Northern Ireland forms the majority of the province of Ulster. It includes the following counties: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone. The other three counties which make up the province of Ulster are actually part of the Republic of Ireland, they are Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan. Northern Ireland is often referred to as the 'Six Counties'. It is one of the four nations which make up the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Northern Ireland Map - Road Map
Visitors to Northern Ireland should remember that the Island of Ireland is indeed two separate countries with different laws and currencies. Road signs in the Republic of Ireland are usually in Irish and English but some smaller towns will only have the Irish town name listed. In Northern Ireland, all road signs are in English. Check out our desktop site for large printable maps. It is important to remember when driving in Northern Ireland that the road signs and speeds are in Miles and Miles per hour (MPH) as opposed to the Republic of Ireland where the speeds and signs are in Kilometres and Kilometres per hour (KPH). This can be very confusing when travelling in Ulster for example as there are no borders to warn you that you have entered a different country! The driver will just see a welcome sign e.g. Welcome to Donegal, this is the only indication that you have in fact entered a different country! When driving from Dublin to Donegal for example there are several occasions when you will go from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and back again! This is especially confusing at gas and petrol stations as the currency changes from British pounds to the Irish Euro. Northern Ireland Map - Historical Map 1660-1800
Check out our desktop site for a historical map showing how Ireland looked from the years 1660 to 1800. There are several lines added to the map showing the routes of important historical events that occurred during that period. They include:
Schomberg's March - This event began in 1689 when Frederick Schomberg who was the 1st Duke of Schomberg landed at Ballyholme Bay in County Down as leader of King William's army to take part in the Williamite–Jacobite War, known in Irish as 'Cogadh an Dá Rí' which translates to 'The War of the Two Kings' and refers to the war was between Catholic King James II and Protestant King William of Orange to decide who would become King of England, Scotland and Ireland. Schomberg's campaign was a slow one, his path was blocked by Tyrconnell who was the leader of the Jacobite army (King James II). Thousands of soldiers were lost to disease and not through battle as both armies camped through harsh winter weather and lack of food.
William's March - William III of England was also known as Prince of Orange and is probably best known as 'King Billy'. Protestant William was victorious over Catholic James in the Battle of The Boyne, an iconic event in Irish history which took place on the 1st July 1690. The Battle of The Boyne is commemorated every year on the 12th July by Protestants who march to celebrate the victory of Protestant King Billy over the Catholics. The Battle of the Boyne is a hugely symbolic event in the history of Ireland and Britain and is often referred to as simply 'The Twelfth'. Even today celebrations held by the protestant Orange orders causes controversy with the Catholics.
Ginkel's March - Godard de Ginkell was the leader of the Williamite army who fought against the Jacobites (led by Marquis de St Ruth) in the Battle of Aughrim (July 1691). The Battle of Aughrim was the last and decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. It was fought between the Jacobites and the forces of William III in Aughrim in County Galway. It ended the period of Jacobitism in Ireland. (Jacobitism was a political movement in United Kingdom and Ireland, their aim was to restore the James II of England who was the Stuart King to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Jacobitism took its name from Jacobus, which is the Latin form of James.)
Humberts March - This event occurred in 1798 and was part of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, an uprising against British rule in Ireland. The rebellion lasted from May to September 1798.
In August 1798, about 1,000 French soldiers under General Jean Humbert landed at Kilcummin in County Mayo. Joined by up to 5,000 local rebels, they had some success against the English, at the Battle of Castlebar in County Mayo and the Battle of Collooney in County Sligo and even set up a "Republic of Connaught" for a short tine.
These battles are commonly known to the people in the West of Ireland as 'Bliain na bhFrancach' which translates as "The Year of the French". The commander for the French army was Jean Humbert and the map shows the route taken by the French army.
An amazing country to visit, Ireland has something to attract every type of visitor from the weekend traveller visiting one of the vibrant cities of Dublin, Galway and Belfast to the tourist who chooses Ireland as the destination for their annual vacation. Ireland is an ideal destination for Surfing, Fishing, Walking, Cycling, Golf as well for Families and returning emigrants, Ireland has something to suit everyone. From amazing seafood to mouth watering steaks, Ireland is renowned worldwide for its amazing food.
|
|
