Wyn

I'll be in England in November and would like to take a sidetrip. I've been to Ireland several times and love it. Is Northern Ireland worth visiting? I would have a few days. Also, would I have any trouble arriving from England, even though I'm American?

bill

Northern Ireland is beautiful. The Antrim Coast is spectacular. Of course at that time of year, the weather in that part of the world is spectacular. You will find the people very welcoming. Generally, it won't feel much different than the Republic of Ireland. Just different currency.<BR><BR>NI is part of the UK. I can't imagine what would create trouble traveling there as an American from another city in the UK, or from anywhere else in the world for that matter.<BR><BR>Bill

sylvia

My daughter-in-law comes from Dundrum in County Down. It's a lovely little town and the Mountains of Mourne literally sweep down to the sea there.<BR>I have no idea why an American would have problems coming from England unless they decided to wear an Orange or "Up the IRA t-shirt" ;-)<BR>Seriously, though, I first visited in August and every lamp-post had a union flag on it. There will still be a few flying in November. That is one thing that's different from the Republic.<BR>If you are a bird watcher, Dundrum Bay is host to migrating water birds in the winter. In November they should all be starting to arive.

Kim

We were in Ireland for 2 weeks last June. The first 4 days of our trip we spent in Northern Ireland. Took the train from Dublin to Belfast, stayed there about 1.5 days, then drove up to Co. Antrim and stayed in Bushmill at a fabulous b&b, Craig Park Inn. We took the Black Taxi tour in Belfast, it was fascinating! The time we spent in the countryside was some of the most enjoyable of the trip. Lots to see/do. Don't miss it! We wish we'd had more time.

Ann

I'm an American, and I've lived in NI and now visit there at least twice a year, as my husband's from there originally. You'll have no trouble entering NI from England, as Bill says, since it's all part of the UK.<BR><BR>It's a wonderful part of the world, and much less touristy than the Republic of Ireland. Spend some time in Belfast (eat at Nick's Warehouse for lunch, Deane's for dinner, have a drink at the Crown and listen to live music at the Rotterdam), take the Antrim Coast road drive up to the Giant's Causeway (Carrick-a-Rede bridge won't be up at that time of year) and Bushmill's Distillery, stop at Dunluce Castle (spooky). Go to Newcastle (eat at Rooney's) and hike in the Mountains of Mourne (check the weather before going up, and make sure you have plenty of daylight), spend a little time at Tyrella Beach, go to the Silent Valley in the Mournes, go to Glenarriff Forest Park, see the castle in Killyleagh where along one wall are the "alphabet trees". There are 26 of these trees, and underneath each is buried the skull of a nun. Have lunch at the Dufferin Arms, a pub across the street from the castle. You can visit St. Patrick's grave in Downpatrick. There's also a visitor's center in the town. Eat at Justine's.<BR><BR>I could go on, but I'm tired. Do a search, as we NI fans have posted a lot of good info in the past.

Ann

Meant to mention, you won't even have to show your passport in Belfast, since your flight would be arriving from within the UK.

ttt

Topping

Danna

We enjoyed our visit to the Glens, stayed at "The Meadows", 79 Coast Road, Cushendall, NI. Anney is finest host it's close to the Glenariff Forest Park, be sure to take the Waterfall Walk.... We went around the coast, met nice folks in Ballycastle... saw the Giant's Causeway, but none of these matched Glenariff and Anne Carey's hospitality! Have a grand time!

anon

Northern Ireland is has got the Lowest crime rate in the UK & also don't let what you see on TV stop you from coming to Northern Ireland (i'm from Northern Ireland i live here i should know ) NI is Beautiful come and see the Real NI !!!

D. Dillon

Dear Wyn,<BR><BR>Don't let "The Troubles" deter you from visiting what is an attractive and historically rewarding part of the island of Ireland.<BR><BR>The Antrim coast is striking and is well worth staying at least a couple overnights. Do see the remarkable Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, as you drive from Belfast to Derry.<BR><BR>The Ards Peninsula is very pretty. Check out Strangford Lough, and consider staying at a wonderful inn called The Narrows. It's in Portaferry and it features first-rate seafood.<BR><BR>County Fermanagh is arguably the most underrated part of all Ireland. Lough Erne is wonderful, serene; it features many historical, pre-Christian sites. Visit Devenish Island, White Island; see the marvelous Janus figure. Visit the Marble Arch Caves, and don't miss some of the nearby "big houses" (Castle Coole and Florence Court). I spent three days in Fermanagh a few years back, and I only regret it wasn't twice as long. But get a good guide on the North and learn more about this truly special county.<BR><BR>Note: In addition, it's only a short drive into the Republic and Yeats' country (Co. Sligo).<BR><BR>Should you be near Belfast, see the first-rate Ulster Transport Museum and Folk Park. It's considered one of the best of its kind in all Europe, and you'll be hard-pressed to see it all in a full day.<BR><BR>Best of luck.<BR><BR>

D. Dillon

Wyn,<BR><BR>As a follow-up to my preceding note, Northern Ireland, of course, isn't all peaches and cream.<BR><BR>Compared with the Republic, the North has a certain reserved sensibility about it. Worse, in certain areas - especially where you see much evidence of a community's allegiance, be it unionist or nationalist - there's a tension that's almost palpable. In your face sectarianism is a real drawback to visiting the North.<BR><BR>British military presence, while downscaled compared with past years, remains an eyesore, as is the off-putting, "Fort Apache, the Bronx"-looking police barracks.<BR><BR>In short, much of the North has a rather up-tight qulaity about it that is at odds with the Republic. Still, this should be considered alongside my previous posting.

Danna

Wyn... I have to second Dillon's insights regarding the tensions. We were in places where signs of the "community allegience" (very appropriate term) were present and it was quite clear that the troubles were still there. I've been interested in checking out the NI news after we visited. I didn't feel afraid as a tourist, went everywhere and had a grand time. But there were towns where I know we were watched, and noted, luckily as tourists. No, it's not peaches and cream, but it remains a lovely place.