Introduction
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. It is located in the north-east of the island of Ireland. The capital city is Belfast.
Geography
- Northern Ireland shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west
- The Giant's Causeway is a famous natural landmark with hexagonal basalt columns
- Lough Neagh is the largest lake in the UK and Ireland
- The Mourne Mountains are a beautiful mountain range in County Down
- The River Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland
- County Antrim has some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world
Major Cities
- Belfast - the capital and largest city, known for the Titanic Quarter (where the Titanic was built)
- Derry/Londonderry - the second-largest city, with historic walls
- Lisburn and Newry - other important towns
History
- Northern Ireland was created in 1921 when the rest of Ireland became independent (the Irish Free State was established in 1922)
- Six counties in the north-east remained part of the UK
- From the late 1960s to 1998, Northern Ireland experienced conflict known as The Troubles
- The Good Friday Agreement (Belfast Agreement) in 1998 brought peace
- The agreement established the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont
- The Titanic was built in Belfast's shipyards and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912
Government
Northern Ireland has its own assembly, the Northern Ireland Assembly, at Stormont in Belfast. It was established in 1999 as part of devolution.
The Assembly makes decisions on:
- Health
- Education
- Agriculture
- The environment
- Economic development
The Northern Ireland Executive is the government, with a First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Culture and Symbols
- The national flower of Northern Ireland is the shamrock
- The patron saint is St Patrick, celebrated on 17 March
- The flag most associated with Northern Ireland is the Ulster Banner
- St Patrick's Day is a public holiday and celebrated with parades
- Ulster Scots and Irish Gaelic are recognised languages
- Traditional Irish music and dance are popular
Famous People from Northern Ireland
- C.S. Lewis - author of The Chronicles of Narnia
- Seamus Heaney - Nobel Prize-winning poet
- Van Morrison - famous singer-songwriter
- George Best - famous footballer
- Liam Neeson - famous actor
- Rory McIlroy - professional golfer
Key Facts for the Test
- The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Northern Ireland is famous for the Glenarm and Antrim Coast
- Belfast's Titanic Belfast is a world-famous visitor attraction
- The Peace Wall in Belfast is a symbol of the peace process
- Northern Ireland has its own education and health system
- The Act of Union 1800 first created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- The Royal Portrush Golf Club has hosted The Open Championship
Northern Ireland's unique history and culture make it an important part of the United Kingdom. Understanding the peace process and devolution is particularly important for the Life in the UK Test.