If you’re wondering, is Northern Ireland safe? then you’re not alone because a lot of people ask that same question.
Northern Ireland is known for political conflicts that happened during 1968-1998 that are known as ‘the Troubles’.
The conflicts have led to major negative stereotypes about the country and even though the Troubles ended 20 years ago, many travelers are still asking, is Northern Ireland dangerous?
Negative stereotypes continue to overshadow the fact that Northern Ireland has many beautiful places to visit, delicious foods to try, and friendly locals to meet!
It’s even well known for popular Game of Thrones filming locations and the birthplace of the famous ship, Titanic.
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Northern Ireland when you visit, but let’s talk about safety in Northern Ireland.
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Is Northern Ireland Safe?
Major violence ended with the Good Friday Agreement over two decades ago, yet there are still a lot of misconceptions about safety in Northern Ireland.
Just check out this person on a forum asking if it’s safe to visit Northern Ireland as an English tourist, the responses are hilarious!
An article published in 2011 from the Belfast Telegraph, talks about how crime in Northern Ireland has been dropping significantly over the last decade, making it the safest it’s ever been.
The statistics reported even show that it is the ‘safest region of the UK’.
It’s important to note they do talk about how crime between local communities often goes unreported, so statistics don’t give a full picture.
Not to worry though, if you’re visiting as a tourist, it is unlikely that you’d be involved in such a crime as it’s based on local issues.
More up-to-date statistics show that Northern Ireland continues to be very safe and friendly.
In 2016, Northern Ireland was ranked as the ‘friendliest part of the UK’ by the Telegraph, while Belfast was ranked in 2018 as one of the top 5 safest cities in the UK!
Northern Ireland’s capital ranked because of the low crime rate, high-quality health care, and low costs for newly built properties.
These statistics are a massive indicator that yes, Northern Ireland is safe, especially for tourists!
Even though statistics aren’t everything and you should always take them with a grain of salt.
It’s hard to deny that Northern Ireland has made huge strides in reducing crime and consistent progress in making it a safer place to live.
My Perception Of Northern Ireland
I realize now that my negative, subconscious perception of Northern Ireland was there because I had picked it up from others.
Before living in Scotland and Ireland, I knew nothing of the Troubles.
You could say that it’s partly because it ended when I was only two years old and (of course) the failing education system in America.
While living in Cork, Ireland, I got the impression from others that they did not think highly of Northern Ireland.
Since I didn’t know the context of why they might feel that way, I took it as a more superficial dislike (like maybe they went on holiday there and had a bad time or something along those lines).
I never asked anyone, is Northern Ireland safe? or is Northern Ireland dangerous? because from my past travels, I have almost always found supposedly dangerous countries to be totally safe!
It’s not like anyone would directly tell me, “you’ll be in danger if you go there.”
It was more along the lines of subtle disdain if I mentioned that I might visit.
My First Visit To Northern Ireland
The main reason for me to visit was to see my friend Mohamad that worked in Belfast.
I wasn’t sure what to expect on my trip but was excited to meet up with my friend from university.
My negative perception started to change on the bus coming up from Dublin as I was crossing over the open border into Northern Ireland.
I was hit with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains on the right-hand side of the road.
I was shocked as the landscape was different from what I was used to in and around Cork.
The dramatic hills and beautiful mountains in the background left me stunned at how nice it was.
I’m not sure why I thought the scenery would be so drmatically different, I mean it’s all one island, right?
Looking back, I laugh at myself for it.
Since I was working regular business hours on a temporary job in Cork City, my only option was to go to Belfast on a weekend.
With limited time, I wanted to see the main highlights since I didn’t think I would be returning…
Little did I know that I would be making many more trips to Northern Ireland!
PS, if you’re flying into Northern Ireland, this guide will help you get you from the Belfast international airport to the city center.
Falling In Love With Northern Ireland
On my first trip, what I saw in Northern Ireland was not disappointing at all!
It was honestly the opposite of what everyone made it out to be.
Since then, I have made other visits and have always felt very safe while in Northern Ireland.
I always find the people to be friendly and the country impressively beautiful.
By the way, the country’s beautiful scenery is helping Northern Ireland to be known for more than the Troubles.
People are starting to recognize the country for filming locations in famous TV shows, like Game of Thrones.
The landscape is stunning and deserves to be shown off to the world.
Every time I visit, it reminds me of Scotland – which makes sense because it is very close by.
Overall, I think it is an amazing place to travel to, and it can’t be missed if you are planning to visit the Republic of Ireland.
More reasons why I love visiting Northern Ireland
Cost Of Living
There is a lower cost of living when compared to the Republic of Ireland.
Even with the British Pound being a stronger currency than the Euro, there is still a substantial difference in prices.
This affects travel because you will be paying less for accommodation, transport, food, etc.
When visiting, I love taking the opportunity to go shopping in Belfast.
Not only do they have stores that are only available in the United Kingdom, but I can buy bigger ticket items that are significantly cheaper!
By the way, if you’re looking to save on accommodation during your visit, TrustedHousesitters could be for you. It helps you stay in wonderful places for free by house sitting and caring for cute pets. You can even find amazing and unique accommodation that would normally be hundreds per night!
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General Efficiency
If you have spent any time in the Republic of Ireland, you might have noticed that things happen a little bit slower.
In my opinion, things seem to operate a bit smoother in Northern Ireland.
From what I understand, the United Kingdom supports Northern Ireland financially.
This means that they have an increased opportunity to update public services like protecting historical sites, public transport, nicer parks, better roads, and signs, etc.
One of the biggest perks for a tourist is that public transport is more likely to be cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable than in the Republic.
I also noticed that the economic crisis didn’t hit Northern Ireland as hard as the Republic of Ireland.
To me, it seems to be still recovering from the crash.
Of course, this is mostly based on my observations and conversations I have had with people from both countries and from spending time in both countries.
Friendly Locals
Even though I’ve mentioned this before, I think it is worth emphasizing.
One of the most important reasons to visit Northern Ireland is the people!
On two separate occasions, I had Northern Irish tour guides that spoke genuinely about their appreciation for having us not only on the tour but in the country.
They spoke about how the country’s reputation/stereotypes often put people off from coming to visit even though there are so many beautiful things to see and experience.
I found this so refreshing and it made me love the country even more.
I don’t know about you, but it’s not enjoyable to be somewhere that you don’t feel welcome!
One of the tour guides was on a walking tour in Belfast, which I recommend if you’re visiting the city center!
The other tour guide was at the Gobbins Cliff Path, which I highly recommend if you have the time on your visit.
The location is a little out of the way, so it’s harder to get to but completely worth it.
I think because it’s not as convenient to get to, makes it such a hidden gem.
I’ve traveled to 25 countries and let me tell you, it’s one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had.
I loved it so much the first time that I’m planning on going again on my next visit to Northern Ireland.
It’s a special outdoor experience that you can’t miss!
Is It Safe To Visit Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has some of the lowest crime rates in the UK and even Europe.
Both statistics and my personal experience point to the fact that, yes, Northern Ireland is safe to visit!
Like anywhere in the world, there is always the chance that something could go wrong, but as long as you take normal travel precautions and use common sense, you should be fine.
As the case with all travel adventures, make sure to cover yourself with travel insurance.
It is by far one of the most important purchases for your trip.
Most people do not consider it as a ‘necessity’ or an essential travel item because you will only need it when something bad happens, but the problem is that you never know when that will be!
And if it is a matter of cost, well… if you can’t afford it, then you probably shouldn’t be traveling in the first place.
I always use SafetyWing because they have wide coverage and are the most affordable.
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