Northern Ireland occupies the northeastern corner of the island of Ireland and is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. It covers about 14,000 square kilometres, has a population of around 1.9 million, and shares an open land border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west. Belfast is the capital and by far the largest city. Derry (also known as Londonderry) is the second city, located in the northwest near the border.
The landscape is the defining attraction. The Antrim Coast, running about 130 km along the northeast shore, is one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe: basalt cliffs, green headlands, and the Giant's Causeway — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity — that draws visitors from across the world. The Glens of Antrim, nine wooded valleys cutting down to the coast, are excellent walking country. Further west, Fermanagh Lakeland — a network of lakes and waterways centred on Upper and Lower Lough Erne — is outstanding for boating, fishing, and exploring the early Christian island monasteries. The Mountains of Mourne in the southeast rise sharply from the sea and offer rugged hiking.
Northern Ireland's history in the second half of the 20th century was marked by the Troubles — a period of political violence between unionist and nationalist communities that lasted roughly from 1968 to 1998 and cost over 3,500 lives. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brought the conflict to a political resolution, and since then the region has been largely peaceful. Belfast in particular has undergone a significant transformation: the Titanic Quarter, built around the original shipyard where the RMS Titanic was constructed, has become one of the most visited tourist areas in Ireland, and the city's restaurant and cultural scene has expanded considerably.
Getting around the region is easiest by car; public transport connects the main towns but rural areas require your own vehicle. The Giant's Causeway is the single most visited site and gets very busy in summer; arriving early or late in the day makes a considerable difference.
