The Ulster Volunteer Force (more commonly referred to as the UVF or by some of its supporters The Peoples Army) is a loyalist paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. The current incarnation was formed in May 1966 and named after the UVF of 1912. The original UVF was formed by Edward Carson and James Craig as a Unionist militia in the tensions surrounding the potential success of the third Home Rule campaign. Some contemporary estimates put its membership at over 100,000. Carson and Craig, supported by some English Conser ...

Read more here: » Ulster Volunteer Force: Encyclopedia - Ulster Volunteer Force

Both fossils and prehistoric human artefacts have been found in the sea cliffs around Larne. Larne was one of the earliest Viking settlements in Ireland, who also called it "Ulfreksfjord" (the name of the present-day townland, "Olderfleet", is derived from this Viking name), and Viking burial sites have been discovered in the area. Edward the Bruce, brother of the Scottish King Robert the Bruce, landed in Larne with the largest ...

See also:

Larne, Larne - History, Larne - Places of Interest, Larne - Transport, Larne - People, Larne - 2001 Census

Read more here: » Larne: Encyclopedia II - Larne - History

Northern Ireland was covered by an ice sheet for most of the last ice age and on numerous previous occasions, the legacy of which can be seen in the extensive coverage of drumlins in Counties Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and particularly Down. The centrepiece of Northern Ireland's geography is Lough Neagh, at 151 mi² (392 km²) the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. A second extensive lake system is centred on Lower and Upper Lough Erne in Fermanagh. There are substantial uplands in the Sperrin Mountains (an extension of the ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland nationality law, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Geography and climate

Orange Order - Roots. The Orange Order was founded in the 1790s, but its roots go back to conflicts arising out of the creation of English and Scottish Protestant communities in Ulster in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the Plantation of Ulster, lands were seized from the native Irish and Catholic population and "planted" with Presbyterian settlers from the Lowlands of Scotland and Anglicans from northern England. This included many of the infamous border Reiver clans. Small numbers of Gaelic-speaking Highland Sc ...

See also:

Orange Order, Orange Order - History and origins, Orange Order - Roots, Orange Order - Foundation, Orange Order - The Battle of Garvagh, Orange Order - The Defence Of Crossgar, Orange Order - Battle of Dolly's Brae, Orange Order - The Twelfth, Orange Order - Requirements for entry, Orange Order - Religion and Culture, Orange Order - Political links, Orange Order - Related organisations, Orange Order - The Orange Order throughout the world, Orange Order - The Ulster Tower, Orange Order - The Orange Order in Canada, Orange Order - Flag, Orange Order - Orange Charities

Read more here: » Orange Order: Encyclopedia II - Orange Order - History and origins

Northern Ireland was covered by an ice sheet for most of the last ice age and on numerous previous occasions, the legacy of which can be seen in the extensive coverage of drumlins in Counties Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and particularly Down. The centrepiece of Northern Ireland's geography is Lough Neagh, at 151 mi² (392 km²) the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. A second extensive lake system is centred on Lower and Upper Lough Erne in Fermanagh. There are substantial uplands in the Sperrin Mountains (an extension of the ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Geography and climate

Larne is classified as a Large Town by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with population between 18,000 and 75,000 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 18,228 people living in Larne. Of these: 20.9% were aged under 16 years and 21.2% were aged 60 and over 48.2% of the population were male and 51.8% were female 26.2% were from a Catholic background and 70.7% were from a Protestant background 4.3% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed. For more details see: ...

See also:

Larne, Larne - History, Larne - Places of Interest, Larne - Transport, Larne - People, Larne - 2001 Census

Read more here: » Larne: Encyclopedia II - Larne - 2001 Census

A majority of the present-day population (59%, according to a 2004 survey) wish to remain part of the United Kingdom, but a significant minority (22%) want to see a united Ireland. Almost the entire population of Northern Ireland is at least nominally Christian. Religious observance is the highest in Europe. The ethno-political loyalties are allied, though not absolutely, to the Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations and these are the labels used to categorise the opposing views. A majority of Protestants wish for Northern Ireland to re ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics

Ferries sail from the harbour to destinations including Cairnryan and Troon in Scotland, and Fleetwood in England. Larne is connected to Belfast by the A8 road. The A2 road or 'Antrim coast road' which runs along the Antrim coast, and passes through the scenic Glens of Antrim, also serves the town. South of the town the A2 passes the side of Larne Lough, via Glynn, Magheramorne, and Ballycarry, to Whitehead and Carrickfergus. The A38 road runs from the town to Ballymena. A railway route to Belfast, via Whitehead and Carrickfergus, also connects Larne to the Northern Ireland Railways network. Currently there is no freight tra ...

See also:

Larne, Larne - History, Larne - Places of Interest, Larne - Transport, Larne - People, Larne - 2001 Census

Read more here: » Larne: Encyclopedia II - Larne - Transport

Main article: History of Northern Ireland; for events before 1900 see Ulster or History of Ireland. The area now known as Northern Ireland has had a diverse history. From serving as the bedrock of Irish resistance in the era of the plantations of Queen Elizabeth and James I in other parts of Ireland, it became itself the subject of major planting of Scottish and English settlers after the Flight of the Earls in 1607 (when the native Gaelic aristo ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - History

A majority of the present-day population (59%, according to a 2004 survey) wish to remain part of the United Kingdom, but a significant minority (22%) want to see a united Ireland. Almost the entire population of Northern Ireland is at least nominally Christian. Religious observance is the highest in Europe. The ethno-political loyalties are allied, though not absolutely, to the Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations and these are the labels used to categorise the opposing views. A majority of Protestants wish for Northern Ireland to re ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland nationality law, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics

Today, Northern Ireland comprises a diverse patchwork of communities, whose national loyalties are represented in some areas by flags flown from lamp posts. The Union Flag and former Flag of Northern Ireland therefore appear in some loyalist areas, with the Irish national flag, the tricolour appearing in some republican areas. Even kerbstones in some areas are painted red-white-blue or green-white-orange, depending on whether local people express unionist/lo ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland nationality law, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Symbols

Main article: History of Northern Ireland; for events before 1900 see Ulster or History of Ireland. The area now known as Northern Ireland has had a diverse history. From serving as the bedrock of Irish resistance in the era of the plantations of Queen Elizabeth and James I in other parts of Ireland, it became itself the subject of major planting of Scottish and English settlers after the Flight of the Earls in 1607 (when the native Gaelic aristo ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland nationality law, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - History

Notable buildings in the town include the ruins of sixteenth century Olderfleet Castle and The Chaine Memorial, a replica of the traditional Irish round tower and known locally as "the giant's pencil". Larne Lough is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, and Ramsar Site in order to protect the wetland environment, particularly due to the presence of certain bird species and shellfish. ...

See also:

Larne, Larne - History, Larne - Places of Interest, Larne - Transport, Larne - People, Larne - 2001 Census

Read more here: » Larne: Encyclopedia II - Larne - Places of Interest

Main article: Economy of Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland economy is the smallest of the four economies making up the United Kingdom. ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland nationality law, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Economy

The basis of the modern Orange Order is the promotion and propagation of "biblical Protestantism" and the principles of the Reformation. As such the Order only accepts those who confess a belief in a Protestant religion. Monthly meetings are held in Orange Halls or "Lodges." The Order has a system of "degrees" which new members advance through. These degrees are interactive "plays" founded solely on passages of the Bible. Parades form a large part of Orange culture. Most Orange Lodges hold an annual parade from their Orange Hall to a local c ...

See also:

Orange Order, Orange Order - History and origins, Orange Order - Roots, Orange Order - Foundation, Orange Order - The Battle of Garvagh, Orange Order - The Defence Of Crossgar, Orange Order - Battle of Dolly's Brae, Orange Order - The Twelfth, Orange Order - Requirements for entry, Orange Order - Religion and Culture, Orange Order - Political links, Orange Order - Related organisations, Orange Order - The Orange Order throughout the world, Orange Order - The Ulster Tower, Orange Order - The Orange Order in Canada, Orange Order - Flag, Orange Order - Orange Charities

Read more here: » Orange Order: Encyclopedia II - Orange Order - Religion and Culture

With its improved international reputation, Northern Ireland has recently witnessed rising numbers of tourists who come to appreciate the area's unique heritage. Attractions include cultural festivals, musical and artistic traditions, countryside and geographical sites of interest, pubs, welcoming hospitality and sports (especially golf and fishing). In 1987, pubs were allowed to open on Sundays, despite vocal opposition. Northern Ireland - Languages. The Mid Ulster dialect of English spoken in Northern Ir ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland nationality law, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Culture

Three members have been Prime Ministers of Canada, namely Sir John A. Macdonald, the father of Canadian Confederation, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, a Past Grand Master, and John Diefenbaker. Premier Joseph Smallwood, who brought Newfoundland (which is often described as the most Irish place outside Ireland, see article Irish Newfoundlanders) into the Canadian Confederation in 1949, was also an Orangeman. The Orange Order played an important role in the history of Canada, where it was established in 1830. Most early members were from Ireland, but later many English, Scots, and other Protestant Europeans ...

See also:

Orange Order, Orange Order - History and origins, Orange Order - Roots, Orange Order - Foundation, Orange Order - The Battle of Garvagh, Orange Order - The Defence Of Crossgar, Orange Order - Battle of Dolly's Brae, Orange Order - The Twelfth, Orange Order - Requirements for entry, Orange Order - Religion and Culture, Orange Order - Political links, Orange Order - Related organisations, Orange Order - The Orange Order throughout the world, Orange Order - The Ulster Tower, Orange Order - The Orange Order in Canada, Orange Order - Flag, Orange Order - Orange Charities

Read more here: » Orange Order: Encyclopedia II - Orange Order - The Orange Order in Canada

Main article: History of Northern Ireland; for events before 1900 see Ulster or History of Ireland. The area now known as Northern Ireland has had a diverse history. From serving as the bedrock of Irish resistance in the era of the plantations of Queen Elizabeth and James I in other parts of Ireland, it became itself the subject of major planting of Scottish and English settlers after the Flight of the Earls in 1607 (when the native Gaelic aristocrac ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - History

Main article: Economy of Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland economy is the smallest of the four economies making up the United Kingdom. ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Economy

Today, Northern Ireland comprises a diverse patchwork of communities, whose national loyalties are represented in some areas by flags flown from lamp posts. The Union Flag and former Flag of Northern Ireland therefore appear in some loyalist areas, with the Irish national flag, the tricolour appearing in some republican areas. Even kerbstones in some areas are painted red-white-blue or green-white-orange, depending on whether local people express unionist/lo ...

See also:

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Demographics and politics, Northern Ireland - Symbols, Northern Ireland - Geography and climate, Northern Ireland - The Counties in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland - Towns and villages, Northern Ireland - Places of interest, Northern Ireland - Variations in Geographic nomenclature, Northern Ireland - Economy, Northern Ireland - History, Northern Ireland - Partition of Ireland partition of Ulster, Northern Ireland - 1925 to the present, Northern Ireland - Culture, Northern Ireland - Languages

Read more here: » Northern Ireland: Encyclopedia II - Northern Ireland - Symbols