Do protestants and Catholics still fight in Northern Ireland?

No, large-scale fighting between Protestants and Catholics (Unionists and Nationalists) has largely ended since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, but deep-seated community divisions, lingering tensions, and sporadic, localized violence persist, often linked to political disagreements, flags, parades, or organized crime by former paramilitary groups, with "peace walls" still separating many neighborhoods.

Is there still conflict in Northern Ireland?

While the large-scale violence of "The Troubles" largely ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, conflict in Northern Ireland persists as deep-rooted societal divisions, political instability (exacerbated by Brexit), and sporadic paramilitary activity continue, making peace a fragile and ongoing process rather than a fully resolved state. Communities remain largely segregated by identity, marked by "peace walls," and tensions flare over constitutional status, legacy issues, and integration, even as many work towards lasting peace. 

Are Catholics and Protestants still segregated in Northern Ireland?

Education in Northern Ireland is heavily segregated. Most state schools in Northern Ireland are predominantly Protestant, while the majority of Catholic children attend schools maintained by the Catholic Church.

Why don't Catholics and Protestants get along in Northern Ireland?

England occupied and oppressed Ireland for centuries, denying land, food, freedom of religion, and education. They oppressed people in other countries, too, but in Ireland, they often based discriminatory policies on religion. Thus, Catholics often had fewer rights than Protestants.

Do peace walls still exist in Northern Ireland?

There are more than 20 miles of peace walls in Northern Ireland combined, the most famous one being on the Shankill Road and Falls Road interface stretches over 800 metres long, or just under 1km.

Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland | DW Documentary

Is Belfast mostly Catholic or Protestant?

As a result, the historic counties of Londonderry, Fermanagh, and Tyrone now have marked Catholic majorities, while the traditional concentration of Protestants in the eastern reaches has increased. One important exception to this rule is Belfast on the eastern seaboard, where Catholics have become the majority.

Why are the gates closed at night in Belfast?

The gates separate the Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods of Belfast. The gates close at night (or at least used to when we were there many years ago) to prevent the hotheads on either side from causing any mischief.

Is Ira Protestant or Catholic?

The IRA (Irish Republican Army) is predominantly associated with Irish Catholics, as its goal of a united, independent Ireland aligned with the nationalist aspirations of the Catholic minority facing discrimination, though it wasn't exclusively Catholic, with some Protestants involved and the conflict being more political than purely religious. While many members were Catholic, the IRA wasn't a religious organization but a militant republican one, and the conflict was a nationalist struggle. 

Is Northern Ireland safe for tourists?

Northern Ireland is arguably safer than England, Scotland, France, Spain, Italy, the US, and loads more extremely popular countries for tourists. Should you visit all these countries at least once in your life? Yes, absolutely.

Why is Derry controversial?

Background. Derry has a long history of sectarian tension and violence. In particular, the city became a refuge for Protestants during the 1641 Rebellion when thousands of Protestants were massacred by Catholics.

Are Protestants richer than Catholics in Northern Ireland?

Protestants have traditionally earned higher incomes than Catholics, although a comparison of income statistics from 1988/87 and 1990/91 show that the gap in income levels between the two has reduced.

What is the main cause of conflict in Northern Ireland?

+ Summary. The Troubles in Northern Ireland were a 30-year dispute steeped in both religious conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants and geopolitical conflict between the British and the Irish.

Can you write on the peace wall?

During the tour, you can learn about the meaning behind the city's famous murals as you visit key sites, including the Shankill Road, the Falls Road, and the Peace Wall—where you can stop and sign your name.

Is the IRA still fighting in Ireland?

Yes, while the main Provisional IRA ended its campaign and decommissioned weapons in 2005, dissident republican groups, primarily the New IRA, remain active in Ireland (especially Northern Ireland), continuing violent actions and opposing the Good Friday Agreement, though often facing setbacks and feuds. These splinter groups, like the Continuity IRA and New IRA, have carried out bombings and attacks, targeting security forces and perceived collaborators, as a continuation of the republican struggle for a united Ireland. 

Is it safe to visit Belfast now?

Is Belfast dangerous? No, Belfast is one of the safest cities in the UK. It has a peaceful environment and welcoming residents. Moreover, the city is quite safe for travel, study, and staying.

Why don't Ireland and Northern Ireland get along?

Northern Ireland and Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) don't "get along" due to deep historical divisions stemming from British colonization, partitioning in 1921, and a conflict known as "the Troubles," centered on whether Northern Ireland should remain in the UK (Unionists/Protestants) or join the Republic (Nationalists/Catholics). The conflict involved sectarian violence, political struggles over identity, and discrimination against Catholics, leading to decades of unrest until the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which established peace but left the constitutional question unresolved. 

Can you wear orange in Belfast?

It might be wise to avoid green, white and orange in unionist/Protestant areas, and then colours of the Union Jack in nationalist/Catholic areas.

Are Americans welcome in Northern Ireland?

Its rich history and beautiful landscape make it enjoyable to visit. Safety for travelers is not an issue — every American I met traveling in the North was at ease and statistically it's as safe as any other country.

What not to do in Ireland as a tourist?

When visiting Ireland, avoid stereotypes like "top o' the mornin'," faking accents, or asking about leprechauns; don't drink and drive, overschedule your trip, or only stay in Dublin; and be prepared for unpredictable weather by layering clothes and bringing rain gear, as the Irish are friendly but appreciate respect for their culture and history. Also, remember to drive on the left, learn local slang like "craic," and understand pub etiquette.
 

What is the most devout Catholic country?

While Vatican City is 100% Catholic, the most religiously Catholic country in terms of high population percentage is often cited as Timor-Leste (East Timor), with over 97% Catholic, or Malta, with ~98% Catholic, though data varies; for sheer numbers, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines have the largest Catholic populations, but the Philippines is often highlighted for its high intensity of Catholic practice alongside these large populations. 

What is the only Protestant town in Ireland?

Welcome to Drum - the only Protestant village in Republic of Ireland. They march to a very different beat in the village of Drum, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it sort of place that still manages to be an eye-opener in the heart of Co Monaghan.

Why do Celtic fans say up the RA?

The songs chorus features a reference to some graffiti with the words "Ooh, ahh, up the RA"—a reference to the Irish Republican Army.

What is the most common crime in Belfast?

The most common crimes in Belfast City are violence and sexual offences, with 12,291 offences during 2025, giving a crime rate of 22. This is 6% lower than 2024's figure of 13,021 offences and a difference of 1.3 from 2024's crime rate of 24.

Can you sit on the Iron Throne in Belfast?

Last but not least, this window is also special because it actually has a little seat that's attached to it, so you can be a total dork and sit on your stained glass Iron Throne, while overlooking the actual Titanic Studios.

Where to avoid staying in Belfast?

Which areas to avoid in Belfast? West Belfast, North Belfast, and Shankill Road are avoided due to high crime rates. If you're unfamiliar with these areas, avoiding them, especially at night, or researching and taking local advice before visiting is advisable.