Traveling in Northern Ireland
You may think you know Northern Ireland, but guess again. This once turbulent and dangerous country has calmed down and continues to pleasantly surprise visitors from all over the world.
Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. Northern Ireland joins England, Scotland and Wales in the UK. This is still a point of controversy within this region depending on whom you are talking to. Unionists, or those who prefer being a part of Great Britain, will proudly call themselves British and try very much to differentiate themselves from their Irish neighbors. Republicans, or those who would prefer to be a part of the Republic of Ireland, call themselves Irish. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the historic city of Londonderry. That is what Unionists call the city, as the "London" was added after Northern Ireland joined the UK. On the other hand, you'll hear Republicans refer to the city as its original Derry.
Dress in layers, as it's not uncommon to experience every season in an hour in Northern Ireland. This part of the British Isles arguably receives more rain than anywhere.
More difficult than the weather, however, are the accents of the locals. While it may not sound like it at times, they are speaking English. Simply ask them to slow down so you can better understand their very thick accents.
Regions
Among the Irish and Republicans, Northern Ireland is known as "The Six Counties," though it is not advised that you call them that. Nevertheless, the country is split into six different counties. County Antrim is the home of the capital city of Belfast and the stunning Giant's Causeway. County Armagh includes the Navan Fort, while Londonderry is in the aptly named County Derry. The coastal town of Bangor is located in County Down. Finally, County Fermanagh and County Tyrone are mostly rural with vast mountain ranges.
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