Northern Ireland?

Question

Northern Ireland has a bad reputation and that annoys me alot, it is all blown out of proportion by the media focusing on past events. Have you ever been, what are your views?

could the people waffling about things they know nothing about finish please!

Answer 1

I am Northern Ireland born and bred this 31 years. Yes, we do have our problems, but where doesn't? There are still a lot of issues in relation to the nationalist/loyalist divide and unfortunately that is likely to continue for some time because of the bitterness that is bred into each generation by family and community in the more hard line areas. Yes there is also a lot of poverty and unemployment, suicide, drug problems, child abuse, etc, but is it really any worse than London, Glasgow, New York? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that the vast majority of us lot from norn iron (bit of local slang for you there) are decent hardworking and friendly and if you ever come here you will have a chance to find that out for yourself and to discover the beauty of our wee country.

Answer 2

the concerns (Irish: Na Trioblóidí) replaced right into a era of ethno-political conflict in Northern eire which spilled over at a number of situations into England, the Republic of eire and mainland Europe. The length of the concerns is conventionally dated from the late Nineteen Sixties and seen via many to have ended with the Belfast settlement of 1998. Violence however maintains on a sporadic foundation. The vital subjects at stake interior the concerns have been the constitutional status of Northern eire and the courting between the especially-Protestant Unionist and especially-Catholic Nationalist communities in Northern eire. the concerns had the two political and militia (or paramilitary) dimensions. Its individuals coated politicians and political activists on the two aspects, republican and loyalist paramilitaries, and the risk-free practices forces of the united kingdom and the Republic of eire.

Answer 3

No it's not out of proportion--- Northern Ireland has great difficulty with unemployment and poverty. The need for infrastructure ,social changes, and self rule. When faced with hardships that can not be easily fixed --we tend to look at what makes us different from the person next to use. The major part is a country that is divided by a police state. It is not a religious problem, Any time a country has been defeated there is going to be change. the problem dates back to a time when all aspects of your culture have been "outlawed" you can't speak your native language, can't meet in groups, and you can't own property. People from another country grab your land, enslaved you, and repress everything about you. The problem is that the conquering people are of the same color--only difference is religion. The oppressors are one religion, and the repressed are another. Yes, great changes have been made over the last few years---I enjoy it more every-time i go back (at least once a year). There is no good side--or bad side--these are just people caught up in a situation of unemployment and poverty that need rapid change--but, have been on a slow road for so long. It will be a grand day when there is an Irish police force enforcing Irish laws--and no need for British solders

The people are fantastic--but there is so much expectations a happier time to come and stress from the past. But, still the name calling, and rock throwing persist. As a YANK with a strong family past that goes back past the time of the trading with the Vikings--I would like to be accepted as a fellow countryman, but can't and will never be treated as one even by my own family---because i have not lived as one of them..

Answer 4

I am American. A good friend spent two weeks in Ireland last June. She loved the courtesy, warmth, and happy dispositions of the Irish. She was very prepared to hear "American War Monger" comments... but no was was ever rude, knowing full well she was American. They accepted her unconditionally into their country and homes with no reference to what our government is currently up to in Iraq. From there she went to France... and she heard nothing but disparaging remarks. After seeing her pictures of Ireland and seeing her with her new Irish buddies... I now want to go to Ireland, too. Can I stay with you??? ( just kidding!! :)

Answer 5

lived there for 5 years, married a beautiful belfast girl - the best place in the uk!!

Lived in Belast and The North west (portrush, coleraine) and encountered very few problems. Of course saw a bit of the troubles but nothing to put me off.

N.I. and it's people are fantastic

Answer 6

I have lived in Northern Ireland for 21 years, we came here for the education and my husband had family here...if you have never been you don,t know what your missing...the place is fantastic. The people are friendly on the whole.

DON'T KNOCK IT IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN HERE !!!!

Answer 7

I agree. It's not as bad as people say it is; however, there's still a large amount of distrust that has to be resolved. It's ironic, as a people we are hospitable, and belligerent. This makes any political solution, and/or lasting peace tricky. Siochan!

Answer 8

been on a few tours of Ireland and got to know both sides i believe if you had mixed schools(Catholic and prodestant) the problems would halved in a generation

Answer 9

My family is from a small town near Donegal, which is technically in the Republic of Ireland, but is near the northwestern coast. I have been to Belfast on several occasions in recent years and things have been ok. Its a little different, (they dont have any indoor public restrooms in any stores because of fears of bombings) but other than that, was still nice.
My great uncle owns a truck transport company (or a 'lorry') and was briefly held at gunpoint by IRA while traveling through northern Ireland, and told to walk away and not look back or risk being shot, while instead they blew up his lorry as a road block. Of course this was many years ago. I think they are more proactive now to prevent such incidents, but of course nowhere is ever completely safe nowadays.

Answer 10

I am living in Northern Ireland, exactly Belfast, now for alsmost 2 years.
It's as quiet as as London or Berlin in Germany and even quieter than Paris.
The people her are nice and friendly.
Since the IRA gave up their war the prices for a house is rising up to the moon, it's unbelievable. They are building everything new.

And a new reputation needs time but they are working on it.

OK, they are drinking too much and go shopping in training suits/sports wear. That's a bit annoying.