Northern Ireland is a constituent country that people from all around the world visit. The nation has many attractive locations that have been used for many TV series and movies too. Here are some of the exciting and fun facts about Northern Ireland that make it an interesting destination.
Historical Facts About Northern Ireland
Here are some interesting facts about Northern Ireland’s history
The Titanic Was Made In Belfast
Known as the famous ship that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, this passenger liner was made in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. The sinking of the Titanic was one of the deadliest disasters ever.
Over 1,500 people lost their lives in the incident, including some of the wealthiest people in Ireland who were also onboard RMS Titanic.
Peace Walls Separate Those Who Don’t Get Along
It is no secret that many Peace Walls are found across Northern Ireland. These walls were built to separate Catholic and Protestant community members who didn’t get along with one another because of their religious differences.
The Murals on the Peace Walls are also famous for their excellent artwork. These structures were set up after 1998 when the Good Friday Agreement was signed.
Londonderry Has Centuries-Old Walls
Londonderry is one of the famous cities of Northern Ireland because of the Derry Walls. These are situated in the region’s center attract plenty of tourists each year. The most notable thing about Derry Walls is that they are over 400 years old.
The stone walls were built in the 17th century. Since then, the city has expanded beyond the Derry Walls. This is why the stone structures are in the city center instead of enclosing the town.
Never Recovered From The Great Famine
This occurred between 1851 to 1852 in Ireland. Because of the disaster, the region’s population dwindled to less than 8 million. The worst part is that Northern Ireland still has not recovered from the population decrease after the famine.
This constituent country has a population of about 2 million people currently, making up 27% of the total population of Ireland.
Cultural Facts About Northern Ireland
Here are some interesting facts about Northern Ireland and its culture:
Halloween Originated In Northern Ireland
Trick or treat is a common practice for kids and adults during Halloween. Dressing up in costumes and scaring each other is all part of the fun. Interestingly, this holiday originated in Northern Ireland.
This festival was called “Samhain” in Ireland during the old era and was mainly celebrated by the pagans initially. Some people still follow the ancient traditions that date back centuries ago.
Schools Are Separated Per Religion
Northern Ireland is home to diverse religions, and the differences within the population have affected the country’s culture significantly. Most schools in Northern Ireland are divided according to their beliefs.
Protestant schools are mainly for those belonging to Protestant families. Meanwhile, Catholic kids go to Catholic institutes. Those who don’t belong to either community especially get admission into secular schools.
Ulster Fry Is The Primary Breakfast Dish
Another Northern Ireland fact to note is that Ulster Fry is the ultimate breakfast dish for locals and tourists. This item includes various healthy ingredients such as eggs, sausages, bacon, and potato farl.
Restaurants in the region also offer this dish on their daily menu. You can go to Maggie May’s or Harlem to try the best Ulster Fry in Northern Ireland.
Simple Facts About Northern Ireland For Kids
Here are some fun Northern Ireland facts that are interesting for kids to learn about.
Northern Ireland Has Six Cities
One thing to know about the geography of Northern Ireland is that it is home to only six cities. Belfast is the capital city of this nation in the United Kingdom (UK). Derry or Londonderry is another famous location that is a must-see site for travelers.
Bangor, Lisburn, Armagh, and Newry are other main attractions of Northern Ireland. You can enjoy excellent pubs, malls, museums, and other sites in these cities.
It Is The Home Of C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis is a renowned writer who created The Chronicles of Narnia book series. This novel collection has also been adapted into a movie franchise. One of the interesting facts about Northern Ireland is that it is the home of this renowned author.
Various locations in Northern Ireland have also inspired the setting of different places in the books by Lewis.
The Country Has Micro-Climates
Kids find Northern Ireland interesting because of the micro-climates that exist in this nation. Two places in this country can be expected to have different weather.
The landscape of Northern Ireland is such that while one town on higher grounds has sunny weather, another nearby village at lower altitudes might be experiencing rain. This difference is mainly due to micro-climates.
Fun Northern Ireland Facts For Travelers
Look out for these Northern Ireland facts perfect for your visit:
Giant’s Causeway Is A UNESCO Site And National Reserve
Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland that many people visit every year. The area contains about 40,000 basalt columns that are interlocking.
It offers a majestic view and background for pictures to tourists. The site has also been given the status of a National Nature Reserve after 1987.
The Largest Lake In Ireland
Several famous lakes are present in Northern Ireland, but Lough Neagh has more significance than other sites since it is the largest lake in Ireland and the UK.
The lake has a total area of 151 square miles. It also ranks 33rd on the list of the largest European lakes.
World’s Best Golf Course
Golfing is a great sport to clear your mind and enjoy quality time with friends. For golf enthusiasts, one of the most exciting facts about Northern Ireland is that it has the world’s best golf course.
The Golf Digest ranked the Royal County Down Championship course as the top golf course for many years. In addition, the Annesley course at the golf club is also challenging and underrated.
A Movie Inspiration
The Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland offer travelers an excellent view while also providing great hiking trails.
The best part is that the mountains also inspired the setting of The Chronicles of Narnia. C.S. Lewis revealed this fact to the audience during his Belfast tour.
Common Facts About Northern Ireland
Interested to know more information on Northern Ireland?
Game Of Thrones Shooting Location
If you have watched Game of Thrones, you may have noticed that many series episodes were shot here. Castle Ward is the site where Winterfell scenes were filmed during the show.
Meanwhile, Murlough Bay is the site for Slaver’s Bay in the series. Of course, the sites may differ from the setting in the series.
The Tallest Building
Obel Tower is one of the many great attractions in Northern Ireland because of its significant height. Standing at 85m, this place is also the tallest building in the constituent country and is located in the capital city of Belfast.
Speaks English
As part of the UK, most people speak English in Northern Ireland. Two other regional dialects, Irish Gaelic and Ulster Scots, are also spoken in this region
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Other Interesting Facts About Northern Ireland
Here are some fascinating facts about Northern Ireland that will interest you:
Snakes Are Uncommon
You may see several animals around Northern Ireland, but probably not snakes. Snakes are not commonly found in this country unless someone keeps one as a pet.
This is perhaps one of the comforting facts about Northern Ireland – no need to worry about getting bitten by such creatures in the wild here!
The Least Forest Area In The World
The forest area of this constituent country is significantly fewer than that of other countries. This is mainly because of deforestation and other logging activities. The nation only has a tree cover of 14%.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a lot to offer with its unique history and culture. From the best golf courses to stunning natural beauty, there’s an abundance of interesting facts about Northern Ireland that make it an ideal destination for those looking for something different.
Not only does it have some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, but also interesting wildlife that can be explored by visitors. Whether you are interested in learning more about Giant’s Causeway or want to take a hike up Mourne Mountains, be sure to explore this incredible country and discover all the amazing things it has to offer!