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Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

The Coast of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland was separated from the Republic of Ireland in 1921. Since the partician, the six counties collectively know as "the North" have had a troubled history, marred by sectarian conflicts. Today, Northern Ireland remains a part of the United Kingdom, and is no longer considered a dangerous destination. The majority of the country is rural, although the capital, Belfast, is a thriving metropolis.

MAJOR CITIES

Belfast

Derry (Londonderry)

HISTORY

Nationalist hero Bobby Sands

Northern Ireland was created after the partition of the island in 1921. It has a violent history, with its citizens being divided into two groups: those that wish to remain a part of the United Kingdom and those that want to be united with the Republic of Ireland.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Northern Ireland's Countryside

The currency of Northern Ireland is the British pound sterling, as opposed to the Republic of Ireland, which uses the euro. Some border towns will accept both currencies, but once you get further into the country, sterling is likely to be the only option. Speed limit signs will also change from European kilometers per hour to British miles per hour at the border, so if you are renting a car in the Republic and plan to travel to the North, you may want to check that the speedometer measures both mph and kph.

A Peace Wall in Belfast

Although most people are familiar with Northern Ireland as a country plagued by turmoil, most locals will be quick to point out that it has been a safe and stable destination for over ten years. Gone are the days of arduous checkpoints along the border; today the change in speed limit is all that indicates the boundary. The people of Northern Ireland are generally quite friendly and more than happy to share their country with visitors.

ATTRACTIONS

This country offers everything, from exciting city life to beautiful countryside.

Belfast is a thriving city with a brilliantly modern downtown and world-class shopping.

Derry (Londonderry) in the northwestern corner of the country, has the most complete defensive walls of any city in the British Isles. Nestled in the gentle hills of a spectacular landscape, Derry is a fascinating historical treasure.

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway is the name given to the unique rock formations along the east coast of County Antrim. The landscape of interlocking hexagonal basalt columns was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.