|
Northern Ireland is part of
the United Kingdom in the northeast of the island of
Éire. It is known for its
glacial valleys and mountains, Norman castles,
Celtic and Christian monuments and its troubled
history. Its capital city, Belfast, and its scenic
coastline have been recently
redeveloped and rediscovered as tourist
destinations.
|
|
|
Belfast City Hall dominates the city
centre with its copper dome, public gardens, and numerous
memorial statues.
|
25 stained glass windows in the
City Hall chronicle Northern Ireland's history from
Celtic myths to industrial and ship-building power to
contributions of Irish forces in various wars.
|
St. Anne's, a protestant cathedral of the
Church of Ireland, anchors the cathedral quarter, an area of
art galleries, theatres, festivals, music venues and trendy
restaurants and nightclubs.
|
Belfast's Grand Opera
House, opened in 1895, is considered one of the best
surviving examples in the U.K. of the oriental theatre
style. Our lovely hotel was right next door.
|
|
Irish pubs (public houses) have been
gathering places for centuries, where the community gathers to
enjoy a drink, share some music and have good "craic."
|
The Titanic Quarter is
a large-scale redevelopment project comprised of historical
maritime landmarks, film studios, an entertainment district
and the world's largest Titanic-themed museum.
|
|
There are approximately 2000 murals in Northern Ireland
depicting some aspect of history, politics or unionism. |
The Beacon of Hope statue in
Thanksgiving Square is a symbol of transformation and
regeneration.
|
There are over 100 pieces of new
contemporary street art within a short walking distance in
central Belfast.
|
|
The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World
Heritage site, an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt
columns formed by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.
|
The dramatic Antrim Coast
and Glens, site of the ruins of Dunluce castle and the old
Bushmills Distillery, has been designated as an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.
|
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755 in Antrim County
links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede.
|
At Downpatrick Cathedral lies the
grave of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The
surrounding Down County has a number of early Christian
artifacts.
|
The Guildhall in Londonderry/Derry
is an important landmark. It displays artifacts related to
Derry's history as a military and industrial power and as
the flashpoint for the sectarian violence that erupted after
the partition of Ireland.
|
The quaint streets in
Derry's old town are rich for crafters, artists,
musicians and foodies, and host one of the biggest Hallowe'en celebrations in Europe.
|
Derry is the only
remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland. The
walls feature gates,watchtowers, bastions and cannons, and
provide a promenade for viewing the city.
|
Throughout the region we observed
uniformed students in gender-segregated private and
parochial schools.
|
|
While peaceful today, just over 40 years ago, Northern
Ireland was a region in Civil War. Many new structures such
as this Peace Bridge attest to the end of "The Troubles." |
The striking Hands Across the Divide
monument in Ulster symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation
and hope for the future. It was unveiled in 1992, 20 years
after Bloody Sunday. |
