Secret Traveller by Jamal Shaikh: Irish two!

Let’s start with a bit of Irish history

Let’s start with a bit of Irish history. Like many parts of the world, Ireland was ruled by the imperialist British well until the early years of the last century. Then, as the rebellions got too much to handle, the Brits granted independence to all 32 counties under their rule, except six, and the Republic of Ireland was formed in 1922.

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s most prestigious university and boasts playwright Samuel Beckett, poet Oscar Wilde, author Bram Stoker, and Game of Thrones actor Jack Gleeson among its alumni

Education facts

A plum, celery and ginger dessert from The Ox in Belfast, one of only two restaurants in Northern Ireland with a Michelin Star

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (above) spans 20 galleries that detail the influence and impact that the Irish men and women who left Ireland had on the world

Chef-owner of The Ox in Belfast, Stephan Toman

Cultural capital

In November 2021, Belfast became a UNESCO City of Music, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage and recognising the importance of music to its future