Ireland

The western European island state of Ireland (Eire), with its capital Dublin, covers 70,273 km² and comprises around five-sixths of the island of the same name as well as a number of smaller islands. The independent republic is not part of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". However, Northern Ireland in the north of the island does belong to it.

The most popular alcoholic drink in Ireland is beer, followed by wine and spirits such as whisky (here whiskey). Per capita alcohol consumption is relatively high. In 2023, the government decided to introduce mandatory warnings on the labels of alcoholic beverages. The climate is humid and unstable and therefore not particularly suitable for growing grapes. This is why mostly fruit wines are produced. Grapes are also grown to a limited extent. The first attempts were allegedly made by monasteries on the "Emerald Isle" as early as the 5th century.

The approximately 100 hectares of grape vineyards are mainly located in the south-west of County Cork. Mainly white wine varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Reichensteiner are cultivated. The Thomas Walk Vineyard near Kinsale, which is run by a German, is believed to be the first place where Rondo grapes were planted in Ireland. Red and rosé wines and a sparkling wine are produced from the Rondo grape variety. Other producers include Blackwater Valley Vineyard, Bunratty Winery, Longueville House and West Waterford Vineyard. A number of Irishmen have played an important role in the history of Bordeaux. These included the Barton and Lynch families, who founded the Château Langoa-Barton, Château Léoville-Barton and Château Lynch-Bages vineyards in Pauillac. See also under England.

Map: © Goruma
Flag: of Éire - Drawn by User:SKopp, Public domain, Link
Coat of arms: by Setanta Saki - Own work, Public domain, Link
Source 1st paragraph: WIKIPEDIA Ireland