Vacation Destinations in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland only became part of the United Kingdom on 3 May 1921 (previously it had been part of the UK under the earlier (1800) Act of Union with Ireland). For a great many years there was conflict between the Nationalists (who wanted Northern Ireland returned to Ireland) and the Unionists (who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom) which resulted in sectarian violence. Much headway has been made, in the peace process, between the various groups and the signing of the 1998 "Good Friday Agreement" saw a marked decrease in violence.

Today the area has seen a dramatic increase in tourism. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland is the Giant's Causeway (pictured left). Owned by the National Trust, the area, in County Antrim, consists of over forty thousand basalt columns tightly interlocked together. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the Giant's Causeway was part of the same lava flow which formed Fingal's Cave on the island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

The largest cities in Northern Ireland are; Armagh, Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Newry which prove very popular with tourists but the area also has a great many towns and villages which are well worth a visit.

 

 

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