Belfast

The UK is a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing both a fascinating history and dynamic modern attractions. This is a country known for its eccentric and subversive popular culture and for having a music scene that many regard as the best in the world. Witness thousands of years of history – stone circles, castles, thatched cottages and palaces; in these islands the past comes alive. The capital and largest city is London, a truly global metropolis like no other, and many of the country’s other cities have much to offer. To understand their sheer diversity, compare genteel Oxford with brooding Edinburgh, gentrifying Manchester, sports-mad Cardiff, the cultural melting pot of Birmingham or newly thriving Belfast, while remembering these are but the tip of the iceberg. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves, it continues to be hugely influential in the wider world and welcomes over 30 million visitors to its shores each year. Whether you wish to walk in the steps of giants in Antrim, to immerse yourself in Celtic culture at Eisteddfod, to pound the streets of an English urban jungle, to climb, ski or snowboard Cairngorms-style or simply to dream of having tea with the Queen, there is something for everyone in the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom

However, the country is now settled, and the conflict is mostly over, and so it’s a fantastic place to visit. Northern Ireland is a remarkably green area, with very fertile land meaning that there are farms and forests everywhere. The largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh, can be found here. This 391 square kilometre body of water supplies 40% of the water in Northern Ireland and so is both beautiful and important. One of the most famous parts of the Northern Irish landscape is the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the ‘Giant’s Causeway’, formed of hexagonal basalt lava columns. The tallest of these blocks of cooled lava are over 12 metres high, and it’s hard to believe that these shapes are natural and not man/giant-made. There are plenty of mountains and natural beauty in the area - the Sperrin Mountains, Glenveagh National Park and much more can be found here. The largest and capital city Is Belfast, with around 350,000 people, holding several famous universities, sports stadiums and concert halls. Londonderry is the next largest with around 90,000 people, and several exciting architectural points, like the striking Peace Bridge that spans the River Foyle.

Northern Ireland

With a 1000-strong capacity the Mandela Hall is one of Belfast's premier music venues and plays host to some of the biggest live acts that visit the city. Recent years have seen the likes of M83, Korn, Black Veil Brides, Ed Sheeran, Chase & Status and Bombay Bicycle Club.

The Mandela is also the home of the Union's legendary Monday Night Connected, and regular theme nights as well as the fortnightly comedy club compered by Colin Murphy.

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Mandela Hall

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