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US government issues warning for tourists in Northern Ireland

US, Australian and New Zealand tourist told to avoid Northern Ireland between April and August



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Belfast, Northern Ireland

The United States bureau of consular affairs in Ireland has issued a warning to U.S. citizen's travelling in the North of Ireland following the spree of bombings over the last month.

Their statement reads "US citizens travelling to Northern Ireland should remain alert to their surroundings and should be aware that if they choose to visit potential flash points or attend parades, sporadic violence remains a possibility”.

They also warned travelers that demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “Over recent years we have seen a huge increase in the number of visitors to Northern Ireland, and our feedback shows that the vast majority of those visitors see Northern Ireland as a safe and secure destination”.

Similar warnings, over Northern Ireland, were issued by the Australian and New Zealand governments.

The Australian government advised tourists to avoid protests and demonstrations “as they may turn violent.” They added "Australians could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others”.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested that their citizens avoid Northern Ireland during the period of April to August the marches and protests “have the potential to turn violent and we recommend you avoid them”.

Two bombs were defused in County Down on August 4 and 8. A car bomb exploded outside a police station in Derry City on August 3.



9 Comments

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Governments issue warnings like this even after only a few isolated instances, because they feel politically and legally liable. But those of us who have lived in Belfast and the Northern counties or visited many times besides over the past ten years know that it is a brilliant place. The coast and countryside are amazingly beautiful, the people are great fun, welcoming and generous, the shops, pubs, cafes, theatre etc. are completely brilliant. Go to the Northern counties - Belfast and the Northern coast are especially recommended - and have a great time!! - Caroline Oceana Ryan, author - AN OLD CASTLE STANDING ON A FORD: One Yank's Life in an Almost Peaceful Belfast
I am not afraid! Anyone want to buy me an airline ticket from NYC to Ireland I will come and photograph your beautiful country! 26 6 = 1
I just returned from a trip to N. Ireland (Belfast, Omagh, Armagh and Derry City. While in Derry, we saw one of the neighborhood band parades. While the police were out in force (with flak jackets) there were no incidents. There was large crowd (including tourists like us), there were no protestors of any sort. There were, without doubt a lot of irritated motorists as the parade was at the beginning of the evening rush hour on Friday near the city center and the police had made a lot of changes to the traffic patterns to accomomdate the marchers. The 3 Aug car bomb was set off down the street from our hotel and wakened those who were on that side of the hotel. That was the work of the "Real IRA" (whoever they are). We also toured the Derry city walls and our guide told us that an agreement has been reached between the Orangmen and the Catholics that there will no longer be massed bands marching on the walls past the Catholic area. Henceforth, the march will be limited to one band and Catholics are invited to march along! I also read that after the recent car bomb explosion that killed several children that both sides were now engaged in a meeting of minds to end all car bomb episodes on BOTH sides. As to the warnings issued by the US BCA and our Antipodean comrade governments, this appears to be pretty much a case of "locking the barn after the horse has gone." I haven't read of any "incidents" after the bomb defusing on 8 Aug. While the "separation walls" between neighborhoods are still in evidence and Union and Irish flags aplenty, there didn't appear to be anything untoward happening
Why anyone would wish to travel in Northern Ireland beats the Hell out of me but I suppose there are some who enjoy travelling around Iraq and Afghanistan. smarock10@yahoo.com
Where I come from (Canada) bombs are not going off, ever. It is such a shame. Ireland is such a beautiful, magical place. I will never tire of travelling there, but I'm not sure that I would be comfortable in Northern Ireland.
Very low crime rate, they say, I dont know how they count.. I would take New York city streets to be safer at night, than any city or town in Northern Ireland after 10 at night, and most of the republic for that matter........
Schenck As posted by Kilsally Northern Ireland is one of the safest places in the world. Please take your trip and truly enjoy yourself. Remember, all places have bad areas. As for ferrying in and of Larne, perfect! You can head into the Beautiful City of Belfast. Stopping along the way you take a drive through Islandmagee, visit the city of Carrickfergus (Castle) You could head north along the beautiful Antrim coast, it will take you breath away. Northern Ireland is truly a beautiful place. It has so much to offer. I could go on and on.. Please go, and have a wonderful time. Happy 40th.
We want to go the end of July next year for our 40th. We're wondering what to do. We would ferry into & out of Larne. Suggestions?
Northern Ireland is one of the safest places in the world, very low crime rate and more people killed in car crashes than by `the troubles` over last 40 years
 


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