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Province Ulster
The province of Ulster in the north is often wrongfully mixed up with Northern Ireland. Several Loyalist organisations in Northern Ireland preserve this confusion by using names, like Ulster Volunteer Force, and by frequently using the Red Hand of O'Neill of Tyrone, also known as Red Hand of Ulster, on banners.
For centuries this part of Ireland was not only exposed to foreign cultures, such as the Celts from mainland Europe, the Vikings from Denmark and Norway and Scottish settlers, but also to the elements of nature.
The cultural mixture has caused a lot suffering and misery on both sites, while nature has managed to create a unique landscape with rugged coastlines and fierce hills.
Daily life in the eastern part of Ulster, the counties Antrim, Down and Armagh, is focussed on Belfast. This means that by daylight the country side is for us, the visitors, and we can enjoy every minute of it. You can dream away on the cliffs near the Giants Causeway, or try to solve the riddle of the defence structures of Emain Macha, better known as Navan Fort, or try to get a grip on the Plantation of Ulster at Dundrum Castle.
The city of Derry is worthwhile a visit if you want to get informed about the history of Northern Ireland. The city walls of the Maiden City withstood the army of the Catholic King James II during the Siege of Derry and by that Protestant rule was secured for centuries. More recently, in the 1960's, the residents of Catholic quarters such as Bogside and Creggan strived for basis civil rights. This protest snowballed and turned into The Troubles, an era of violence, distrust and bitter hate.
County Fermanagh, and especially Lough Erne, is the destination for the water-minded traveller.
More scenic views and desolated landscapes are available in County Donegal, perhaps the best kept secret of Ireland!