Ulster is one of the 4 provinces that make up the island of Ireland. It is mainly located in Northern Ireland, and is itself subdivided into 9 counties. Famous for its history, its landscapes and the warmth of its people, Ulster is a prime location for anyone wishing to discover the Northern part of Ireland!
The origins of Ulster can be traced back to the time of the Irish kings and chieftains, around the 4th century. From then on, numerous writings testify to the existence of a region in the north of Ireland known as Ulster. Numerous kings succeeded one another as rulers of the region.
It was in the 6th century that an official flag came into being. This one shows a red hand, palm-open, standing out against a white background. The meanings are many and varied, and many theories attempt to explain this symbolism.
Among the various theories, one legend has it that this flag bears witness to a story that took place in the time of the Mimesians. At that time, the Ulster throne would have been deprived of a king, provoking a veritable race among the many postulants to the throne. To decide between them, it was agreed that the first to touch the Ulster shore would be crowned. One of the aspirants to the throne then had the idea of cutting off his own hand and throwing it above his rivals, to help him reach the shore.
In 1922, when Ireland was divided in 2, the red hand symbol was used to symbolize Northern Ireland. It was at this point that 6 of the 9 counties of Ulster became officially British regions: a predominantly Protestant area, and one particularly affected by Anglo-Irish tensions.
These counties are not detached from Ulster, but are subject to rules other than those established by the Republic of Ireland. County Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone are now under English rule, belonging to Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan are the only 3 counties to escape the rule.
Ulster’s landscapes are so beautiful that every year millions of visitors flock to the province to discover all its wonders! There are plenty of must-see attractions, starting with the famous Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the prehistoricringforts that dot the province, not to mention Ulster’s fabulous coastline, with cliffs rising to dizzying heights!
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