REGIONS OF THE GX TOURS

DUBLIN Dublin's official date of establishment was 988 A.D., though there is much evidence of an older civilization. A remarkable growth began with Protestants from the European continent pouring into Dublin in the 17th century. Dublin grew in size and wealth and became the second city of the British Empire. The heavy presence of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy also led to Dublin's role as one of the centers of native resistance, giving birth to countless Republican organizations. Dublin is the home of Kilmainham Gaol, the prison which held the rebels caught during the Easter Uprising of 1916, most notably Eamon de Valera, the last prisoner to be freed under the Free State, who went on to become President of Ireland. The city not only saw the fighting of de Valera and Michael Collins in 1916, but also was the scene of some of the most intense action of the War of Independence from 1919 to 1921. This war resulted in the establishment of the Irish Free State, of which Dublin became the political, economic, and cultural center. This city was the site of some of the worst bloodshed during "the Troubles," particularly when several Loyalist paramilitary bombs went off here and in Monaghan (also in the Republic) on May 17, 1974, killing 33 civilians. This city is Ireland's largest port and major exporter, as well as the largest manufacturing city in Ireland, now leading the world in computer hardware and software export. The National Parliament (Oireachtas) consists of the President and two Houses: Seanad Éireann (The Senate) and Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives), which meet in Leinster House, Dublin. Today Dublin is a young, lively city with a vibrant nightlife, a glimpse of an ancient civilization, a cultural feast, a musical odyssey, stunning scenery, and a spectacular coastline. This city, possessing a mild, temperate climate, is populated by just over 1.1 million people.

ARMAGH This charming town was officially made a city in 1994. It has been the "ecclesiastical capital" of all Ireland ever since St. Patrick arrived and began his campaign of Christianity in 445 CE. The city is dominated by two large cathedrals, the seats of Irelands' Anglican and Roman Catholic archbishops. The county Armagh was central during the Plantation of Ulster period and has since then had a large population of Scottish and English descent. It includes towns such as Craigavon and Portadown. The entire population is approximately 141, 500. Today the northern part is Protestant dominated, while the south of the county is mostly Catholic. In this southern, heavily Nationalist, part of Co. Armagh, the British military presence has always been more significant than many places in Northern Ireland. It is just over the border from the Republic and the IRA has historically launched many of their campaigns from this near-by base. Consequently, it was one the most dangerous places during the height of the Troubles, where the greatest number of both civilians and RUC forces died in Northern Ireland excluding the two major cities. Today, despite the normalization promised by the British government, South Armagh remains "the most militarized piece of territory in Western Europe." The Catholic residents want the British Army out, but the government says the military is necessary to enforce cease-fires and decommissioning in a potential Republican hotbed.

DERRY The official name of this city is Londonderry, named in the 1600's for the members of wealthy London trade guilds who colonized there, making the city the jewel in the crown of the Ulster plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city's name is a subject of dispute, with Nationalists calling it Derry, and Unionists, Londonderry. The city council is controlled by Nationalist parties, and has officially changed its name to Derry City Council. Technically, however, the name of the city is still specified by its Royal Charter as Londonderry. Derry is perhaps most famous for its involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960's and 70's. Derry Housing Action kick-started the movement by fighting the restrictions on Catholic housing, which were in place to maintain Unionist majority in all sectors. Countless protest marches and riots followed until the government instituted the policy of internment without trial. The extensive hostility led to parts of the city being labeled "no-go" areas by the British Army and RUC forces because of their entrenchment in the Free Derry movement. The internment policy led to the infamous events of "Bloody Sunday" in 1972 during a civil rights march to protest internment in the Bogside (working-class Catholic) area of Derry. Today Derry has a population of 105,000 with a Catholic majority. The city covers 387 square kilometers on both sides of the River Foyle. The River splits Derry into Waterside, a mostly Protestant area, and Cityside, a predominantly Catholic area, though there are pockets of exception on both sides.

BELFAST A port since the 12th century, Belfast is a city that takes its character from the water, which is not only a vital part of the city's personality, but has been an engine of the wealth that created its extraordinary architectural heritage. During and after the Industrial Revolution, largely powered by the money of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy living there, Belfast became a center of industry and commerce. The ill-fated cruise-liner Titanic was built and launched from its docks. The boom did not last forever and the waterfront now contains many empty shells of former industry. The 20th century saw an economic downturn, but recent efforts are being made at revival. Peace is not only a political advancement, but also an economic one. Buildings are reopening and catering to a new phenomenon: tourism. Since the Good Friday Agreement, tourists have come to Belfast in droves, infusing the city with the new energy and money it needs to get the industry back on track. It is the capital of, as well as the largest city in, Northern Ireland. As the first city of Ulster, and has always been in the thick of the conflict. Preceding the Plantation, the area was the most heavily Gaelic and Catholic on the island, but in the 17th century became the center of Protestantism. This heavy Protestant presence, the most Orange Orders of anywhere in the country, naturally gave rise to a concentrated Republican resistance population, and the Nationalist community thrives there today. Most areas in West Belfast are 90% Catholic, whereas the East has many 90% Protestant areas. A "Peace Wall" was erected between high conflict areas to try to ease the trouble, but sectarian tension is still a problem. Prior to the 1994 cease-fires, Belfast was one of the major targets for terrorists from both sides. From the Ulster Museum to the Shankill district to the political Troubles murals, in Belfast, history is all around you. Today populated by 279,240 people in the core city and nearly half a million in the whole urban area.