Chances are that there are many fascinating facts about Ulster you never knew. Read on to find out more about this northern province.
Ulster is one of the four provinces in Ireland and is located in the northern region of the island.
It is an area that has a rich and often tragic history. However, it is also an area of immense beauty and one that has so much to offer to visitors wishing to experience epic Irish culture.
There are also many things to learn about the province of Ulster as there are many fascinating facts to discover about the region.
In this article, we will reveal the top ten most fascinating facts about Ulster you never knew.
10. Many United States presidents were descended from Ulster – the homeland of many presidents
Ulster has an unlikely link with many American presidents as three first-generation American presidents had fathers born in Ulster.
The parents of President Andrew Jackson, President James Buchanan, and President Chester Alan Arthur were all born in Ulster.
There are also seven other presidents who can claim to have close roots in Ireland.
9. Almost half of the population of Northern Ireland is under 30 – a youthful country
The population of Northern Ireland has quite a young population when compared to many other countries throughout the world.
Almost half of the population of Northern Ireland is actually under 30 years old.
8. During the Troubles, there were over 10,000 bomb attacks – a turbulent time fuelled by sectarian violence
The Troubles was a terrible conflict that caused devastation and heartache for approximately 30 years, starting in the late 1960s.
During these 30 years, there was said to be over 10,000 bomb attacks that occurred in both Ireland and the UK.
During this period of sectarian violence between the Protestant and Catholic community, an estimated 107,000 people experienced some form of physical injury, too.
7. The Titanic was built in Belfast City – a famous ship
The famous ship Titanic was built in Belfast in the province of Ulster before it set off on its ill-fated voyage.
Today, visitors can learn more about this ship, including its construction and maiden voyage, at Titanic Belfast. Check out the 10 mistakes that caused the sinking of the Titanic.
6. Ulster was the home of the famous John Dunlop – a man who made a huge contribution to society
No one can deny that John Dunlop made a huge contribution to society. His invention of the pneumatic tire in Belfast City made manoeuvring any vehicle that utilises tires a lot easier and safer.
This is perhaps one of the most interesting facts about Ulster you never knew!
5. Ulster is home to some of Ireland’s most well-known golfers – a great golfing province
Irish golfers, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, and Darren Clarke were all born in Northern Ireland.
The province is also home to some world-class golf clubs, including the Royal Portrush Golf Club and the Royal County Down Golf Club.
4. Belfast is iconic for its famous Peace Walls – symbolic structures of the past
Belfast has become iconic for its Peace Walls, which were erected to divide the Protestant and Catholic communities.
Today, visitors to the city can take a tour of these walls that still stand between the two communities.
3. The schools of Northern Ireland are unique – a situation like no other
The majority of schools throughout Northern Ireland (93%) are segregated according to the two major religions and communities in the country, which are Protestant and Catholic community.
As things have become more peaceful in recent decades, this is slowly changing, with more and more schools choosing to integrate.
2. Ulster has become a famous filming location – popular on the big screen
Ulster and Northern Ireland have become very famous filming locations in recent years, thanks to their usage in many big movies and TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
Locations such as the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, Malin Head, and Magheramourne Quarry tend to be the most popular filming locations chosen.
1. The highest mountain in Ulster is Slieve Donard – the majestic Mourne Mountains
In first place on our list of what we believe are the top ten most fascinating facts about Ulster you never knew is the fact that Slieve Donard is both Ulster and Northern Ireland’s highest point.
Slieve Donard sits in the Mourne Mountains at 2,800 ft (850 m) above sea level.
On a clear day, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view across the southeast of Northern Ireland and the Irish Sea.
That concludes our list of ten most fascinating facts about Ulster you never knew. Were there any that you were already aware of?
Notable mentions
The longest river in Ulster: The longest river in Ulster is the River Foyle, which stretches to a total of 129 km (80 miles).
A province that is located in two countries: The province of Ulster is unique as it is located in two different countries, with 62% of the area being in the UK and 38% of it being located in the Republic of Ireland.
The highest building in Ireland: The Obel Tower in Belfast City is the highest building not only in Ulster but all of Ireland as a whole.
Second largest city in Ireland: Coming just behind Dublin, Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast is the second largest city in Ireland by population.
Devolved Government: Northern Ireland’s six counties are ruled by a devolved government, The Northern Ireland Assembly or Stormont, which works alongside the Government of the United Kingdom.
National anthem: The province of Ulster sings two national anthems. The Irish national anthem in County Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan; the United Kingdom national anthem in the remaining six.
FAQs about Ulster
What is the population of Ulster?
The population of Ulster currently is just over two million people.
What is the biggest county in Ulster?
In terms of area, County Donegal in west Ulster is the largest county in Ulster. County Antrim is the largest by population. It is, in fact, the second-largest county by population in Ireland, ranking just behind Dublin.
How many Irish counties are there in Ulster?
There are nine Irish counties in Ulster in total. These include County Antrim, County Armagh and County Down in the east. County Fermanagh, County Derry, County Tyrone in the west. Then, County Donegal, County Cavan, and County Monaghan.
Six of these historic counties (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry, and Tyrone) are located in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the other three counties (Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan) are all located in the Republic of Ireland.
However, what they all have in common is that they are all part of the island of Ireland.
