Northern IrelandCulture and Traditions

Northern Ireland is a place where people feel connected to but separate from both the rest of Ireland, and the UK. The Northern Irish are a proud people, aware of their political past with an eye on the future. While much of the culture revolves around its Roman Catholic and Protestant roots and lots of people still attend church weekly, those numbers are in decline. Northern Ireland flies the Union Jack officially, as it’s a part of the UK, but the unofficial flag remains the Ulster Banner. It features a white background, red cross, a white star representing the six counties of Northern Ireland, with a crown above and a red hand within. Its design is based on the traditional coat of arms of Ulster, a region of nine counties, six of which make up Northern Ireland, and the other three are on the other side of the border in the Republic of Ireland. The country has rich soil and produces quality farmland for fine agricultural output. Fully 75% of the land in the country is used for agriculture. Meat, dairy, and eggs constitute 80% of its output.  but since the industrial revolution there has been a steady movement to the cities for industrial work. Kingspan Stadium, in Belfast is the place to see Ulster Rugby play – one of four professional rugby teams in Ireland. The Down County Museum in Downpatrick was once a Georgian jail used as a final staging post for convicts bound for Australia. Here, take a journey through 9000 years of history through a permanent exhibition called “Down Through Time’.  Make sure to see some history through the gates of Enniskillen Castle in County Fermanagh. The castle was built in the 15th century and converted to a barracks to house the North Irish Horse mounted  troops until it was finally turned to the local community and made into a cultural and heritage centre. The castle was an important structure in Irish rebellion battles against the English and now houses historical items like uniforms, medals, flags, regimental regalia, weapons, and other military memorabilia. Portrush and Portstewart are small seaside resort towns in County Antrim. Sandy beaches and the Royal Portrush Golf Club, which once held the Open Championship are nearby features. Explore the peninsula of Portrush, the medieval and now ruined Dunluce Castle, and go for a stroll on the beach at Whiterocks. Some well known people from Northern Ireland include C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, golfer Rory McIlroy, musician Van Morrison, and the actor Liam Neeson.