[c_plus_minus]

Ahem, Ireland is also a member of the EU!

[xerophtye]

I thought i covered Ireland under UK when I asked if it wasn't part of EU

EDIT: oh not all of Ireland is in UK. I honestly didn't know about "Republic of Ireland" being a standalone country

[CalRobert]

oooooh boy. Might want to do some research before your holiday to Belfast (or Derry).

Edit - I realize that came off snarky - it was meant lightheartedly. In all seriousness, though -

Republic of Ireland - a soverign nation of 26 counties. Split from the UK nearly a century ago. There's some interesting (but very painful) history behind that.

Northern Ireland - 6 counties at the northeast of the island

Ireland - a geographical entity (the island itself)

Ireland (or Eire) - the official name of the Republic

Great Britain - the island with England, Scotland, and Wales. Often used to refer to the UK (but this isn't completely accurate, if we're being pedantic it's a geographical, not political, term, and there's still Northern Ireland).

United Kingdom - England, Scotland (for now), Wales, and Northern Ireland

It would make sense for me to make an error in there, but I think I've got that right. Hope it's helpful!

[xerophtye]

Finally someone who chose to explain things instead of just bombing down votes. Thank you for taking the time to explain that.

And I'll just take solace in this (apparently) Scottish Proverb:

"He who asks is a fool for a moment. He who doesn't is a fool forever"

[c_plus_minus]

Ah that's ok. I think I've done my patriotic duty for the day by increasing knowledge of us :)

[c_plus_minus]

Ireland left the UK around 90 years ago.