Northern Ireland Vs Ireland: Why these two places are often confused
So you’re heading to the Emerald Isle for a holiday and you’ve heard a bit about “the North” and “the South”. It’s one long island, really pretty but it’s two countries. There’s the Republic of Ireland (the sovereign part) and Northern Ireland (the part of the UK).
You can cross back and forth all you like. There’s no wall or scary border, but it’s definitely different once you pass the invisible border. From money and road signs to British and Irish English, it’s good to know what to expect.
What is the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is independent but is a part of the EU. The Republic of Ireland is independent, a sovereign nation and part of the EU. It’s been its own country since 1922 and covers most of the island.
Northern Ireland is not the same as the Republic; it’s part of the United Kingdom (UK), like Scotland and Wales. When the South remained in the EU, the North was part of the UK that voted to leave.
The Republic: A separate country, uses the Euro (€), and follows EU laws.
The North: Part of the UK, it uses the pound (£) and follows British laws.
Comparison table
| Feature | Republic of Ireland | Northern Ireland |
| Capital | Dublin | Belfast |
| Government | Parliamentary Republic | Part of UK (Constitutional Monarchy) |
| Currency | Euro (€) | Pound Sterling (£) |
| Language | English & Irish | English (Irish & Ulster Scots recognized) |
| Speed Limits | Kilometres per hour (km/h) | Miles per hour (mph) |
Geography and location
Although it’s a small island, geography can be complicated. You hear folks refer to the four provinces, particularly Ulster. But did you know that all of Ulster isn’t in Northern Ireland? There are nine counties in Ulster, but of these six are in the North and three (Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan) are in the Republic.
If you take a trip around Ireland’s counties, you’ll find the “border counties” are much the same. The grass is green on both sides.
Political and historical difference
Ireland was divided back in 1921. It was a serious time with all sorts of figures like Michael Collins on the front line. The Republic of Ireland in the south was formed, but the North remained part of the UK, as the majority there preferred.
It was a pretty tense time during “The Troubles”, which was a 30-year conflict over Northern Ireland. Fortunately, the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 took place. This brought peace and meant that the border didn’t close so you could cross at will.
Currency, language and daily life differences
The one thing that will confuse you is the money. In Dublin, you pay for your coffee in Euros. However, if you take a bus to Belfast, you need pounds sterling. Most shops near the border will take both, but they will give you a poor exchange rate, so it’s best to carry both.
You’ll also notice the language. To the south, every sign on the road and bus is in Irish (Gaeilge). For the most part, it’s English in the North, although you’ll hear many Irish phrases and Gaeilge if you’re in the more traditional parts of town.
Travel differences for tourists
You can cross the border without realising, which is great but make sure you’re not surprised. If you’re not from Ireland or the UK, you may require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the North.
Don’t forget to check your speedometer.
In the Republic, it’s kilometres. Once you enter the north, signs are in miles per hour. You can get a ticket pretty quickly if you aren’t careful. And watch your phone bill, occasionally “roaming” begins as soon as you cross the border.
Cultural differences you will notice
The atmosphere is more or less the same all over the island, though the symbols differ. In the Republic, you can see the green, white and orange tricolour. In Northern Ireland, you’ll find a little bit of both, the Union Jack and the tricolour.
In the end, they both love their myths and legends and have a good party. You can enjoy the pub culture in both, as the hospitality is great.
Which is better to visit?
Honestly? Try to do both. If you’re looking for a rugged coast, look no further than the south’s Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland. It’s great for long car rides.
But if you’re into interesting history and “Game of Thrones”, you can’t beat Northern Ireland. And places like Belfast Castle are easy to reach. The island is so small that you can have it all.
