is apparently one of the great success stories of 20th-century Europe. Just 75 years into independence, less than 40 years from the stygian blackness of pre-modernity, and only a decade from what seemed to be an economic apocalypse, Ireland has finally modernized. With a young population and economic growth rates the envy of the western world, it should offer a model for all fledgling states to follow.