The Republic of Ireland is a country located in the North Atlantic region of Europe. It is also known as Eire, which is the Irish language word for Ireland. Additionally, some people may refer to it as Southern Ireland or the Irish Free State, which was the name that the country went by from 1922 to 1937. Another term that is sometimes used is the Emerald Isle, which is a reference to the country's lush green landscape. Additionally, the Republic of Ireland is sometimes referred to as the Island of Saints and Scholars, due to its rich Celtic history and important contributions to literature and religious thought.