Thirty years ago, it is fair to say that very few Irish people could ever even begin to contemplate something like apartments in Rome for their annual holiday. In short, finances were low, especially when compared to the neighbouring United Kingdom.

Today, however, how that proverbial tide has completely changed. Ireland has actually proved itself to be something of a sleeping giant, where its economical capabilities are concerned. It may not exactly be a tiger economy, what with the population still only being some 4.5 million souls, but it could definitely rank as a European Cougar economy.

Surprisingly, Ireland managed to assert its current strengths even further, through the fact that it seems to have rode out the current worldwide recession with far more ease. In contrast, the economy of the United Kingdom and all of the other major European member states have taken what can best be described as a massive blow.

The Ireland of tomorrow definitely looks greener and far more lush than it has ever done before. The Irish are travelling more and more nowadays; forking out for better cars and housing stock and all of a sudden, apartments in Rome are actually looking more attractive than ever.