The Northern Ireland experience
Overview
Northern Ireland is one of four constituent parts of the United Kingdom and is physically separated from England, Wales and Scotland by the Irish Sea. It is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another European country - the Republic of Ireland. The capital city is Belfast.
You can travel here by air, sea or land. Our three airports - Belfast International, George Best Belfast City and City of Derry Airport serve a full range of European destinations. It is only a one hour flight from most British airports. There are several ferry routes from Scotland and the north of England. Our good roads and rail networks provide easy links to the Republic of Ireland.
Government and infrastructure
Northern Ireland has a devolved Assembly with legislative powers and is part of the greater government of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland has a modern infrastructure which is distinctly British but its culture is also rich in Celtic tradition. As a region it has a colourful - and often turbulent - history.
The currency is the pound sterling (£), the language is English although Irish and Ulster Scots are also living languages within the region's culture.
Landscape, culture
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Human inhabitation can be traced back to the first people who settled here 9000 years ago, and our heritage has been dramatically shaped by heroic events through the centuries. Our landmarks include castles, ancient monuments and important spiritual sites. Our scenery is often breathtaking - the Giants Causeway (a World Heritage site. see left), mountains and glens, rugged coasts, wide, clean beaches, moors, loughs and forests as well as our towns, cities and villages. Our landscapes are full of signs of the past, from stone age tombs and monuments through our castles and forts to colourful reminders of our rich and varied heritages.
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