Welcome to Northern Ireland 😊
Hey there, have you ever thought about visiting Northern Ireland? It's a beautiful place with so much to see and do! Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, but it has its own distinct culture and identity that makes it a unique destination.
One of the things that Northern Ireland is most well-known for is its stunning countryside. There are vast landscapes of rolling green hills and picturesque coastlines that will take your breath away. You can take a hike through the famous Mourne Mountains or explore the rocky beaches on the Causeway Coast.
But there's more to Northern Ireland than just its natural beauty. The country has a rich history and culture that can be seen in its many museums and historical sites. You can visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast, walk through the medieval walls of Derry, or explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle.
When it comes to food and drink, Northern Ireland has plenty to offer as well. You can sample some of the world-famous whiskey that is produced here, or try some of the delicious seafood that is caught fresh from the Irish Sea. And of course, there's nothing quite like a pint of Guinness at a traditional Irish pub.
Overall, Northern Ireland is a fantastic destination that is well worth a visit. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just having a good time, there's something for everyone here. So why not come and check it out for yourself?
Quick Facts About Northern Ireland
- Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
- Population: 1.9 million
- Languages: There is no official national language of Northern Ireland.
- Capital: Belfast
Money and Finances
The currency used in Northern Ireland is the Pound sterling (GBP), which is divided into 100 pence. Coins come in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2, and notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available throughout Northern Ireland, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally accepted in Northern Ireland, although some smaller businesses may prefer cash payments. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while AMEX may not be as widely accepted.
Internet and Phones
In Northern Ireland, the average internet speed for downloads is 65 Mbps and for uploads is 18 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in Northern Ireland are EE, Vodafone and Three. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around £30 per month. There are no sim compatibility issues within the country.
Dialling to Northern Ireland
To call Northern Ireland from another country, dial +44 followed by the local area code. The area codes used when dialling within Northern Ireland are 028 for landlines and 07 for mobile phones.
Transport Around Northern Ireland
Air Travel
Northern Ireland has two major airports: Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport. Both airports offer domestic and international flights to destinations around Europe and other parts of the world.
Train Travel
Northern Ireland has a limited inter-city train network, with the main route running from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry. Ticket prices start from around £10 and journey times vary depending on the destination, but usually take around 2-3 hours.
Metro / Local Trains
Belfast has a local train system, known as the Belfast Glider. This system operates across the city and its suburbs, with frequent services and affordable ticket prices.
Buses
There are various bus companies operating in Northern Ireland, with Ulsterbus being the main provider. Single tickets start from around £2 and journey times vary depending on the destination.
Rideshare
Uber operates in Belfast, with average prices starting from around £5 for short journeys within the city centre.
Driving by Car
Driving in Northern Ireland is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. The speed limit on most roads is 60mph, but may vary in certain areas. Northern Ireland uses left-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Northern Ireland, tipping is common and expected in restaurants and for taxi drivers, and the usual amount is 10-15% of the total bill. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake or a nod, but some may still opt for a traditional Irish greeting with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. It is polite to address someone by their title and last name, unless given permission to use their first name. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be polite and courteous, and men and women address each other in a formal manner unless they are close friends or family.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Northern Ireland has a public healthcare system called the National Health Service (NHS) which provides free medical treatment to residents, including hospital care, doctor appointments, and other services. However, visitors and tourists are advised to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses. A visit to the doctor can cost around £20-30.
COVID Situation
Northern Ireland has seen a significant number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, but the numbers have been decreasing since the vaccination campaign began. The government is taking measures to control the spread of the virus, such as face mask mandates and restrictions on social gatherings. Visitors and residents are advised to follow the guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission.
Common Health Risks
Common health risks in Northern Ireland include food poisoning, Lyme disease from tick bites, and seasonal allergies. However, the overall risk of infectious diseases is low compared to other countries. Visitors and tourists are advised to take precautions such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding drinking tap water.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Northern Ireland, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol can be purchased in licensed premises (such as bars and restaurants) and in off-licenses. However, there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol in some areas and at certain times. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to someone who is under 18 or who is already intoxicated. The laws on alcohol consumption are enforced strictly and penalties can include fines and even imprisonment. There are no areas where alcohol is completely banned in Northern Ireland.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use, including soft drugs like cannabis, is illegal in Northern Ireland. Possession and supply of these drugs can result in fines and imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no specific laws in Northern Ireland relating to pre-marital relationships. However, the law does prohibit any sexual activity with a person who is under 16 years of age. This is considered statutory rape.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Northern Ireland in 1982. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2020, although this has been subject to controversy and ongoing legal challenges.
Firearms / Guns
The possession and use of firearms in Northern Ireland is tightly regulated. Most firearms can only be owned by those with a legitimate reason, such as farmers or recreational hunters, and a firearm certificate is required. Gun crime is relatively low compared to other countries.
Regions in Northern Ireland
There are many wonderful regions to visit in Northern Ireland, browse through each to see what to visit.
1 Popular Travel Destination in Northern Ireland
