• LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US

8WomenDream

Dream Big Stories

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONNECT
You Are Here Home » TRAVEL THE WORLD » Travel dreams in Ireland

in TRAVEL THE WORLD

Travel dreams in Ireland

Last updated on July 31st, 2013 at 11:41 am

Welcome to travel dreams Saturday and I am just back from Northern Ireland. Green fields dropping down to the sea, dramatic sea cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and friendly pubs: it was everything a trip to Ireland should be.

I was there during a more-than-usually (in the past few years anyway) confrontational July 12th Orange marching ‘celebration’. My trip was completely unaffected by the troubles but travelling around I could not help but notice the powerful use of banners, signs, flags and symbols used by ‘nationalists’ and ‘unionists’ to promote their cause.

So my photo essay is a little different today. I will bring you lovely photos of idyllic Irish scenery in the coming weeks (and some Game of Thrones movie locations) but for this post I want to share some of the signs and symbols of Northern Ireland. Signs are, after all, very important to the traveller – providing navigational aid as well as an insight to the culture of a place.

IRA graffiti on Horn Head, Donegal

There are flags everywhere for the annual marching to mark the conquest of Ireland by the English King William of Orange in the 17th Century. Red white and blue flags for the unionists and (rarer) Irish tricolours for the nationalists. It’s not just the flags but the street lights, kerbsides and roads that also get painted.

Unionist mural in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Then there are signs and murals. The ‘No Surrender’ in this sign over the entrance to a village refers to the Siege of Derry, where a group of apprentice boys barred the gates against the invading English army. When the King demanded they “Surrender or die” they issued the famous retort “No Surrender!”

Unionist signs in rural Northern Ireland

The walled city of Derry – or Londonerry if you are so inclined – was one of the original Plantation cities, where the native Irish were expelled and a garrison established to protect the Anglo-Scots settlers. Here is shot of the city’s coat of arms on the gates of the ancient cathedral. The castle, the skeleton, the gold harp and the arms of the City of London (red cross and sword on white). The motto is “Life, Truth, Victory”.

Derry coat of arms, Northern Ireland

In Belfast’s Shankhill and Falls areas there are many political murals commemorating events from the troubles. Here is the international wall, where political causes from around the world are also highlighted.

International mural wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland

But there are also some symbols of hope. In 2013 Derry is one of the European Cities of Culture and one of the major investments in preparation for the year-long celebration of the arts has been the construction of the Peace Bridge.

This magnificent span across the River Foyle connects the largely unionist ‘Waterside’ with the largely nationalist ‘Cityside’ and, by improving access, is part of wider regeneration plans, particularly for the previously desolate Waterside.

Derry Peace Bridge, Northern Ireland

Derry is a wonderfully attractive city to tour, packed with fascinating architecture and history. I hope this symbol of hope heralds good things for Northern Ireland in the years to come. It is certainly a great place to travel.

Natasha

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell your friends!

Filed Under: TRAVEL THE WORLD

Some of the posts on 8WD contain affiliate links or links to purchase products or programs from 8WD contributors. This means 8WD or the contributor may make a small commission if you make a purchase. The 8WD affiliate links help offset the cost of hosting this website and the contributor links help support the dreams of the contributor. Please check out the 8WD Legal Page for more details.

Thank you for your continued support!

« How to Photograph Men
A Dreamer Inspired by Nelson Mandela »

Check it out

  • LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US


The 8WomenDream Dream Tote Bag

About the 8WomenDream Tote Bag
US – 10oz Cotton
Dimensions (External Dimensions)
• Height – 18″ (45.72cm or 457.2mm)
• Width – 15″ (38.1cm or 381mm)
Handle Dimensions (Internal Dimensions)
• Length – 29″ (73.7cm or 736.6mm)

Recent Dream Stories

  • Winter Solstice Celebrations: What to Do With 1 Minute More?
  • Starting Over as a Single Mom Wasn’t My Big Dream
  • Warning: Big Dream to Be a Motivational Speaker Won’t Always Obey Your Plans
  • Dance to Relieve Stress to Focus on Your Big Dream
  • 6 Tips to Avoid Get Rich Quick Scams as a Public Speaker
  • A Dream to Spread MLK’s Message of Love
  • Best Goal Setting Advice that Actually Works
  • 8 Solstice Traditions for Focusing on Your Big Dream this Year
Catherine Hughes on Dealspotr
Catherine Hughes
@8WomenDream
Let’s collaborate
Powered by Dealspotr

Inspiration

8 WOMEN DREAM | COPYRIGHT All RIGHTS RESERVED © 2023 ·