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An Agnostic Aussie's Adventures in Northern Ireland
Introduction
I am the first one to admit that when I came to Ireland, I really didn't know that much about the place. In fact, I think I can summarise it in three words:
Green
Rain
Guinness
Sure, I new that the country was divided, but as far as I was aware, it was just like France and Spain - they share a border on land, but they are two very different countries. And I knew that there was this thing called the IRA, who had been killing lots of people for a long time, but the impression that I had was that it was all over now.
After a brief encounter with 3 semi-automatic rifles pointing at me after only 22 hours in Northern Ireland, I was somewhat taken aback. At this point, I thought it prudent to get a little bit of background of this whole screwed up situation. Just so I understood why I was being shot. Maybe, after many many months of study, I will be able to explain why I shit my pants on that cold February morning at a bus shelter in Armagh City.
Before reading any further, I would like to point out that the following views are my opinions, informed by my reading, my experiences in Northern Ireland and the Republic, and conversations with the inhabitants of both. I do not hold them out to be historically accurate, although I have tried my best to ensure that that is the case. If I am wrong somewhere, please tell me. If you disagree with what I say, tell me. If you would like to add something to this material, tell me. The purpose of this blurb is essentially for me to document what I have learnt, for my own benefit - my memory is terrible (damn you Arthur Guinness and your incredibly tasty brew!). If others can learn something from my thoughts, or find stimulation to undertake their own studies, then that is an added bonus.
Geoffrey's Northern Ireland Bookshelf
Coming Soon
A Brief History of Ireland - The Short, Short Version
The Teams on the Pitch
Is it all about religion?
Drumcree 2004 - A Free Lunch
