NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland is a country whose recent past is dark and complicated. From 1968-1998, The Troubles (or Northern Ireland Conflict) ravaged this country. To make a long story short, the conflict was between the Catholic Nationalists and the Protestant Unionists. Protestants wanted Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom while Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to join a united Ireland; nearly 4,000 people were killed. To this day, you can see the effects in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital; it is a fascinating country to visit!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Northern Ireland is the Pound Sterling (GBP) (£)
$1 USD = £0.75
Note: You may hear the following terms used when discussing money: quid (same as 1 pound), pence (100 pence make 1 pound), and fivers/tenners (5-pound or 10-pound notes).
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = £64-£75/Night ($90-$105 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = £26-£38/Day ($35-$50 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = £11-£18/Night ($14-$24 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = £11-£19/Day ($15-$25 USD/Day)
Communication:
English is the national language of Northern Ireland (and the UK in general).
Transportation:
Airplane: You can fly direct into Belfast from over 70 destinations, mostly through easyJet. You can generally find last-minute deals on Skyscanner, too.
Bus: Getting to Northern Ireland by bus is simple if you are coming from England, Ireland, or Scotland. Book your tickets through Bookaway, Bus Éireann, or National Express.
Train: Given the geography of Northern Ireland, international trains are not a popular mode of transportation. That said, there are routes running in and out of Belfast from Dublin via Irish Rail or Rail Europe.
Taxi/Uber: There are plenty of these all over Belfast.
Miscellaneous:
Although it is on the same island as Ireland, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (Ireland is not).
