As a specialist in political geography and history, I can provide a detailed explanation regarding the status of Ireland in relation to Great Britain.

First, it is important to clarify the distinction between the United Kingdom and Great Britain. The term "Great Britain" refers to the island that comprises England, Scotland, and Wales. The "United Kingdom" (UK), on the other hand, is a sovereign state that includes Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland. The full name of the UK is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," which indicates the political union between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Historically, the relationship between Ireland and Great Britain has been complex. From 1801 to 1922, the entire island of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. However, following a long period of political struggle and conflict, the status of Ireland underwent significant changes.

The pivotal event that led to a change in Ireland's status was the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. This treaty resulted in the partition of Ireland into two separate entities. The six counties of Northern Ireland chose to remain part of the United Kingdom, while the remaining 26 counties formed the Irish Free State, which later became the Republic of Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland gained independence from the UK in 1922 and is now a fully sovereign nation. It is not a part of the United Kingdom. The Irish Free State, as it was known initially, was a dominion within the British Commonwealth until 1931, when the Statute of Westminster gave it legislative independence. In 1937, the new Irish Constitution renamed the state as "Éire" or "Ireland" in English. In 1949, Ireland formally became a republic, severing all remaining ties with the British monarchy.

It is also worth noting that the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, while not part of the UK, are Crown Dependencies. This means they are self-governing territories under the British Crown but are not part of the UK's political structure.

In conclusion, Ireland, as a whole, is not a part of Great Britain or the United Kingdom. The island is divided into two distinct political entities: Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent nation.

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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (to give its full name) refers to the political union between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. ... From 1801 to 1922 the UK also included all of Ireland. The Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not part of the UK, but are Crown Dependencies.Aug 3, 2011read more >>