Living and Working in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom, located on the island of Ireland. It shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west, while the rest of its territory faces the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea and the North Channel. The capital and largest city is Belfast.

Northern Ireland is part of the UK but operates with a devolved government and legislature, the Northern Ireland Assembly. The system of governance is a product of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which brought an end to the conflict known as ‘The Troubles’. Created in 1921, after the partition of Ireland, Northern Ireland remained part of the UK while the rest of Ireland became a free state, now the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland is divided into six historic counties, several administrative districts and numerous towns and cities. The counties of Northern Ireland include the following. Antrim includes Belfast, Ballymena, Larne, part of Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Antrim town. Armagh includes Armagh city, Portadown and Lurgan. Down includes Bangor, Newry and Downpatrick. Fermanagh includes Enniskillen. Londonderry or Derry includes the city of Derry, Coleraine and Limavady. Tyrone includes Omagh, Dungannon and Strabane.

Key cities within Northern Ireland include Belfast (County Antrim and County Down) which is known for Titanic Belfast, City Hall and vibrant cultural hubs. Derry, the second largest city is known for its historic city walls and cultural festivals. Lisburn (County Antrim and County Down) are known for its Irish Linen Centre and its proximity to Belfast. Newry, (County Down and County Armagh) is a border city with plenty of history and beautiful surroundings, including the Mourne Mountains.

Key towns include Bangor, a seaside town with marinas, coastal paths and a bustling town centre. Coleraine is a university town near to the Causeway Coast , Omagh is known for the Ulster American Folk Park and its picturesque setting while Enniskillen is surrounded by lakes and is famous for its waterways and heritage sites. Ballymena is a market town with a rich agricultural heritage and nearby scenic glens, Portadown is a key commercial centre and Carrickfergus is known for its castle and coastal charm. Armagh is known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, home to two St Patrick’s Cathedrals, Strabane is a border town boasting a rich cultural heritage, Limavady is close to the scenic Roe Valley and the Causeway Coastal Route and Holywood is a lovely coastal town near to the city of Belfast, popular for its boutique shops and cafes.

Northern Ireland has a long and rich history shaped by ancient civilisations, political change and cultural evolution. The region’s earliest inhabitants date back thousands of years, evidenced by Neolithic sites like the Giant’s Ring near Belfast and the dolmens of the Mourne Mountains. It later became part of Gaelic Ireland , with the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century heralded by figures like St Patrick. The Norman invasion in the 12th century brought castles and new governance. The 17th century Plantation of Ulster saw English and Scottish settlers displace many Irish inhabitants, creating deep religious and cultural divisions. This legacy influenced the partition of Ireland in 1921, forming Northern Ireland as part of the UK. Today its history is reflected in vibrant traditions, historic towns and iconic landscapes.

Northern Ireland has a diverse and evolving economy, contributing significantly to the United Kingdom while maintaining distinct regional characteristics. Over the past two decades, it has transitioned from a largely industrial economy to one focused on services, advanced manufacturing and innovation. With a young, educated population and expanding sectors like green energy and technology, Northern Ireland’s economy is poised for further growth, balancing its industrial legacy with a forward looking, innovation driven approach.

The services sector dominates Northern Ireland’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of employment and GDP. Public administration, healthcare and education are of particular significance  and reflect Northern Ireland’s historically high reliance on public funding.

Manufacturing remains a vital sector, contributing over 10% to the economy. Northern Ireland excels in aerospace with various companies operating major facilities. Other industries include machinery, materials handling and ship building with Harland and Wolff maintaining a legacy in Belfast.

The technology sector is a growing force with Belfast emerging as a hub for fintech and cybersecurity. Major companies have established operations in the region, benefitting from a skilled workforce and supportive business environment.

Agriculture plays a vital role especially in the more rural communities. Northern Ireland is known for dairy, beef and pork production with a thriving agri - food sector which accounts for around 30% of Northern Ireland’s total manufacturing sales. Known for its fertile land, temperate climate and sustainable practices, while livestock farming takes precedence, arable farming is also significant, particularly barley, wheat and potatoes. Northern Ireland produces a variety of high quality food products for domestic and international markets

Tourism is a growing contributor and attracts millions of visitors annually, driven by iconic attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast and the Game of Thrones filming locations. Supporting over 72,000 jobs, tourism contributes approximately one billion pounds to the economy.

Northern Ireland is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. Along the Causeway Coastal Route, visitors encounter dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and charming seaside towns. The Mourne Mountains were the inspiration for C. S. Lewis’ Narnia and offers stunning vistas and challenging hikes. Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, is a tranquil retreat for boating and fishing. Northern Ireland’s coastline is equally captivating with spots like Ballintoy Harbour and the Carrick - a - Rede Rope Bridge providing spectacular views of the sea.

Lush green valleys, timeworn castles, rolling hills and ancient forests such as Glenariff Forest Park further showcase the region’s natural allure. These landscapes, steeped in mystical legends and history, are a key attraction for both locals and visitors alike.

Living and working in Northern Ireland offers a perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene, a welcoming community and growing opportunities in innovative industries, all within a compact and connected region.