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Original poster

Northern Ireland - how do you perceive it?

408 replies

TheBelleOfBelfastCity · 30/09/2024 21:01

Genuinely just curious. I was born and raised in NI, opinions on MN seem to vary wildly from no go zone to friendly and welcoming. Trying to got a sense of what the most common thoughts are.

Have you visited? Maybe even thought about doing so? What was your opinion?

OP posts:
Lovelysummerdays · 30/09/2024 21:12

My ex is from NI so spent time there I liked it, fairly welcoming reminds me a bit of Glasgow. There’s bits with an awkward vibe and you want to watch yourself but generally nice.

Artisfun · 30/09/2024 21:12

The seafood is also really good

AMRP · 30/09/2024 21:12

I’d love to visit Belfast to see Giants Causeway, Titanic museum and much more :)

honeyrider · 30/09/2024 21:12

I've been a few times and loved it. Last time was in February but only to Lisburn that time and I'll be going again in the next few months.

I think it's a welcoming place now. I was there in the 80's on a shopping trip and was very nervous and only felt comfortable when I crossed back over the border into the Republic. It didn't help when the armed soldiers got on the mini bus we were on to check us all out. I was sitting on a bottle of whiskey I bought and was afraid they'd confiscate it. 😂

EveryKneeShallBow · 30/09/2024 21:11

Only been once for a conference. Seemed a nice enough place. Didn’t go on the bus tour to see the murals, I think I prefer to be forward looking than digging through that, but I’m not a great history buff. I enjoyed the botanic gardens and the giants causeway and I’d like to go back and do the Titanic exhibition.

Artisfun · 30/09/2024 21:10

Not sure what your vote is but as to views, I like the coast and countryside, I like the pubs, I like the ease of getting cups of tea the way I like them. I quite like the local trains. I find it a bit weird that as part of a white English couple living in London that in N Ireland we are treated by extended family as an exotic mixed couple because one of us was baptised RC and the other CofE.

olivepoems · 30/09/2024 21:08

I'm from the Republic so obviously a different perspective to people in GB. I really enjoy spending time there - I have a few friends dotted around NI and always have a great time.

I live in England though and have had to explain to quite a number of people (usually at work) that NI and the Republic are indeed different countries 🙄 and people my age (37) and younger don't seem to know much at all about the Troubles, which shocked me tbh.

DialSquare · 30/09/2024 21:08

I've been to Belfast and loved it. I felt immediately comfortable there. So much so that I'm going back in March.