Northern Ireland

Since the Good Friday peace agreement in 1998, things have been looking up for Northern Ireland. Established in 1920 as part of the Government of Ireland Act in which the Republic of Ireland won its independence, this small British enclave has always been a source of bitter and violent dispute between those who wish to see the whole of Ireland united and those who wish to retain the union with the United Kingdom. However, although mistrust between the two communities lingers on and the path towards resolution is long and slow, the ceasefire has brought relative peace and stability. There’s an air of optimism among the people now and the country is quickly and confidently returning to normal, with reinvestment in industry, the regeneration of cities and a resurgence in tourism.

Northern Ireland is remarkably beautiful, particularly the Northern coastline, along which the elements and geological phenomena have combined to create weird and wonderful landscapes such as the Giant’s Causeway. Rugged cliffs and rocks give way to soft, golden, sandy beaches and the equally spectacular inland scenery consists of luscious green fields and tranquil forests.

And the cities have just as much to offer to tourists. The capital, Belfast, is an attractive city where the traditional meets the contemporary to create a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere.