‘Scenic gem of the Emerald Isle’

Occupying the northeastern corner of an island brimming with superlatives, Northern Ireland contains many hidden facets of the Emerald Isle. This small province enjoys a diverse terrain, with a dramatic coastline, gently rolling fields and the lush Mountains of Mourne. The capital, Belfast, is a vibrant city with ornate Victorian architecture and lively nightlife. Central Derry contains one of the finest walled towns in Europe. Both have been too long overshadowed by the ‘Troubles’, but seem at last to be enjoying a more peaceful present.

The Antrim Coast is one of the most scenic shorelines in Britain, winding past towering cliffs, sandy beaches, picturesque harbours and family resorts. You can hike deep into the glacier-carved Glens of Antrim or walk along the amazing volcanic columns of the Giant’s Causeway. Inland lies Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles, and the Fermanagh lakelands, sprinkled with tiny islands, wooded parks and monastic ruins.

The six counties of Northern Ireland belonged to the ancient and powerful kingdom of Ulster. Tales of legendary heroes intertwine with those of St Patrick, who spread Christianity from his base near Downpatrick. The Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, Old Bushmill’s whiskey distillery, the Belleek pottery, crumbling castle ruins and the stately mansions of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy offer more history and culture in a friendly, easy-going country that is a delight to explore.

Donna Dailey

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13,576 sq km (5242 sq miles).

1.7 million (official estimate 2004).

125.2 per sq km.

Belfast. Population: 269,000 (official estimate 2004).

Northern Ireland contains some beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline in the north and northeast to the gentle fruit-growing regions of Armagh. To the west are the Sperrin Mountains and the lake of Fermanagh, where the winding River Erne provides excellent fishing. The high moorland plateau of Antrim in the northeast gives way to the glens further south and to the Drumlin country of County Down; further south still, the Mountains of Mourne stretch down to the sea.

Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II. Head of Government: Prime Minister Tony Blair. Recent history: Following a quarter of a century of well-publicised ‘troubles’ focussing on differences between the Nationalist and Unionist communities, relative peace descended on Northern Ireland during the early 1990s. Deep divisions and mistrust between the two factions still exist, but the atmosphere is now one of at least attempted reconciliation rather than open conflict.
Today’s disputes are political, rather than violent, but much work remains to be done before satisfactory Government can return to the Northern Irish Parliament at Stormont. A short-lived return to autonomous rule came to an end in 2002 following continued inability on the part of the two main parties to co-operate, and a scandal involving alleged ‘spying’ at the Northern Ireland Office. Following the cessation of overt hostilities, two major political parties have emerged as successors to the previously dominant Ulster Unionists and SDLP (the mainly nationalist party). Sinn Fein, under the leadership of Gerry Adams, and Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionists, are now the main protagonists in Northern Ireland politics, and they are considerably more hardline in their approaches than their predecessors. But discussions continue in an attempt to restore devolved Government to the province, which has enjoyed a dramatic economic upturn since the advent of peace. Huge investment has gone into Northern Ireland in the past decade, and the tourism industry has also experienced a major upturn – fruits of the so-called ‘Peace Dividend’.

English. Irish is spoken by a minority.

Due to the political situation in Northern Ireland, visitors should take care when visiting certain parts of the main cities and the border area. No problems should arise, provided the visitor follows local advice and avoids expressing dogmatic opinions on political or religious topics.