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Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

Do you know the names of any places in Northern Ireland? What impression do you get of the country when you look at the pictures below?

Belfast City Hall — Image: beowulf / CC BY-SA 4.0

Londonderry

The second largest city in Northern Ireland, often called just Derry, lies close to the border with the Republic of Ireland. In January 1972, 13 people were shot dead during a civil rights march. The day is known as “Bloody Sunday”.

Belfast

This city of almost 300,000 people is the capital of Northern Ireland. Linen, shipbuilding, tobacco and rope-making were some of the main industries. The Titanic was built here in 1912. However, heavy industry has declined here in the last 50 years. Today, it is a centre for industry, business and culture. During the period of the Troubles the city suffered greatly from fighting between the Catholic and Protestant groups.

Bangor

Bangor is situated on the south side of Belfast Lough and is a popular seaside resort. It acts as a commuter town for Belfast.

County Antrim

This north-eastern county is one of the six counties which constitute N. Ireland. Most of the city of Belfast lies in this county. On the coast is The Giant’s Causeway, a geological formation, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in N. Ireland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. It is approximately 20 miles long and 9 miles wide and 151 sq. miles in area.

Discussion

Based on the information in the text, where would you go if you were interested in (There can be more than one answer.):
a. unusual rocks
b. the conflict in Northern Ireland
c. freshwater fishing
d. a refreshing break with some sea-bathing
e. the Northern Irish government

(Choose from: Londonderry, Belfast, Bangor, County Antrim and/or Lough Neagh)

Choose the two places that you think would be the most interesting to visit. In pairs or small groups talk about the places you have chosen and why you chose them.