Ireland

The country of Ireland can be thought of two ways, one is the bad way, when at one point in the 1980’s Northern Ireland was at the forefront of peoples minds, and the first thing that you thought of when the country of Ireland was mentioned, was the ongoing war in Northern Ireland and the IRA.  Belfast and Ireland has moved on since these days, and although the pictures still remain on the end of the houses on Shankill Road.  The West of Belfast was the frontline for all the troubles of the Northern Ireland conflict which took place between the Protestants and Catholics, and became a no go zone.  Although all the signs of the conflict are still around today, in the form of the Murals which stand as a constant reminder of the conflict, since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 the conflict in Northern Ireland is no more, and the 3000 people which lost their lives to this conflict are remembered today in Northern Ireland through memorials which are placed in various locations through the City.

Brush this conflict aside and the other part of Irelands history and heritage is a very different one.  Take Dublin for instance, the other major city on this tiny Ireland, and one which appeals to many.  Whether you are a family or single on a stag or hen night Dublin is a great place to visit and has something to offer everyone.  There are plenty of things to see and do, for those wanting to shop, and explore the history of Dublin.  If clubbing and bars are more your bag, then there are plenty of these too, some of these bars play the traditional Irish music and sell Guinness by the lorry load.  Ireland has acres and acres of greenery and is a great place to go walking, or just for a romantic getaway.  Dublin is known as being one of the oldest cities in Europe.  Fingal is one of Dublin’s neighbours and is also a beautiful picturesque village which has the added advantage of the sea on its door step, this village boasts rugged coastline and sandy beaches and is able to offer superb accommodation as well as an array of friendly pubs and lovely restaurants.

Compare Ireland to Berlin, and there is not much difference really, Berlin divided itself into two and separated East Germany from West Germany, many people were unable to see their families and travel from East to West.  A wall (The Berlin Wall) stood as a constant reminder that the two halves of Germany were separated.  A pass was required to pass through the wall, and not all were allowed to pass through.  Those who tried to get over the wall were killed, this too all ended in 1989 when the wall came down.  Check Point Charlie is still in place today, but as a visitor attraction.  Both countries have has their moments but both seem to have come out the other end of the troubles for the better, and are able to boast a booming trade through the people who visit each year.  Both Ireland and Germany have always had beautiful surroundings which have at times been over shadowed.  There are many hotels Berlin and Ireland to choose from and a good place to find out more about the two counties is the internet.  If visiting Berlin then a good place to look is Tulip Hotel in Berlin.