What is the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
From religion to currency to politics, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are two nations that differ in almost every way.
From religion to currency to politics, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are two nations that differ in almost every way. To help you understand, we've prepared a list of the main differences between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
A bit of history…
To understand the distinction between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland (today the Republic of Ireland), we need to look back in time. Following World War I, numerous republican opponents, Catholics, and unionist Anglicans clashed until partition granted relative independence to the Republic of Ireland.
Thus, in 1937, Southern Ireland obtained its own constitution. In 1949, Southern Ireland became the Republic of Ireland and continued to reject partition. In other words, the main difference between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland is that they are two different nations. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom while Southern Ireland maintains its status as a politically sovereign state.
Geography
The Republic of Ireland, also called Ireland and sometimes mistakenly Southern Ireland, has 26 counties while Northern Ireland has only 6. Ireland covers a much larger area than Northern Ireland. The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin while that of Northern Ireland is Belfast.
To orient you, Northern Ireland belongs to the United Kingdom alongside England, Scotland, Wales, and the British Isles. This means that the Republic of Ireland depends on the European Union while Northern Ireland is affected by Brexit.
Religion
Ireland is predominantly Catholic while Northern Ireland is primarily Protestant or Anglican. For a long time, religion was seen as a way to display one's allegiance to the nationalist or unionist community. A policy of anti-Catholic discrimination deeply marked history and was a source of tension for many centuries. While legislation has truly evolved since then, religion remains a sensitive subject between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Politics
Another point of difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: politics. Attached to the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland recognizes the authority of the Queen. The seat of government is located at Stormont and is represented by the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Republic of Ireland, or Southern Ireland, elects a president for a term of 7 years as well as a prime minister and a bicameral Parliament.
Currency
Since it is an integral part of the United Kingdom and not the eurozone, Northern Ireland uses the British pound sterling (£) unlike the Republic of Ireland, which has adopted the euro (€). You will therefore not need to change your money if you plan a trip to Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
No, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and therefore left the European Union with Brexit. However, it benefits from a special status allowing it to remain in the European single market for goods. The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, remains a member of the European Union.
In Northern Ireland, the official currency is the British pound sterling (£), as in the rest of the United Kingdom. If you also travel to the Republic of Ireland, you will need to use the euro (€). Remember to bring both currencies if you cross the border during your trip.
For French citizens, a valid passport is required to enter the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. The border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is open (Common Travel Area), but it is advisable to have your identity documents with you.
The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast, known particularly for its industrial heritage and as the birthplace of the Titanic. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland.
Absolutely! Many travelers combine Belfast and Dublin in a single visit. The two cities are only about 2 hours' drive from each other. Simply plan to have both euros and British pounds, as the two countries use different currencies.
