Ireland is made up of the Republic of Ireland containing 26 counties and Northern Ireland containing 6 counties. It is located in northwestern Europe, to the west of the United Kingdom, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Irish Sea. It is a land steeped in history but not particularly with historical marvels. Ireland is known for its misty green countryside, its culture and tradition (including legends and folklore), and its warm-hearted and friendly people. In Hibernia of yore, Ireland was too cold and bleak a country for the Romans to colonize. Many say that In fact the Romans were unsure of exactly where Ireland was and actually thought it was off the west coast of Spain. The native Celtic people continued to worship the sun till they were ostensibly converted to Christianity by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The mythology says that Saint Patrick actually rid the country of snakes as well. The invasions by the Vikings in the 9th century and by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century were two significant events in Irish history. The British began concerted efforts to colonize Ireland in the 17th century but succeeded only a century later.