In the next section, we will identify how the physical landscape influences primary economic activities in two very different areas. We will look at farming in Dublin and forestry in the West of Ireland (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon).
Physical Landscape and Farming in County Dublin
1. Climate: The climate in Dublin is a cool temperate oceanic climate. This means that it is not too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Dublin gets approximately 800 mm of rainfall every year. The temperature is between 5°C in the winter and 16°C in the summer.
2. Soil: The soils in Dublin are very fertile. They are light sandy soils and brown soils, which are perfect for farming.
Mayo Roscommon Galway Dublin
Counties in the West of Ireland
Dublin
Fingal County Council
3. Relief: The land of North Dublin is flat and low-lying, with small hills spread about. The land in the south is more mountainous, containing the Dublin Mountains.
Dublin City
Farming in North County Dublin
Farming here is mainly market gardening farming, which is the growing of salad vegetables in greenhouses, and the growing of potatoes, onions and cabbages out in the fields. Dairy and beef farming is also done here.
Farming in Dublin „„
What is it worth? „„
Council
South Dublin County Council
Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown
County Council
Farming in South County Dublin The average farm size is 47 hectares.
Farming in Dublin is worth €205 million to the Irish economy.
This area is dominated by hills and mountains. The main type of farming here is cattle grazing and forestry, as crop-growing would prove difficult on this type of land.
