1. Belfast Northern Ireland, UK
Case Study – The intersection of cultural and political geography
A “Peace Fence”
photo by Cass Vitale

2. Northern Ireland — Basic Data
2001 Census Data
Population: 1.7 million
(compare Pennsylvania – 12.8 million)
Land area: 5,450 sq. miles
(about same as Connecticut)
Largest cities: Belfast: about 300,000, Londonderry (Derry): about 100,000
Compare Rep. of Ireland (Eire) and UK as a whole
Ireland Pop GNI/PPP per cap Largest cities (country is 60% urban)
4.6 million $46,550 Dublin (1+ million); Cork (300,000)
UK Pop GNI/PPP per cap Largest cities (country is 89% urban):
64 million $43,430 London (8+ million); Manchester, Birmingham (2.5 million ea)

3. Ancient Irish Kingdoms
The name “Ulster” is still used, more or less synonymously with Northern Ireland.
Traditional Ulster also included Donegal and other counties that didn’t stay in UK after 1922 creation of the Irish Free State (now Rep. of Ireland).

4. Scottish Plantations, early 17th century
Map shows 9 counties of Ulster. Scottish settlement greatest in Antrim & Down, counties nearest Scotland.
English and Scottish plantations (guild-ownership of land) set up in other counties.
Most settlers were Scottish Presbyterian or English Anglicans, so religious geography of Ulster changed from mostly Catholic to mostly Protestant.

5. 17th century fortification
Dunluce Castle, along coast road to Bushmills
20th century fortification
PSNI Station, Portstewart
Photos by Phil Klein, 2005

6. The Troubles (since 1969)
Sectarian violence – Catholic Nationalists (Republicans) vs. Protestant Unionists (Loyalists) – over 3,000 killed since ‘69
Paramilitary organizations (IRA, UDA, others) on both sides; ties to organized crime and gangs
Conflict over access to economic development – jobs, housing, education – discrimination against Catholics
Peace process gains momentum during economic boom of 1990s – a multi-party Northern Irish parliament is proposed
Revived tensions since Breakthrough in March 2007?

7. (London) Derry, Northern Ireland – contested space

9. Londonderry town walls (overlooking Bogside)

10. (Catholic neighborhood)
Bogside
(Catholic neighborhood)

11. Murals along the Falls Road neighborhood, Belfast
(IRA stronghold)

12. Religions in Northern Ireland Today – A “Divided Society”
Map shows religious segregation by local districts
Total (2001 census)
Protestants
760,000 (46%)
Catholics
680,000 (40%)
Others/Non-religious
240,000 (14%)

13. Religious segregation, mapped at ward level (2001)
Ballycastle
Coleraine
Derry
Belfast
Source: CAIN

14. Belfast Neighbourhoods

15. County Donegal: in historic Ulster, but part of the Rep. of Ireland
Village near Glenveigh Nat’l Park
County Donegal: in historic Ulster,
but part of the Rep. of Ireland
Mt. Errigal
Old and new homes, Donegal countryside