Irish Sea

Locatie Ierse Zee

Irish Sea View From Dun Laoghaire Pier

IMG DublinBay1467a

IMG Brittas Bay1529

Embayments and headlands in a stormy Caernarfon Bay - geograph.org.uk - 630202

Cardigan bay graham well

The Irish Sea (Muir Éireann in Irish, Môr Iwerddon in Welsh) is a body of water that separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the North Channel in the north and the St George's Channel in the south. The sea is of significant economic importance to both Ireland and the United Kingdom, serving as a major route for trade and transportation.

Geography

The Irish Sea is bounded by the west coast of Great Britain to the east and the east coast of Ireland to the west. It covers an area of approximately 47,000 square kilometers and has an average depth of about 60 meters. The sea is relatively shallow, with the deepest point, the Beaufort's Dyke, reaching a depth of around 315 meters.

Islands

Several islands are located within the Irish Sea, the most notable being the Isle of Man, which lies roughly equidistant from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Other significant islands include Anglesey off the coast of Wales and Lambay Island off the coast of Ireland.

Hydrology

The Irish Sea experiences a tidal range that varies significantly between different areas. The tides are semi-diurnal, meaning there are two high tides and two low tides each day. The sea's currents are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with water flowing in and out through the North Channel and St George's Channel.

Economy

The Irish Sea is a vital economic resource, supporting various industries such as fishing, shipping, and energy production. The sea is home to several important ports, including Dublin, Liverpool, and Belfast. Additionally, the region has seen significant investment in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind farms.

Ecology

The Irish Sea hosts a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the sea's biodiversity, with several marine protected areas established to safeguard vulnerable habitats and species.

History

The Irish Sea has played a crucial role in the history of the British Isles, serving as a conduit for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. It has also been the site of numerous naval battles and conflicts throughout history.

Transportation

The Irish Sea is a major transportation route, with numerous ferry services operating between Ireland and Great Britain. Key ferry routes include those between Dublin and Holyhead, Belfast and Liverpool, and Rosslare and Fishguard.

Related Pages

• Ireland
• Great Britain
• Atlantic Ocean
• North Channel
• St George's Channel
• Isle of Man
• Anglesey
• Dublin
• Liverpool
• Belfast