Belfast's Waterfront Hall (left) - a stylish symbol of the "new" Northern Ireland.
Is it safe to visit Northern Ireland?
That's a question I hear over and over from Ireland-bound travelers both on my "Ask Pat" Q & A Forum and in ordinary conversations.
The answer, from my own experience, is a resounding Yes! I have visited dozens of times myself (since 1966). I walk the streets, visit the attractions, dine in the cafes, and ride the public transport, and enjoy every minute of my time in these six special counties — Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone.
More importantly, over 100,000 people a year from North America visit Northern Ireland, not to mention over 800,000 from Britain, and 400,000 from the Irish Republic. Every day hundreds of Dubliners hop on board a high-speed train to Belfast (a journey of just over two hours) for shopping or a day's outing.
Thanks to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, things are progressing. Of course, it is not perfect yet. There is still political work to be done, but the people of Northern Ireland have tasted peace and they are working very hard to keep it.
Tourism is helping. Excellent hotels are springing up, new attractions are being developed, the roads are wide and well-maintained, border check-points have eased, and everywhere people are getting out and enjoying all that this six county-area has to offer — scenically, socially, musically, and historically.
"Immovable mountains are moving," according to one tourism official. And that's a very good sign.
Yes, do visit Northern Ireland. No trip to the island of Ireland is really complete without seeing this beautiful northeast corner — from the Mountains of Mourne and the Glens of Antrim, to the shores of Lough Erne and the Giant's Causeway Coast. Some of Ireland's greatest natural wonders are waiting for you in the North.
Just click on the information you need:
The North's Newest Places to Stay
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North's A-1 Attractions
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North's Great Food & Drink
The North's
Special Places to Shop
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North's Cyber Cafés
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North's Sightseeing Tours
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