Also known as Ulster, Northern Ireland is the smallest of the four countries which make up the UK. It forms around a sixth of the island of Ireland (the remainder being the Republic of Ireland) and has a population of over 1.8 million, being a surprising 30% of all of Ireland.  Small but powerful, it is packed full of stunning scenery, historic castles, the legendary Giant’s Causeway and the origin of the fateful Titanic. 

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Northern Ireland has six “counties” which are Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone, and also the parliamentary boroughs of Belfast and Londonderry,

Famous for potatoes, Irish whiskey, C S Lewis, George Best, Liam Neeson and Van Morrison to name but a few and more recently as the filming location of The Game of Thrones.  Although English is the most commonly spoken language, Irish Gaelic is hugely significant as well as ‘Ulster Scots’. Northern Ireland guarantees a warm and friendly welcome with something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

What to see and do in Northern Ireland

• The Giant’s Causeway – just off the coast of County Antrim this UNESCO World Heritage Site of over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns was formed by volcanic eruptions 50 – 60 million years ago. Discover the legend of the giants which gives the Giant’s Causeway its name.  Take the Causeway Coastal Route around the north coast of Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry for spectacular coastal views and explore many trails leading from the route by car, bike or on foot. (44 Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU)

Visit the Antrim Hug Directory

• Belfast – the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast sits on land occupied since the Bronze Age and is steeped in history and culture as well as great shopping and friendly pubs alive with live music.  Learn about the history of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP, a museum of several galleries presenting everything about the Titanic.  Explore imposing Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 5GR anb Belfast Cathedral, Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2HB the historic Crumlin Road Gaol, 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast BT14 6ST, and relax at the beautiful Botanic Gardens at BT9 5EX. Walk from Belfast Castle car park up to the peak of Cave Hill for the best panoramic views of the city. Cave Hill Country Park is based at Antrim Road, BT15 5GR. An hour outside Belfast go to the see the most scenic ruins of the medieval castle of Dunluce, 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills BT57 8UY.

Visit The Group Hug Armagh

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – near Ballintoy, dare to walk across this 20-metre rope bridge at 30 metres above the sea and rocks.  Originally erected by salmon fishermen in 1755, the rope bridge links the mainland to the beautiful tiny island of Carrick-a-rede – 119A Whitepark Road, Ballintoy BT54 6LS. The island is said to be one of the best volcanic plugs in the country.  Just a short drive from here, visit the ruins of the 16^th century Kinbane Castle on the narrow limestone point of Kinbane Head – Ballycastle, off Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LP.  A walk well worth the spectacular scenery that awaits. Also only a short drive from the rope bridge you’ll find The Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest operating whiskey distillery which offers daily tours – 2 Distillery Road, Bushmills BT57 8XH, Northern Ireland

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• Londonderry (Derry) – the second largest city in Northern Ireland and home to the world’s oldest independent department story, Austin’s.  Visit the beautiful Peace Bridge, Queens Quay, Londonderry BT48 6AA, the Museum of Free Derry, 55 Glenfada Park, Bogside, Derry BT48 9DR, the Guildhall – Guildhall Street & Shipquay Place, Londonderry BT48 6 and the Tower Museum at Union Hall Place, Londonderry BT48 6LU, or take a walk along the 17^th century Derry city walls with historic markers to help you on your way. Don’t miss the powerful wall murals of the Bogside artists collectively known as The People’s Gallery which portray much of Northern Ireland’s political and historic past – 7 Meenan Square Bogside, Londonderry BT48 9EX

Loneliness is being recognised as a problem for many in today’s society

Back on October 15^th 2018 Theresa May launched the first cross-Government strategy to tackle loneliness. It was being recognised as a “thing” then. Funding was also made available to help communities build stronger connections in a bid to alleviate social isolation and that feeling of being solo.

We asked The Group Hug Community what was their main reason for joining The Group Hug and the majority of them replied “loneliness”.

The Marmalade Trust is all about defeating loneliness

We’ve tweeted the PM to see if the government is doing the same thing. Let’s see if they reply. Loneliness is a big issue for many. Who even speaks to their neighbours these days? We drive in and out of our homes without even knowing who is in our neighbourhood. When the Autumn hits, the elderly start to feel more vulnerable as they know the long dark days and nights are on their way. For many, their only interaction with the outside world is if they become ill and have to see seek medical assistance or have a spell in hospital. Society sees being aware of your neighbours as “nosey”.

What causes loneliness?

Throughout our lives there are certain circumstances which can lead us to feel lonely and The triggers for loneliness are common and run alongside life changes.

• Becoming a parent – especially if you are a younger parent
• Leaving care
• The break-up of a long-term relationship/marriage
• Bereavement – loss of a partner
• Becoming a full-time carer, for example looking after an elderly parent
• Suffering redundancy/unemployment
• Suffering from empty-nest when the kids leave home
• Retirement

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