The island of Ireland is made up of Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (1922.) With Irish independence from the UK in 1921, the protestant countries in the north chose to remain a part of primarily protestant UK.

The English conquered Ireland in the 1500’s under the rule of Henry VIII. (remember him?) He split England away from the Catholic Church.

The Battle of Ballybunion was one of many battles fought in Ireland over who was to control the land. The Irish or the English.

After defeating the Irish, Henry VIII took land away from the Catholic nobles in Northern Ireland and rewarded his Scot and English friends who had fought against the Irish and gave them the land. This happened in the 1500’s and there are still bad feelings about it today. Flag of England Flag of Northern Ireland

CATHOLICS WERE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN JOBS, HOUSING, VOTING RIGHTS AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. THE “TROUBLES” IN NORTHERN IRELAND 1970’S THROUGH THE 1990’S. Catholics make up close to 40% of the population of Northern Ireland while Protestants make up the balance. The majority of the land and the wealth were held by Protestants (the UK is a majority Protestant country.) Reasons for Catholic unrest and protest.

Add a slide on Bloody Sunday

Today, Northern Irelands neighborhoods are segregated between Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. Many mural cover the sides of buildings supporting the Loyalists or the IRA.

Artwork on buildings make a statement, including which neighborhood you are in.

During “the Troubles”, violence became almost common. Car bombs became a weapon of choice. The “Irish Republican Army” were the first terrorists we were familiar with.

The Irish Republican Army wants the British to leave and unify Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. At this time, when a vote occurs, the majority votes to remain part of the UK. Why?

Protestant “Orangemen” march every year to celebrate English victories over the Catholics through history. Unfortunately, they chose their paths to move through Catholic neighborhoods, causing ill feelings and violence.

Many children of Northern Ireland are taught to hate the opposing religion. There are separate schools for both Protestant and Catholic children. This system doesn’t permit the two sides young people from interacting.

Using what you have learned in Geography, what can you infer from the sign below and how will that fact affect the future of both Irelands?

Since the mid-1990’s, an uneasy peace has generally held up in Northern Ireland. As this “building mural” shows, there is hope but neither side will let their guard down.

Hope is not lost. Northern Ireland boasts some of the world’s finest golf courses. Here, Ballybunion Golf Club.