Sometimes, when you walk into a bar or shop, you’ll see a sign saying ‘Euro accepted’, or something along those lines. Britain's earliest native census, Senchus fer nAlban, which … But on the ground people are living their lives as they did before. © Copyright © 2020 The Irish Road Trip | All Rights Reserved. Thanks so much Keith for your extensive article above. That is to say there are many protestants who are nationalists and vice versa. I’m not sure if this is the case with every car rental provider, so check in advance. Key takeaway: The UK granted Home Rule. To provide the necessary context, you’ll find a brief insight into why a partition of Ireland occurred below. There are, however, still simmering tensions between the two sides, and the desire of Irish Nationalists to merge Northern Ireland with the Irish Republic still festers. What I’m actually wondering is: how do real Irish people from the Republic regard us Irish from over the water? Sure, you’ll meet the odd ar*ehole, but hopefully they’ll be few and far between. Northern Ireland unlike England has no legal tender so there is nothing to stop the spread of Euros except bank charges. I can’t see how you picked that up from the article above Robert. The answer? Howaya! Subsidiaries of US multinationals have located in Ireland due to low taxation and an educated English-speaking population. In May of 1921, Northern Ireland was officially formed. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. The Rising was launched by Irish republicans in an attempt to end British rule in Ireland. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Long-simmering tensions have been brought to the boil by Brexit, worsening relations between leading political parties. Is that to say it isn’t used?! You'll find everything from. Northern Ireland. 17 Swanky Airbnbs With Hot Tubs In Ireland That You Can Rent In 2021, 49 Best Things To Do In Donegal In 2021 (Hidden Gems And Tourist Favourites), Group Accommodation Ireland: 21 GORGEOUS Gaffs You Can Rent With Mates In 2020, 42 Brilliant Things To Do In Kerry This Summer (Mountains, Beaches, Pubs + More), 20 Swanky Castles Hotels In Ireland Where You Can Spend A Night, 21 Underrated Towns In Ireland Perfect For A Mighty Weekend Away In 2021, Northern Lights in Ireland 2021: Your Guide to Seeing the sky above Ireland Sing, The differences between Northern Ireland and Ireland that you’ll encounter when visiting, The history behind the partition of Ireland, Technically be passing from Ireland into the UK, Potentially incur additional costs from your rental car company. Even though the article above is fairly straight-forward, we still receive on-average 7-15 emails per month asking is Ireland part of the UK. Both have international airports and each has extensive (although not always reliable) public transport serving it. So if you could elaborate on this topic in the same manner would be great. This site exists to inspire and guide you on an Irish adventure that’ll give birth to a lifetime of memories (sounds very arsey altogether, I know!) While the dispute was indeed purely political and constitutional, Irish churches on both sides had a viewpoint on the matter as well, which helped influenced people into one camp or another… Groups of people tend to fellowship and influence each other within their social and spiritual groups, and that influence likely sharpened each camp’s viewpoints. The UK originally intended that all of Ireland would remain part of the United Kingdom, but the Irish War of Independence (a guerrilla war that was fought in Ireland from 1919 to 1921 between the Irish Republican Army and British forces) saw that this didn’t happen. An estimated 1.8 million people reside in Northern Ireland, most of whom live in the country’s urban centers. I picked one up from Europcar not long ago. Below, I’m going to tackle some specific questions that we’ve received about the topic. They felt that there was a real risk of Ireland joining forces with the French, and decided that Ireland needed to be under British rule once again, to avoid this happening. In 2013, Ireland was named the "best country for business" by Forbes.. Whilst the UK capital is London, the regional capital is Belfast. Today 3. Why would you have Cath and Prot people fighting with each other..? The origins of problems in the region stretch centuries back to the Anglo-Norman intervention of Ireland in 1167, when England first laid roots in the area. You have entered an incorrect email address! Background: I was born I the UK, but as my dad was American I was granted American citizenship. If you’re not familiar with Home Rule, it was a demand that Ireland’s governance be returned from Westminster, in the UK, to a domestic parliament on the island of Ireland. Unionists (people in favour of the union of Northern Ireland with Britain) greatly opposed this Home Rule Bill, with many forming a paramilitary force, known as the Ulster Volunteer Force (or the UVF), with the intention of resisting Home Rule by violent means. The Republic of Ireland, which makes up the southern portion of the country, is independent from the United Kingdom, while Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Learn how your comment data is processed. Another difference between Northern Ireland vs Ireland is their capital cities. First, a Northern Ireland Assembly was created, with elected officials taking care of local matters. Or to just take out some Sterling to use during your visit. As mentioned earlier, I’m oversimplifying the events that led to the partition of Ireland, so please do take some time to do further reading into the subject (this is a great resource). That being said, we’re in a very bizarre situation with Brexit, currently, with talks of a hard border becoming more and more frequent. Disclaimer: this is a very brief history of the partition of Ireland. < >. This guide explains the very real differences along with the backstory behind the partition. When I was collecting it, I was surprised to hear that if I drove into Northern Ireland I would be hit with an additional €25 – €35 (I can’t remember exactly how much) charge that would be automatically debited from my card. The main difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland is that they are two separate countries. Brilliant summary of the general thrust of history. So really, Ireland and N. Ireland are two different countries. In the 17th century, thousands of Scots settled in Ulster, where they impacted the culture and even the accent! Above all peace matters! Yes and no. What I learnt about Ireland from my Irish family had been handed down orally from generation to generation and had doubtless been lushly embroidered in the process. Now, it’s worth noting in advance that this is a topic that can stir up quite a bit of anger for those living in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kindgom, even though it is on the same island as the rest of Ireland. The arrangement was designed to avoid checks between Northern Ireland and Ireland because an open Irish border has helped underpin the peace … Key takeaway: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was a sovereign state (a state with borders) that was officially established by the Acts of Union 1800. This descent into violence precipitated the need for armed forces on both sides. That means new checks on … This Act resulted in Ireland being split into two self-governing territories: Both Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland would remain in the United Kingdom. Many fought for this over the years, like Daniel O’Connell in the 1830s and 1840s, but it never came to be. Members of the Irish Volunteers seized key locations across Dublin and proclaimed an Irish Republic. They’re ruled by different governments, they use different currencies, and there’s a different metric system, to name but a few. Despite some intermingling of the English and Irish population, the two were never completely united. If you know the language you will hear it spoken throughout Ireland, but not to the same extent in Northern Ireland. The Rising started on the 24th of April 1916. And the question how the conflicts between Catholic and Protestant views is one. We’ll dive into this deeper in the guide below. The capital of Ireland is Dublin, while the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast. You’ll see Irish used in many street signs and within official documents, but you don’t tend to hear it spoken outside of schools, where it’s taught, or in Gaeltacht areas, which are primarily Irish-speaking regions. The 6 counties of Northern Ireland are part of the United Kingdom. Would you welcome us if we visited the Republic, or would we merely be just another pestilential gaggle of tourists? The 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland are what’s called a ‘parliamentary constitutional republic’. For a more detailed take Fergal Kean’s book is very good. Northern Ireland unrest: Four key questions answered. The division of the island of Ireland into two separate regions – Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland – took place on the 3rd of May, 1921. So, Ireland vs Northern Ireland… what’s the difference? As a part of the … There is also a devolved administration headed by the joint office of the First and Deputy First Ministers. Irish immigrants also moved to … I see similarities in the Irish rebellion/s to what is going on right now in the US between the Democrats and Republicans . My wife and I hope to do a road trip to Ireland someday. The Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign state 4. One of the ways I know that I’m after passing into Northern Ireland is the road signs. No. Hopefully, I’ve answered a good chunk of the questions that you have about the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland has dominated the Brexit negotiations in 2018 and 2019, largely because the issues raised in the backstop to keep the Irish Border open and protect the Northern Ireland peace process go to the heart of UK demands about its future relationship with the EU. Though they are part of the same island, these two are different in their religious and political views. There are approximately 4.5 million people living in the Republic. The arrangement was designed to avoid checks between Northern Ireland and Ireland, an EU member, because an open Irish border has helped underpin the peace process built on … A well-known example is the Irish rugby team. Board of Trinity College Dublin. As far as the welcoming goes, I think we’re pretty good here, regardless of where someones from, what they look like or what their beliefs are. Those living in NI that wanted to remain part of the UK weren’t happy and threatened to resist by any means necessary. There’s currently (Oct. 15th, 2019) no physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, although many maps would make you believe that there is. Yes, some rental car companies will charge up to €30 a day if you pass from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland, so check the contract in advance! Nowadays, economically the land border is so low key, agribusiness flourishes. Many guides just inform tourists of the differences that they’ll encounter today, like currency and road signs, while failing to offer insight into the history behind the division. Ireland is the world's most profitable country for US corporations, according to analysis by US tax journal Tax Notes. Second, a cross-border relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was created to cooperate on issues. 1. o, Ireland vs Northern Ireland… what’s the difference? Now I feel a little less ignorant on this matter. On the 6th of December 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed, marking the end of the Irish War of independence. Northern Ireland makes up the northeastern part of the island 5. If you read this far, you should follow us: "Ireland vs Northern Ireland." Religion. As a result, two disparate populations, with differing interests, found themselves living in a small island side by side. Thank you Keith! To be honest, I personally have never known of anyone/heard anyone speak negatively in any way about ‘Irish from over the water’. Confused? The Republic of Ireland makes up most of the island 3. How is Northern Ireland different from Ireland? The capital city of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin. Northern Ireland is very reliant on the Republic for trade, with virtually everything produced there going straight over the border (mostly to the greater Dublin area). 5 Apr 2021. Yes, Robert’s question is valid since the world media has always reported the conflict as between Protestant and Catholic. Thank you. Gaelic. The Republic of Ireland was created in 1948 when the Irish Free State (also known as Southern Ireland) became fully independent and severed all political ties with the United Kingdom. The Troubles, also called Northern Ireland conflict, violent sectarian conflict from about 1968 to 1998 in Northern Ireland between the overwhelmingly Protestant unionists (loyalists), who desired the province to remain part of the United Kingdom, and the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nationalists (republicans), who wanted Northern Ireland to become part of the republic of Ireland. Ireland’s  Head of State is the President of Ireland (currently Michael D. Higgins). As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland will leave the European Union on January 31st, 2020, which will result in a return of border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In a nutshell, the 6 counties of Northern Ireland are technically within the United Kingdom, while the remaining 26 are part of the Republic of Ireland. It is therefore a constituent country within the United Kingdom alongside England, Scotland, and Wales. Many online guides that aim to offer an insight in Northern Ireland vs Ireland fail to move past the current day differences of road signs and currency. Northern Ireland’s largest city is Belfast which is also its c… However, under the Good Friday Agreement, people that are born in Northern Ireland have the ability to choose to be British citizens, Irish citizens or both. Ireland, which is also known as ‘Republic of Ireland’ […] I have returned to speaking the language again after a long hiatus, and I hear young people speaking it in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, and to a limited extend in Belfast. Also, if you’re using a sat nav and the sound is on, you tend to be told that you’ve just entered the UK. Almost all of the Protestants want to remain within the United Kingdom. But none of my immediate relatives have ever set foot in the Republic! Being Irish yet not Irish has its disadvantages. It lies to the northwest of Continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets. They then intermarried with other Irish immigrants. Both people in both the North and South legally have the right to freedom of religion. Sources United The Republic of Ireland, which makes up the southern portion of the country, is independent from the United Kingdom, while Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Ireland (Irish: Éire; Ulster Scots: Airlann) is the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest island in the world. They want to preserve the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Excellent informative summary. Ireland had been enjoying a brief period of independence following the Irish Rebellion of 1798 (yes, the Brits occupied Ireland before this) when paranoia hit the British government. This is the legacies of pre-partition where for example sporting organisations were one island. Northern Ireland is the older of the two, having been formed in 1921 from the six counties in the northern Province of Ulster which wished to retain its political unity with Great Britain. First of all, when comparing the geography, Ireland is much larger than Northern Ireland. Historical nasties like Cromwell and William of Orange were enthusiastically reviled for hours on end, while a wonderful story was told at each family gathering of our courageous ancestor who was eventually executed by the British. Take a couple of minutes to dive into the guide below! I have always been interested in what happened between Britain and Ireland, so thank you for at least briefing me in at a high level. U.S. Assistance to Ireland. I like your very neutral article and feel well informed about the basics (many thanks!). Do you accept us as part of your ‘extended family’, or do you regard us as pretentious foreigners, plastic Paddys and general morons? Ireland vs Northern Ireland Ireland and Northern Ireland are parts of the same island. Its goal was to provide for the better government of Ireland. Ireland and Northern Ireland are technically two different countries. In 1998, a peace deal known as the Good Friday Agreement was signed between the British and Irish governments and most political parties in Northern Ireland… Although English is the official language of Northern Ireland, Ullans (a variant of Scots – a language brought to Ulster by Scottish settlers in the 17th century) and Irish are both seen as culturally significant. The Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign state, while Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom since 3rd May 1921. Religion matters in Northern Ireland because it is associated with national claims. Let me know in the comments below! It was in April 1916 when trouble came to a boil and the Easter Rising took place. I’m Irish-in-the-diaspora (like so many of us): my ancestors migrated to the west of Britain (Lancashire) due to an Gorta Mór. There are approximately 2 million people living in Northern Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, we use Euro. The Government of Ireland Act was introduced in 1920. The revised Protocol acknowledges the unique situation of Ireland and Northern Ireland through: avoiding a hard border, including any physical infrastructure, or related checks and controls, between Ireland and Northern Ireland; safeguarding the all-island economy and the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement. However, while the UVF and the Irish Volunteers prepared for what seemed like certain conflict, arms were imported into Ireland. By 1969, the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was formed, a breakawa… Something that irritates me greatly about many of the Northern Ireland vs Ireland guides online is that they fail to offer any insight into the history of the partition of Ireland. The Head of State is the President of Ireland, and executive authority is vested in the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland. Have a question about something that we haven’t covered? Diffen.com. Within Northern Ireland there are two communities, divided by ethnicity, the Protestant unionists and the Catholic nationalists. Relationship between Ireland and Northern Ireland History Anglo - Irish Treaty:(1921) Ireland and Great Britain merged Irish Free State was founded because of the War of Independence But Northern Ireland had to stay a part of Great Britain 1. The Republic of Ireland is home to over 4.8 million people which translates to a population density of 179 persons per square mile, compared to Northern Ireland’s 344 persons per square mile. Renting a car in Ireland can be a pain. I’ve used it to explain the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to my students and ,without any difficulty of course, everybody has understood the whole facts. Ireland and Great Britain were merged into one on the 1st of January 1801 (this happened while Britain was at war with France). The main difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland is that they are two separate countries. Out of these 32 counties, 26 are located in the Republic of Ireland and 6 are located in Northern Ireland. Although I’ve heard the term ‘Plastic Paddy’ in the press, I’ve never heard it used during life in Ireland. There are six counties in Ireland that are part of the UK. A nice article, but you are incorrect about not hearing Irish spoken. The rest are part of the Republic of Ireland. 32 counties make up the island of Ireland.