Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the past, it also depended on England, but it was a completely different system. In Northern Ireland, the British organized the Pale colony.
In the fourteenth century, the Irish did not have any rights, they were forbidden to speak their native language and wear national clothes. For many centuries they fought with the British, defending their independence. All this is in the past. Now Northern Ireland has become an important part of British society.
By the way, these places are a good option for traveling. That's just the majority of our compatriots do not imagine what Northern Ireland is. The most popular associations are: beautiful nature, cold climate, pubs, alcohol, Irish tap dance, redheads, Gone with the Wind ...
If you are interested in this area, check out our article. Below is a list of interesting facts about Northern Ireland. This information will help you get a general idea of this part of the UK.
10. Consists of 6 counties
Northern Ireland has 6 counties of Ulster. This is a historic province of Ireland, which consists of 9 counties. 3 of them belong to the Republic of Ireland.
The area of Northern Ireland is 13 795 km².
Counties:
- Ferman (1691 km²),
- Tyrone (3263),
- Londonderry (2075),
- Antrim (3046),
- Down (2466),
- Armagh (1254).
The division into counties can be called very conditional, they lack administrative authorities. Northern Ireland is divided into 26 districts, each of which contains its own governing bodies.
9. The main religion is Christianity.
The main religion of Northern Ireland is Christianity, but the entire population is divided into Catholics and Protestants.. According to the latest census, their ratio looks like 44% to 53%.
Recently there has been a trend: the number of Catholics is increasing, Protestants are decreasing. Belonging to a particular direction of Christianity in many respects determines the life path of people. Based on religion, the Irish choose their place of residence, spouses, schools for children.
Only 3% of the population are atheists or hold a different faith.
8. The smallest and poorest region of Great Britain
Northern Ireland is the smallest area in the UK (13 843 km² out of 243 789 km²). It is also the poorest part of the Kingdom..
In the past, agriculture dominated the economy of Northern Ireland. Now little has changed, about 80% of all land used for growing crops and grazing. Processing of agricultural products is in progress.
Trading ports are industrial centers. The main industries for a long time were shipbuilding and textile industry. They are replaced by more modern ones (electronics). In Northern Ireland, many minerals have been discovered, but it is unprofitable to extract them.
7. Here is Loch Nei Lake
One of the largest freshwater lakes of Loch Ney is located in Northern Ireland, or rather most of it - 90%. Tourists come here to enjoy unique views of Irish nature.
There are many dark stories connected with Loch Nei Lake. Heretics were executed in this area in the Middle Ages. Rumor has it that now paranormal phenomena often occur here. Lovers of all the unusual visit Loch Ney to fix the anomalies. Locals do not believe in these tales, they are trying with all their might to maintain the "positive reputation" of the lake.
6. For each resident there are two dogs
In Northern Ireland there are a lot of dogs (according to some estimates, about 3 million). For comparison: the population is 1.882 million. Simple mathematical calculations will help to reveal that there are almost 2 dogs per Irishman.
By the way, this animal is one of the most beloved in the UK. Here are literally dog-crazy. Their content is regulated by law, the owners must provide the pet with all the necessary conditions. Even stray dogs in Northern Ireland are not left to their own devices, locals also help them.
5. Deaf people use two completely different sign languages
There are two sign languages in Northern Ireland. The law was adopted in 2004, but prerequisites arose even at the time of the Belfast Agreement. Each deaf-mute can make a choice with the help of which language he speaks: British or Irish. At the time of the adoption of the law, 3,500 people were identified using the British sign language, 1,500 were Irish.
4. Samhain - a holiday reminiscent of Halloween
Here every year they celebrate a holiday that is very similar to Halloween. It is called Samhain, it symbolizes the end of the harvest season.. In the past they attached great importance to him. He was considered "holiday of the dead».
It was believed that people who violated gays (taboos) could not survive this night. The results were also summed up in Samhain: they shared the harvest, decided which cattle could not survive the winter.
Interesting fact: in large cities of Russia, too, say Sayman. This happens during the festivals of "Celtic" culture.
3. The Titanic was built here
The famous "Titanic" was built in the capital of Northern Ireland - Belfast. The customer is a large British shipping company “White Star Line”. The ship was built in record time. The Harland and Wolff shipyard took only three years.
In 1912, the Titanic set off on its first (and last) flight. During the construction, new technologies were used. Neither the double bottom nor the sealed doors helped - the disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people.
2. The Game of Thrones was filmed here
The team of the series "Game of Thrones" traveled around the world. Most of the episodes were filmed in Spain, Morocco. In Northern Ireland, Stark Winterfell Castle, Black Castle and Storm Lands were filmed. Now every fan of the series can come here and see everything with his own eyes.
In 2020, it is planned to launch a tour of the “memorable places”. The organizers warm up the interest of the Game of Thrones fans and promise that they will be able not only to consider the scenery and costumes of the main characters, but also to feel that atmosphere and even relive some key moments in the form of quests. Thanks to the series, Northern Ireland has become one of the leading areas of international cinema tourism.
1. The most famous delicacy - Ulster Fry
The cuisine of Northern Ireland is quite specific. It is rooted in the diet of previous worships of farming families. Then there was not such a wide variety of products. The Irish eat mostly pork, fish, vegetable food - in general, what you can grow (or catch) yourself.
Ulster Frey remains the most famous delicacy of Northern Ireland for many centuries.. This dish is a mixture of sausages, bacon, fried tomatoes, eggs, bread, baked beans. Very high in calories, but the Irish are not afraid to get fat. They can eat Ulster Fry for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This dish they never bother.