Northern Ireland

In order to incorporate this separate province, the UK’s official name is ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’. This is the part of the country that has no connection with the main island of Great Britain and is the only part of the nation that actually has a land border with another country (The Republic of Ireland). 

Northern Ireland occupies the north-eastern corner of the island of Ireland. It has a population of just over one and a half million people and this only makes up 2.5% of the UK total. 

As far as the United Kingdom is concerned, it is impossible to mention the province without at least loosely referring to the problems that have existed here, especially over recent decades. Tensions have existed between Catholics and Protestants and every effort is being made to bring about a lasting peace that will see all sections of the society live in complete harmony. The ‘Good Friday Agreement’  did go the furthest towards this end under the old Labour Party administration. 

Many inhabitants of Northern Ireland (especially the Catholics) would prefer to become a part of The Republic of Ireland. The Protestants are mainly proud to be included as a part of the UK. The other three nations of the United Kingdom feel as though they have a massive cross to bear, with Northern Ireland, and are very annoyed that they are not consulted as to whether or not this province should remain a part of their nation. It is clear that governments do not offer such a referendum as they already know what the answer would be.     

The capital city of Northern Ireland is Belfast and with a population approaching four hundred thousand people, this is also one of the largest cities of the UK. This is the only large town in the province, all other towns are very small indeed. 

Since the ‘Good Friday Agreement’, Belfast really has managed to get back on its feet. A tentative peace has pervaded the city and this has allowed considerable building projects and regeneration to take place. In fact, today, Belfast is a very popular city break destination for people on stag and hen weekends. 

Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Northern Ireland and definitely home to some of the most picturesque scenes. Other popular areas to visit are Londonderry, Ballymena, Lisburn and Antrim and these towns all have plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. 

One natural feature that is a must on any travel itinerary is the ‘Giants Causeway’ which can be found on the coast of County Antrim. This is where you will find strange columns protruding out of the waves and these were formed through volcanic activity in the area many years ago.  

Getting to Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK is very simple. There are numerous domestic flights to Belfast from all major airports. There are also ferries that cross The Irish Sea from several west coast locations of Great Britain.