Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A country in northwestern Europe: Eire is the official name for the Republic of Ireland, a sovereign state that occupies most of the island of Ireland. It consists of 26 of the island's 32 counties.

Usage

• As a geographical/political name: "Eire" is used to refer specifically to the independent republic, distinguishing it from the island of Ireland as a whole or from Northern Ireland.
  • The official name of the country is Eire, or in the English language, Ireland.
  • The ambassador presented his credentials to the government of Eire.

Advanced Usage

• In official and diplomatic contexts: The name "Eire" is used in certain formal, legal, and diplomatic contexts, particularly within Irish-language (Gaeilge) texts and on official documents like passports.
  • The constitution states that the name of the state is Éire, or, in the English language, Ireland.

Variants and Related Words

• Ireland: The common English name for the country. "Eire" and "Ireland" refer to the same political entity.
• Republic of Ireland: A descriptive name often used to avoid ambiguity with the island of Ireland.
• Éire: The Irish-language spelling of the word.

Synonyms

• Ireland
• Republic of Ireland
• the Irish Republic

Notes on Meaning

• Historical Context: The adoption of the name "Eire" in the 1937 constitution was a significant step in asserting national identity and sovereignty following independence from the United Kingdom in 1921.
• Distinction from "Ireland": While "Eire" and "Ireland" are legally synonymous for the state, "Ireland" can also refer to the entire geographical island. "Eire" unambiguously refers to the republic.

Noun

1. a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921