Ireland is an island located in northwestern Europe in the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of over 4.6 million people and Dublin is the capital city with over 1.8 million residents. Some key facts are that Ireland was originally inhabited by Celts until the Normans conquered in the 12th century. The Easter Rising in 1916 helped establish an independent Irish republic separated from Britain. Gaelic football is the most popular sport and traditional Irish music blends pop and rock influences with reels, jigs and hornpipes.