What is the Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland

The island of Ireland is divided into two different parts: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Although they are on the same island, they have different governments, currencies, and histories.

What is the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland? Ireland is an independent country, whereas Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

When looking at the history of Ireland, England took control of the island in the 1100s, and religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics began in the 1500s. In the 1600s, Protestant settlers were sent to Ulster, leading to tensions that continued for centuries. In 1920, the British government divided Ireland, creating Northern Ireland from six mostly Protestant counties. The rest of Ireland became an independent country in 1921.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ireland  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Northern Ireland
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Ireland and Northern Ireland
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Ireland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland 

What is Ireland

Ireland or the Republic of Ireland is a country in Northwestern Europe that takes up most of the island of Ireland. It has a population of about 5.4 million people, and its capital and largest city is Dublin, which is home to over 1.5 million people. Ireland shares its only land border with Northern Ireland. On other sides, it is surrounded by the Irish Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Celtic Sea.

Ireland is a parliamentary constitutional republic and is divided into 26 counties, grouped into four provinces: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and part of Ulster. The country has two official languages, Irish and English. English is more commonly spoken in daily life. Ireland uses the Euro (€) as its currency, having switched from the Irish Pound in 1999.

What is Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is the smallest of the 4 parts of the United Kingdom, along with England, Scotland, and Wales. It is located in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. The North Channel separates it from Scotland, while the Irish Sea lies to its east. Northern Ireland has a population of around 1.9 million and its capital and largest city is Belfast.

The region has rolling hills, low mountains, and Lough Neagh, which is the largest lake in the United Kingdom. Moreover, the northern coast is famous for its unique rock formations. The climate is cool, rainy, and often windy. Northern Ireland has six counties: Antrim, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Down, and Derry/Londonderry. It uses the Pound Sterling (£) like the rest of the UK and has a devolved government led by the Northern Ireland Assembly since 1998.

About half of the people in Northern Ireland are descended from Scottish and English settlers and are mostly Protestant. Around two-fifths are of Irish descent, tracing their roots to the Celts, and are mainly Roman Catholic. Nearly everyone speaks English.

Similarities Between Ireland and Northern Ireland

1. Both are on the island of Ireland.
2. Both have English as a widely spoken language.
3. They have similar landscapes, including rolling hills, mountains, and coastal areas.
4. Both regions experience a cool, rainy climate.
5. They have a shared Celtic heritage and history.
6. Both celebrate traditional Irish culture, including music, dance, and folklore.

Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland

Definition

• Ireland is a sovereign country, officially known as the Republic of Ireland while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

Currency

• Ireland uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency whereas Northern Ireland uses the Pound Sterling (GBP) as its currency.

Population

• Ireland has a population of about 5.4 million people while Northern Ireland has a population of about 1.9 million people.

Politics

• Ireland is a parliamentary constitutional republic while Northern Ireland is governed as part of the United Kingdom, with its own devolved government.

Counties

• Ireland has 26 counties while Northern Ireland has 6 counties.

Capital

• Ireland’s capital is Dublin whereas Northern Ireland’s capital is Belfast.

FAQ: Ireland and Northern Ireland

1. How different is Northern Ireland from Ireland?

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while Ireland is an independent country. They also have different governments, currencies, and some cultural differences.

2. Why are Ireland and Northern Ireland separate?

Ireland and Northern Ireland are separate because of historical conflicts and differences in religion. In 1921, Ireland became independent, while Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.

3. Is Northern Ireland more British or Irish?

According to a 2021 survey, 42.8% of people in Northern Ireland identified as British, either alone or with other national identities. 33.3% identified as Irish, either alone or with other national identities. 31.5% identified as Northern Irish, either alone or with other national identities.

Reference:

1. “Republic of Ireland.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Northern Ireland.” Kids Britannica.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Map of Ireland” By Michael 1952 – (Michael,2009) (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Old medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle on ocean coast in Northern Ireland famous place in the UK” (CC0) via Pexels