Guide to Northern Ireland

Ireland has two separate countries -- the Republic of Ireland, which covers most of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is a member of the United Kingdom.  Much has been written concerning the internal strife in Northern Ireland ("the troubles"), and you should read a summary of the root causes of the conflict before visiting this area.  Northern Ireland today is fairly quiet, and we were told during our trip the crimes that were associated with "the troubles" are over.  A comprehensive, free summary of the issues and history in Northern Ireland can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Ireland .  The bottom line -- if you have the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland, you should go.

Even with the peace accords and the strides that have been made in uniting Northern Ireland, signs of discord still exist.  For example, Northern Ireland's second largest city is known as either Londonderry or Derry, depending upon one's nationalistic bias.  Road signs showing the distance to the city frequently had the "London" portion of Londonderry spray painted over, obviously by people who did not cherish their relationship with the U.K.

Travel tips for Northern Ireland

1. The official currency for Northern Ireland is the British pound.  Merchants along the border areas will frequently accept Euros, but if you are traveling from the Republic of Ireland, plan on either getting pounds from an ATM or using your credit card. 

2. Free buses run from the visitor's center to the Giant's Causeway.  As an alternative, this is a fairly long walk, but it is downhill and is an interesting hike.  However, it was our experience that bus wait times on the return trip were excessive -- plan on 30-45 minutes. 

3. The restrooms at the visitor's center at the Giant's Causeway were small and primitive.  Plan on a line.

4. Over the years, we've become accustomed to hearing about the violence in Northern Ireland.  The Irish call this "the troubles."  Much of the tension was eased in May, 2007, when Seinn Fein's Martin McGuinness became Deputy First Minister as home rule returned to Northern Ireland. 

5. For the historical significance, if you are in Belfast your should try to travel through the areas that had the greatest strife.  A guided tour is the best idea. 

6. The people of Northern Ireland are no different from the inhabitants of the Republic of Ireland.  You should not notice any difference in your Irish "experience" as you cross the border into Northern Ireland.

7. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, reminded us of just another large city.  We found the real charm of Ireland, whether in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, was in the small cities and the countryside.

	Ireland Travel Guides & Travel Tips
	Irish Restaurants
	Ireland Hotels
	Shannon, Limerick & Bunratty
	Western Ireland   - Galway, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Westport, Knock
	Northwestern Ireland   - Bundoran & Donegal
	Northern Ireland   - Belfast, Derry, Giant's Causeway
	Eastern Ireland   - Dublin, Knowth, Ballyknocken House
	Southeasten Ireland   - Kilkenny, Waterford
	Southern Ireland   - Kerry & Cork Counties