irishamericanscholars.files.wordpress.com€¦  · Web viewNorthern Ireland consists of the six most north-eastern counties and is a constituent country of the United Kingdom. Belfast

A Factfile on IrelandCompiled by John McCaul, 2014

The island of Ireland is partitioned (since 1920) and composed of two different sovereign states. Northern Ireland consists of the six most north-eastern counties and is a constituent country of the United Kingdom. Belfast is its capital city and Derry is the second largest. The Republic of Ireland (composed of the other 26 counties) has had complete independence from the UK since 1949 and is a sovereign state in its own right. Its capital city is Dublin while other major cities include Cork and Limerick.

The Republic of Ireland

● Pop: 4,832,765 (July 2014 est.)● Ethnic Groups: Irish 84.5%, other white 9.8%, Asian 1.9%, black 1.4%, mixed and other 0.9%● Religions: Roman Catholic 84.7%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 2.7%, Muslim 1.1%, other 1.7%,

unspecified 1.5%, none 5.7% (2011 est.)● urban population: 62% of total population (2010)● Life expectancy: total population- 80.56 years ● Head of state: Irish President, Michael D Higgins● Executive Branch (Government): Republic; parliamentary democracy (currently a Fine Gael- Irish

Labour Party coalition) ● Head of government – Taoiseach Enda Kenny (leader of largest party in coalition)● Legislative Branch: Irish Oireachtais consists of Dail Eireann (Lower House) and Seanad Eireann

(Upper House) ● Political Parties: Fine Gael, Irish Labour Party, Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Green Party

● Judicial Branch: Supreme Court or Court of final appeal (One chief justice and 6 justices)● Industries: pharmaceuticals, computer hardware and software, food products, beverages and brewing ● GDP (PPP): $190.4 bn (2013 US$)● Currency: Euro (€)● Number of US residents who claim Irish ancestry: 34.5m (2011) (census.gov)● Cell Phone networks- 02 Ireland, Vodafone Ireland, Meteor, 3 Ireland

Major cities

Dublin-

Dublin is in the province of Leinster on Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.

A north-south division has traditionally existed, with the River Liffey as the divider. The Northside is generally seen as working class, while the Southside is seen as middle to upper-middle class. The divide is punctuated by examples of Dublin "sub-culture" stereotypes, with upper-middle class constituents seen as tending towards an accent and demeanour synonymous with the Southside, and working-class Dubliners seen as tending towards characteristics associated with Northside and inner-city areas. Dublin's economic divide is east-west as well as north-south. There are also social divisions evident between the coastal suburbs in the east of the city, including those on the northside, and the newer developments further to the west.

Dublin has many landmarks and monuments dating back hundreds of years. One of the oldest is Dublin Castle, which was first founded as a major defensive work on the orders of King John of England in 1204, shortly after the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, when it was commanded that a castle be built with strong walls and good ditches for the defense of the city, the administration of justice, and the protection of the King's treasure.

One of Dublin's newest monuments is the Spire of Dublin, or officially titled "Monument of Light". It is a 121.2 metres (398 ft) conical spire made of stainless steel and is located on O'Connell Street.

Many people visit Trinity College, Dublin to see the Book of Kells in the library there. The Book of Kells is an illustrated manuscript created by Irish monks circa. 800 AD. The Ha'penny Bridge; an old iron footbridge over the River Liffey is one of the most photographed sights in Dublin and is considered to be one of Dublin's most iconic landmarks.

Other popular landmarks and monuments include the Mansion House, the Anna Livia monument, the Molly Malone statue, Christ Church Cathedral, Croke Park (GAA Headquarters) St Patrick's Cathedral, Saint Francis Xavier Church on Upper Gardiner Street near Mountjoy Square, The Custom House, and Áras an Uachtaráin.

There are many park areas around the city, including the Phoenix Park, Herbert Park and St Stephen's Green. The Phoenix Park is about 3 km (2 miles) west of the city centre, north of the River Liffey. Its 16 km (10 miles) perimeter wall encloses 707 hectares (1,750 acres) one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. It includes large areas of grassland and tree-lined avenues, and since the 17th century has been home to a herd of wild Fallow deer. The residence of the President of Ireland (Áras an Uachtaráin), which was built in 1751, is located in the park. The park is also home to Dublin Zoo, the official residence of the United States Ambassador, and Ashtown Castle. Music concerts have also been performed in the park by many singers and musicians.

St Stephen's Green is adjacent to one of Dublin's main shopping streets, Grafton Street, and to a shopping centre named for it, while on its surrounding streets are the offices of a number of public bodies and the city terminus of one of Dublin's Luas tram lines. Saint Anne's Park is a public park and recreational facility, shared between Raheny and Clontarf, both suburbs on the North Side of Dublin. The park, the second largest municipal park in Dublin, is part of a former 2 square kilometres (1 sq mi) (500 acre) estate assembled by members of the Guinness family, beginning with Benjamin Lee Guinness in 1835 (the largest municipal park is nearby (North) Bull Island, also shared between Clontarf and Raheny).

Universities in Dublin include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Dublin City University.

Dublin Airport is the main airport in the city while Connolly and Hueston stations are the main train stations. Iarnrod Eireann is the main railway operator system in Ireland while the Dublin Suburban Rail network consists of 5 lines including the Dublin Area Rapid Transit.

Bus services in Dublin city are operated by the Dublin bus company while more national services are provided by Bus Eireann. Dublin City Council began installing cycle lanes and tracks throughout the city in the 1990s, and as of 2012 the city has over 200 kilometres (120 mi) of specific on- and off-road tracks for cyclists. In 2011, the city was ranked 9th of major world cities on the Copenhagenize Index of Bicycle-Friendly Cities. Taxis also provide transport services.

Cork-

Cork is located in the South-West Region and in the province of Munster. With a population of 119,230, it is the second largest city in the state and the third most populous on the island of Ireland. Cork City Airport is located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) south of Cork city in an area known as Farmers Cross

The city is built on the River Lee which divides into two channels at the western end of the city. The city centre is located on the island created by the channels. At the eastern end of the city centre where the channels re-converge, quays and docks along the river banks lead to Lough Mahon and Cork Harbour, which is one of the world's largest natural harbours.

The Cork School of Music and the Crawford College of Art and Design provide a throughput of new blood, as do the active theatre components of several courses at University College Cork (UCC). Highlights include: Corcadorca Theatre Company, of which Cillian Murphy was a troupe member prior to Hollywood fame; Cork Film Festival, a supporter of the art of the short film; the Institute for Choreography and Dance, a national contemporary dance resource; the Triskel Arts Centre, which includes the Triskel Christchurch independent cinema; the Cork Academy of Dramatic Art (CADA) and Graffiti Theatre Company; and the Cork Jazz Festival and Live at the Marquee events. The Everyman Palace Theatre and the Granary Theatre both play host to dramatic plays throughout the year.

Cork is home to the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, and to many musical acts, including John Spillane, The Frank And Walters, Sultans Of Ping, Simple Kid, Microdisney, Fred, Mick Flannery and the late Rory Gallagher.

Cork was the European Capital of Culture for 2005 and in 2009 was included in the Lonely Planet's top 10 "Best in Travel 2010". The guide described Cork as being "at the top of its game: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse".

There is a rivalry between Cork and Dublin, similar to the rivalry between London and Manchester, Sydney and Melbourne or Madrid and Barcelona. Some Corkonians view themselves as different from the rest of Ireland, and refer to themselves as "The Rebels"; the county is known as the Rebel County.

The city has many local traditions in food, including crubeens, and tripe and drisheen. Cork's English Market sells locally produced foods, including fresh fish, meats, fruit and vegetables, eggs and artisan cheeses and breads. During certain city festivals, food stalls are also sometimes erected on city streets - such as St. Patrick's Street or Grand Parade.

Cork features architecturally notable buildings originating from the Medieval to Modern periods. The only notable remnant of the medieval era is the Red Abbey. There are two cathedrals in the city; St. Mary's Cathedral and St Finbarre's Cathedral.

Many of the city's buildings are in the Georgian style, although there are a number of examples of modern landmark structures, such as County Hall tower, which was, at one time the tallest building in Ireland until being superseded by another Cork City building: The Elysian. Across the river from County Hall is Ireland's longest building; built in Victorian times, Our Lady's Psychiatric Hospital has now been renovated and converted into a residential housing complex called Atkins Hall, after its architect William Atkins.

Cork's most famous building is the church tower of Shandon, which dominates the North side of the city.

Other notable places include Elizabeth Fort, the Cork Opera House, Christ Church on South Main Street (now the Triskel Arts Centre and original site of early Hiberno-Norse church), St Mary's Dominican Church on Popes Quay and Fitzgerald's Park to the west of the city. Other popular tourist attractions include the grounds of University College Cork, through which the River Lee flows, the Women's Gaol at Sundays Well (now a heritage centre) and the English Market. This covered market traces its origins back to 1610, and the present building dates from 1786.

Northern Ireland (also referred to as the North/the Province/the six counties)

• Pop: 1,810,863 (2011) • Ethnic Groups: White (British, Irish and Northern Irish) 98.28%, Asian 1.06%, Other 0.46% • Religion: Protestant 41.56%, Catholic 41%, Non-Christian 0.8%, Other 17%. • Main Political leaders: Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness (First and Deputy First Minister)• Main Parties: Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Fein, Ulster Unionist Party, Social Democratic and

Labour Party, Alliance Party Northern Ireland, Green Party Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland 21 and Traditional Unionist Voice.

• Government: consociational devolved assembly (no political party is in opposition)• Political Institutions: NI Executive, NI Assembly, North-South Ministerial Council and British-Irish

Council. • Main Industries: shipbuilding, rope manufacture and textiles (historically) services and tourism

(currently)• GDP per capita: £15,250 (2005) • Currency:

GBP Sterling

(£) • Cell phone

networks: 02 UK,

Vodafone UK, T-Mobile,

Orange, Virgin Mobile, 3

Belfast

Belfast is the administrative capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. Most of Belfast is in County Antrim, but parts of East and South Belfast are in County Down. It is on the flood plain of the River Lagan. At the time of the 2011 census, the city of Belfast had a population of 286,000 and lies at the heart of the Belfast Urban area.

Since 2001, boosted by increasing numbers of tourists, the city council has developed a number of cultural quarters. The Cathedral Quarter takes its name from St Anne's Cathedral (Church of Ireland) and has taken on the mantle of the city's key cultural locality. It hosts a yearly visual and performing arts festival.

Custom House Square is one of the city's main outdoor venues for free concerts and street entertainment. The Gaeltacht Quarter is an area around the Falls Road in west Belfast which promotes and encourages the use of the Irish language. The Queen's Quarter in south Belfast is named after Queen's University. The area has a large student population and hosts the annual Belfast Festival at Queen's each autumn. It is home to Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum, which was reopened in 2009 after major redevelopment. The Golden Mile is the name given to the mile between Belfast City Hall and Queen's University. Taking in Dublin Road, Great Victoria Street, Shaftesbury Square and Bradbury Place, it contains some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the nearby Lisburn Road has developed into the city's most exclusive shopping strip. Finally, the Titanic Quarter covers 0.75 km2 (0 sq mi) of reclaimed land adjacent to Belfast Harbour, formerly known as Queen's Island. Named after RMS Titanic, which was built here in 1912, work has begun which promises to transform some former shipyard land into "one of the largest waterfront developments in Europe".

N. Ireland’s parliament buildings are situated at the Stormont Estate to the east of Belfast. Other buildings located here are Stormont Castle, the NI Office and Castle buildings.

The architectural style of Belfast's buildings range from Edwardian, like the City Hall, to modern, like the Waterfront Hall. Many of the city's Victorian landmarks, including the main Lanyon Building at Queen's University Belfast and the Linenhall Library, were designed by Sir Charles Lanyon. Among the city's grandest buildings are two former banks: Ulster Bank in Waring Street (built in 1860) and Northern Bank, in nearby Donegall Street (built in 1769). The Royal Courts of Justice in Chichester Street are home to Northern Ireland's Supreme Court. The Harland and Wolff shipyard is now the location of the world's largest dry dock, where the giant cranes, Samson and Goliath stand out against Belfast's skyline. Including the Waterfront Hall and the Odyssey Arena, Belfast has several other venues for performing arts. The architecture of the Grand Opera House has an oriental theme and was completed in 1895. It was bombed several times during the Troubles but has now been restored to its former glory. The Lyric Theatre, (re-opened 1 May 2011 after undergoing a rebuilding programme) the only full-time producing theatre in the country, is where film star Liam Neeson began his career. The Ulster Hall (1859–1862) was originally designed for grand dances but is now used primarily as a concert and sporting venue. Lloyd George, Parnell and Patrick Pearse all attended political rallies there.

With 700,000 visitors in 2005, one of the most popular parks is Botanic Gardens in the Queen's Quarter. Built in the 1830s and designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, Botanic Gardens Palm House is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear and cast iron glasshouse. Belfast Zoo is located in a relatively secluded location on the northeastern slope of Cavehill, overlooking Belfast's Antrim Road, resulting in a uniquely tranquil environment for the animals that the zoo is frequently praised for.

Belfast hosted the MTV EMAs in 2011 and the World Police and Fire Games in 2013.

Derry/Londonderry-

Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. In 1613, the

city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and the "London" prefix was added, changing the name of the city to Londonderry. The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east). The city district also extends to rural areas to the southeast. The name "Derry" is preferred by nationalists and it is broadly used throughout Northern Ireland's Catholic community, as well as that of the Republic of Ireland, whereas many unionists prefer "Londonderry"; however in everyday conversation Derry is used by most Protestant residents of the city. Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as the last walled city to be built in Europe, stands as the most complete and spectacular.

The Walls were built during the period 1613-1619 by The Honourable Irish Society as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) in circumference and which vary in height and width between 12 and 35 feet (3.7 and 10.7 metres), are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city.

Derry is renowned for its architecture. This can be primarily ascribed to the formal planning of the historic walled city of Derry at the core of the modern city. This is centered on the Diamond with a collection of late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings maintaining the gridlines of the main thoroughfares (Shipquay Street, Ferryquay Street, Butcher Street and Bishop Street) to the City Gates. St Columb's Cathedral does not follow the grid pattern reinforcing its civic status.

This Church of Ireland Cathedral was the first post-Reformation Cathedral built for an Anglican church. The construction of the Roman Catholic St Eugene's Cathedral in the Bogside in the 19th-century was another major architectural addition to the city. There are many museums and sites of interest in and around the city, including the Foyle Valley Railway Centre, the Amelia Earhart Centre And Wildlife Sanctuary, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Ballyoan Cemetery, The Bogside, numerous murals by the Bogside Artists, Derry Craft Village, Free Derry Corner, O'Doherty Tower (now home to part of the Tower Museum), the Guildhall, the Harbour Museum, the Museum of Free Derry, Chapter House Museum, the Workhouse Museum, the Nerve Centre, St. Columb's Park and Leisure Centre, St Eugene's Cathedral, Creggan Country Park, The Millennium Forum and the Foyle and Craigavon bridges.

The city has seen a large boost to its economy in the form of tourism over the last few years. Cheap flights offered by budget airlines have enticed many people to visit the city. Tourism mainly focuses around the pubs, mainly those of Waterloo Street. Other attractions include museums, a vibrant shopping centre and trips to the Giant's Causeway, which is approximately 50 miles (80 km) away, though poorly connected by public transport. Lonely Planet called Londonderry the fourth best city in the world to see in 2013.

Derry/Londonderry was the 2013 UK City of Culture and also hosted BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival.

Transport in N. Ireland

Airports: 3- George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove) and City of Derry Airport.

Bus: Ulsterbus is a public transport operator in Northern Ireland and operates bus services outside Belfast. It is part of Translink, which also includes Northern Ireland Railways, Metro Belfast and Flexibus. Main Belfast station is the Great Victoria Street Station.

Metro Belfast- is a bus service that is unique to Belfast metropolitan and suburban areas.

Railway: These services are provided by NI Railways. There is also a cross border route that extends to Dublin’s Connolly Station. Main station is Central Station, Belfast.

Taxi: Black taxis are common in Belfast, operating on a share basis in some areas. These are outnumbered by private hire taxis. All large and small towns in Northern Ireland have taxi companies.

*All facts and figures correct as of May 2014