According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Northern Ireland is located in thenortheastern part of the island of Ireland that it shares with the Republic of Ireland. The largest city in the country is the capital Belfast. It is one of the four countries that belong to the United Kingdom. However, it is the only one of the four that is not located on the island of Great Britain. The other three countries are England, Wales and Scotland. Only eight thousand years ago the first people came to live on this island. In the fifth century BC the Celts came to the island. This population group would lay the foundation for the current Irish language. In the fifth century AD, Saint Patrick came to the island. This Saint had churches and monasteries built all over the island and laid the foundation of Christianity in the country. Since this period, Ireland, and especially the northern part of the island, has been embroiled in a battle of faith that continues to this day. In 1912, after several years of protest and war, an independent Ireland was proclaimed. The six northern counties, however, remained linked to the United Kingdom. The island was split into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Since the division of the island, there have been regular disturbances in Northern Ireland between the Catholic and Protestant populations. In the 1970s, these tensions ran so high that the situation in some cities had become untenable. This eventually led to Bloody Sunday in 1972, in which thirteen Catholics were killed during a demonstration. In the years that followed, several bombings were committed and there were regular skirmishes between these two parties. In recent years, however, it has been very quiet and the leaders of Sinn Féin and the IRA have called for an end to the armed struggle. Only during the Orange Marches, which are held once a year, it can sometimes be restless in the country.

Sights

There are many places of interest in Northern Ireland. The most famous are probably the Giants Causeway which is on the World Heritage List. Not far from there is the Mussenden temple. This temple is built on a rock high above the Atlantic Ocean. Like the rest of Ireland, Northern Ireland is known for its whiskey. One of the most famous whiskey distilleries in Northern Ireland can be found in the town of Bushmills, where the whiskey of the same name comes from. The country’s second largest city, Derry/Londonderry, is also well worth a visit. In the west of the city you will find the old city wall of the city. This is the only remaining city wall on the entire island of Ireland. The city is also known for its Murals. These painted houses can be found in the Bogside neighborhood. The capital, Belfast, is the most popular destination in Northern Ireland. The city has the largest dry dock in the world. The Titanic was built in this dock. The Ulster Museum is located in the Belfast Botanic Gardens. This is Northern Ireland’s leading museum. In addition to the capital city of Belfast and Londonderry/Derry, Portrush, Enniskillen, Bushmills and Bangor are among the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Ireland.

UNESCO

There is only one inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Northern Ireland. This is the Giant Causeway in northeastern Northern Ireland. This special rocky coast was created about 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. According to an old Irish legend, these stones were placed in the water by a giant to build a road to Scotland. The giant Fionn mac Cumhaill wanted to build this path in the sea in order to defeat his Scottish rival. The legend is reinforced by the fact that the same rocks can be found on the Scottish island of Staffa. The Giant Causeway and the Causeway Coast are some of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Climate

Northern Ireland, like the rest of the island of Ireland, has a temperate maritime climate. Partly due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, there are few weather extremes in Northern Ireland. The winter months are mild and prolonged frost is an exception. Prolonged frost can only occur in the higher parts of the country. The summer months are mild without ever getting really hot. The average daytime temperature in the summer period is just below twenty degrees Celsius. During this period, the Atlantic Ocean has a cooling effect on the climate in Northern Ireland. There is a lot of precipitation in Northern Ireland throughout the year. The average precipitation here is quite high, especially in the winter months. In these months it rains here two out of three days. The average annual rainfall here is between 800 millimeters and 1400 millimeters per year. During the coldest days of the year, precipitation here will consist of snow and sleet. In the north of the country strong storms can occur with gusts that can reach wind force twelve. The higher parts of the country are on average slightly cooler than the lower parts of Northern Ireland.

Geography

Northern Ireland is located in northwestern Europe and only has land borders with Ireland. The country is located to the north by the Atlantic Ocean and to the northeast by the Irish Sea. In the northwest it borders the Donagel Bay. The country is subdivided into six counties, which in turn are subdivided into twenty-six districts. In the center of the country is Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. The River Bann supplies the lake with water before finally merging into the Irish Sea. The Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland. Other important rivers in Northern Ireland are the Riber Blackwater and the Riber Lagan. The Morne Mountains are located in the southeastern part of Northern Ireland. The Slieve Donard is located in this mountain range, which is the highest point in Northern Ireland at 850 meters. Other mountains such as the Slieve Sawel and the Cuilcagh. There are several islands off the coast of Northern Ireland, of which Tory Island, Rathlin Island and the Copeland Islands are the best known. Most of the islands off the coast of Northern Ireland are uninhabited. The capital Belfast is the largest city in the country other large and well known places are Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Londonderry/Derry and Bushmills.

Travel advice

There are no special security risks for a trip to Northern Ireland. The terror threat that until a few years ago still existed in the country is now barely noticeable. Nevertheless, it is wise to check the current political situation before traveling to Northern Ireland. Only in the period around June 12, when the Orange Marches are held, can it sometimes be restless in the country. As a tourist it is best to avoid this period. Pickpockets and pickpockets are common in the larger cities and near the tourist areas. No vaccinations are required for a trip to Northern Ireland.

Travel documents

For a trip to Northern Ireland you must be in possession of a valid ID. This can be a passport but also an identity card. This applies to all travelers, including children under the age of twelve. If you want to stay in the country for more than three months, you will have to apply for a visa at the embassy of the United Kingdom. These are often issued without any problems for residents of the European Union.

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