Trazee In-Depth: As Peace Returns, So Do Visitors to Northern Ireland

Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones were exposed early in the show to a world full of dense forests, misty mountain ranges, vast moorlands and countless crumbling castles. As most of the show’s most memorable scenes were shot in the hauntingly beautiful Northern Ireland, the destination saw an increase in visitors over the past few years.

Game of Thrones fans, though, were only part of the rapidly increasing number of travelers heading to Northern Ireland. Last year, more than 10 million international travelers visited the Republic of Ireland, many of which crossed the northern border to visit Belfast and other northern destinations. Visitors from around the world head to the island destination for its hospitality and iconic pub scene; its world-class golf courses and natural beauty; its outdoor adventure experiences; and its iconic collection of historic monuments and castles.

In the question of Northern Ireland’s quickly growing tourism market, the why is it just happening now?

Not long ago, Northern Ireland was a far less desirable destination due to ongoing ethno-nationalist and political conflict, known as The Troubles. In the late 1960s, long-brewing tensions surfaced between predominantly Protestant Unionists/British Loyalists and predominantly Catholic Irish Nationalists/Republics over the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. While Unionists wanted the colony to remain in the United Kingdom, Irish Republican groups, including the IRA, encouraged a unified Ireland, separate from the United Kingdom.

Inter-communal protests broke out, which escalated into violence, leading to the deployment of British Troops. Though initially welcomed, these troops were often hostile, and paramilitary groups formed — three decades of violent warfare followed.

More than 3,500 people were killed during The Troubles, including 13 unarmed civilians on what became known as Bloody Sunday. The tumultuous time had tremendous social repercussions.

The bombings, street disturbances, security checkpoints and military presence throughout the years of The Troubles resulted in high levels of stress, leading to frequent fights in public places; vandalism and homelessness became a problem as a result of intimidation. Unsurprisingly, these situations didn’t bode well for tourism.

However, following the IRA cease-fire in 1994 and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, things have settled, improved and today, visitors are flocking.

Why Travelers Head to Northern Ireland  

Northern Ireland is a small country, approximately the size of Connecticut, with a lot to offer. While cultural links between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom are complex and blurry, Northern Ireland quickly develops into a distinctive travel destination with its own unique culture and experiences to offer.

Its temperate climate makes it a feasible travel destination year-round, and its proximity to Dublin and England make it easily accessible to international travelers.

The destination offers something for every type of traveler. For the outdoorsy nomad, Northern Ireland boasts expansive lakes, including Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake on the island of Ireland and in the British Isles at 151 square miles; upland regions including the Sperring Mountains, Mourne Mountains and Antrim Plateau; and geographic phenomena like Giant’s Causeway, the eerily geometric UNESCO World Heritage Site pillars created by volcanic activity.

There are several tour groups offering adventure excursions including Adventure Tours Northern Ireland, Clearsky Adventure and Vagabond Tours of Ireland. From hiking, trekking and horseback riding to kayaking the Antrim coast, there are endless activities to pursue if adventure is your English cup of tea.

Travelers seeking cultural experiences get a two-for-one deal, as Northern Ireland is an amalgamation of Irish and United Kingdom traditions. Notable cultural institutions worth visiting include Titanic Belfast, a monument to Belfast’s maritime history on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built; the Ulster Museum, telling the human story of the region’s tumultuous past; and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, which allows visitors to experience life in a country town more than 100 years ago.

Northern Ireland’s vast, rolling green hills are dotted with hundreds of ancient castles, fortresses and ruins, each with its own unique story to tell and each having played a significant role in Northern Ireland’s rich history. Some of the most popular landmarks include Carrickfergus Castle, built in 1177 by a famous Anglo-Norman knight; Enniskillen Castle, the site of several rebellions against English rule; Dunluce Castle, built by the second Earl of Ulster in the 13^th century and inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ castle in The Chronicles of Narnia; and Belfast Castle, built by the Normans in the 12^th century and rebuilt in the Victorian style in the early 1800s.

As more and more travelers add Northern Ireland stamps to their passports, travel companies continue expanding offerings in the destination.

According to a recent report, the construction of new hotels across Northern Ireland is set to increase the number of hotel rooms to more than 10,000, marking a period of unprecedented growth. New properties include the Maldron, Grand Central and Marriott AC Hotel in Belfast.

While hotels pop up on land, cruise lines continue to add Northern Ireland itineraries at sea. This past season, Belfast Harbour reported its busiest season yet with 94 calls. Celebrity Cruises announced it will have five ships sailing in Europe in 2019 with stops in Belfast among other British Isle ports, and Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America also continue to add Northern Ireland to its call schedule.

As the world and its many destinations become increasingly interconnected, Northern Ireland reminds us there are always new destinations to visit, always more places to see and new experiences to have. Despite its rough history, Northern Ireland’s doors are open, its people ready to welcome travelers with a smile and a pint of Guinness.