<P> Ireland is an island in Northwestern Europe in the north Atlantic Ocean . The island lies on the European continental shelf, part of the Eurasian Plate . The island's main geographical features include low central plains surrounded by coastal mountains . The highest peak is Carrauntoohil (Irish: Corrán Tuathail), which is 1,041 meters (3,415 ft) above sea level . The western coastline is rugged, with many islands, peninsulas, headlands and bays . The island is bisected by the River Shannon, which at 360.5 km (224 mi) with a 102.1 km (63 mi) estuary is the longest river in Ireland and flows south from County Cavan in Ulster to meet the Atlantic just south of Limerick . There are a number of sizeable lakes along Ireland's rivers, of which Lough Neagh is the largest . </P> <P> Politically, the island consists of the Republic of Ireland, with jurisdiction over about five - sixths of the island; and Northern Ireland, a constituent country (and an unconfirmed "practical" exclave) of the United Kingdom, with jurisdiction over the remaining sixth . Located west of the island of Great Britain, it is located at approximately 53 ° N 8 ° W ﻿ / ﻿ 53 ° N 8 ° W ﻿ / 53; - 8Coordinates: 53 ° N 8 ° W ﻿ / ﻿ 53 ° N 8 ° W ﻿ / 53; - 8 . It has a total area of 84,421 km (32,595 sq mi). It is separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea and from mainland Europe by the Celtic Sea . Ireland and Great Britain, together with nearby islands, are known collectively as the British Isles; as the term British Isles is controversial in relation to Ireland, the alternative term' Britain and Ireland' is increasingly preferred . </P>

Name the plate on which ireland is situated