NORTHERN IRELAND

BELFAST

Popular Restaurant

Friendly low-keyed Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, appears to be a very orderly and clean town.  People are sweet and so helpful to us.  

North Ireland is in the Northeast Corner

Detailed Map of Northern Ireland

Spirited Irish Lads

Street Scene

Extraordinary National Museum

Belfast Town Hall by Night

Inside Town Hall

"The Troubles"

Religious and political differences in Northern Ireland

Religious differences Still Divide People

  Unfortunately, one becomes aware of another element present in much of the city -  evidence of the Troubles .   This  refers to the violence, disaster and killings with those in Northern Ireland who want to remain with the English government, (Protestants), and those who want a separate republic,  (Catholics).  
   People don't talk openly about these Troubles, but the evidence is clear in many neighborhoods and sections of Belfast.  Below are billboards in the Catholic neighborhood.
   The Troubles are still brewing today and can erupt again at any time.  Even today, December 29, 2013, negotiators are meeting in Belfast to settle differences that seem to be increasing.  Hopefully, both groups continue to work together to strengthen their beautiful country.
   

Ulster,  Ancient Name for Northern Ireland Region

Catholic Sector

Bobby Sands/Hunger Strike Victim

Neighboorhood Border

Neighborhoods Divided

  En route to the northwestern most point of northern Ireland one can see remains of Norman fortresses and castles along the craggy coastline.

Giant Causeway

Most interesting is the Giant Causeway, located in the far northern corner of Northern Ireland, with as many as 40,000 interlocking basalt columns and strange mysterious hexagon formations.  Local folks have attributed many magical elements to these strange formations, but it seems that about 60 million years ago the cooling and shrinking of lava forms created this mystery.

Similar to Yakima Basalt Hillsides