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The Government Warns Against Traveling to Northern Ireland

Where: Ireland
September 1, 2010 at 9:08 AM | by | Comments (4)

If you were planning a trip to Northern Ireland, the U.S. government believes you should think twice and perhaps even cancel your plans. The good news is you can still go there to party on St. Patrick's Day in 2011..

The region has a history of violence, but a spree of bombings over the last month prompted the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs in Ireland to issue a warning to tourists. The warning is for April through August, when many parades are held, so those St. Pat's plans are still a go. The official statement tells travelers to remain alert in their surroundings as violence can break out at potential flash points. It went on to say that peaceful demonstrations could turn aggressive and possibly escalate into violence.

In early August, two bombs were defused in County Down and a car bomb went off outside a police station in Derry City.

The United States isn't the only country worried about violence breaking out in Northern Ireland; the Australian and New Zealand governments released similar travel warnings to its citizens.

In its defense, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board says it's safe to travel the area. "Northern Ireland has the second-lowest crime rate in Europe," the tourism website says. "Even during the years of civil unrest tourists were rarely directly affected." And yet, this travel warning coincides with the announcement Ryanair made to end service to Belfast.

Related Stories:
· US government issues warning for tourists in Northern Ireland [Irish Times]
· What's Up With the New Travel Alert for Mexico? [Jaunted]
· Northern Ireland Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Jule_Berlin]

Comments (4)

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Why Now?

Okay... the warning extends April through Aug and this is news on September 1? Note, the warning specifically advises against going near political protests and parades (even ones intended to be peaceful)... in Northern Ireland, that is probably good advice any time of year. That said, I've been to the July 11th Bonfires in Belfast and was more concerned about the drunken party going on in some locations than bomb or gun violence.
IrishFireside on September 1, 2010 at 9:59 AM #Permalink

Ryanair

Slight mis-representation there: Ryanair left because Belfast Airport put on hold its plans for expansion, not because of any supposed safety concerns in the province.
dreamfish on September 2, 2010 at 7:40 AM #Permalink

A Great Place to Visit!

Not sure what "the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs in Ireland's" reasoning is, but NO ONE should hesitate to visit the Northern counties. The countryside and coast are stunningly beautiful, there's plenty of comfortable places to stay, from cutting edge modern to homey B&Bs, plus great shopping, theatre, live music, fun pubs and cafes. And the people themselves are great - friendly, full of humor, and they love American visitors. I've lived in Belfast several times for months at at time, and it quickly became like home to me. Ignore these "warnings" - these governments have to issue them for technical reasons. Nothern Ireland is no longer a war zone. You're safe to enter and enjoy! - Caroline Oceana Ryan, author, AN OLD CASTLE STANDING ON A FORD: One Yank's Life in an Almost Peaceful Belfast
belfastyank1 on September 3, 2010 at 10:01 AM #Permalink

I Agree!

I agre with IrishFireside - most definitely, the drinking and revelry are the bigest extremes you'll find in Northern Ireland. Bombs and guns, not so much. The paramilitaries put away their weapons several years ago. A few left-wing nuts are the only ones left causing trouble, and it is not necessary to avoid the country for that reason - those events are few and far between, and don't affect tourists.
belfastyank1 on September 3, 2010 at 10:04 AM #Permalink
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