Northern Ireland – Inspiring, Vibrant and Fascinating

Traveling to Northern Ireland? Be prepared for a vibrant culture, fascinating people, a rich history, and a wealth of attractions.

What tourists will enjoy most is being treated as welcome family members instead of mere guests. Irish hospitality is as legendary, as their love of fun and music.

Travelers find that the country of Ireland is unique and has a culture all its own; yet, at the same time, it will be as familiar as home in so many ways.

Millions of Americans claim some Irish ancestry, which certainly deepens the ties for many to the beloved and legendary, Old Country. Even with no known Irish ancestry, visitors are enchanted and amazed by all that this one small isle has to offer.

Giants Causeway

The famed Land of the Little People boasts breathtaking scenery, and this is what greets you when you visit one of the most famous tourist spots in Northern Ireland, the beautiful waterfalls found in the Glens of Antrim.

The magnificence of this natural attraction makes this a must see for any visitor. This setting is surely one of the reasons for the nickname, “the Emerald Isle”.

Ireland is a country that is rich with myth and legends, and one of these is the tale of the giant, Finn McCool, and how he built the Giants Causeway. Visitors can enjoy a guided, narrated tour of this spectacular sight, which is located along the coast.

This causeway is definitely one of the most unusual and awe inspiring natural formations that can be found in the world. While formed by volcanic activity, it does indeed appear to have been fashioned from building blocks by someone with hands of immense proportion.

Murals of Belfast

The Murals of Belfast are also very interesting and you will learn a bit of the history concerning early Irish religious and political beliefs as you view these paintings in Northern Ireland. These outdoor murals are rendered in beautiful colors and they often depict specific people or events.

There are also many other types of murals that you will see; these include the Irish Potato Famine, US commentaries and depictions of myths and legends.

Today there is a push to incorporate other murals into this mix and gently reduce the harder edged political and military scenes. When you tour the murals in the town, be sure to pay Maggie May's a visit when it's time for lunch or dinner.

Saint Patrick’s Day is a great time of the year to plan your visit and the town of Belfast holds one of the largest celebrations in the world during this time. With music in the pubs and the streets, dancing and parades, you will not want to miss your chance to become Irish, if only for a few days.

For years, due to political upheaval and unrest Belfast was not considered the safest place for revelry such as this, but now this town is enjoying a sterling reputation and this celebration may well become the largest Saint Paddy’s celebration throughout both Ireland and the world.

Another wonderful tourist stop during this time of year in Northern Ireland is a visit to see the final resting place of the beloved Saint which is in the town of Down Patrick.

Belfast also hosts the Orange Fest on July 12th, and this is the very largest of all the city’s events. The Orange Men make their march down these Northern Ireland streets, and into the city. The fierce piping and drumming of the bands will let you know immediately why they are called blood and thunder.

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