Northern Ireland (referatas)
The Crown Liquor Saloon, the best-known pub, started in 1826 as a railway hotel. Owned by the National Trust, it is thought to be the finest example of ornate Victorian Gothic décor. It was a favourite hostelry of Sir John Betjamen and was used as a location for the 1947 Carol Reed film, “Odd Man Out”.
The British Museum owes much to Sir Hans Sloane, born in Killyleagh, County Down. He began collecting plants and birds eggs on the shores of Strangford Lough and his accumulation grew into a priceless collection that formed the nucleus of the British Museum. Sloane Square, Hans Place and an Underground station were named after him. His statue stands in Physics Garden, Chelsea. Sir Hans Sloane was also personal physician to George II.
The Ferguson Tractor: Harry Ferguson, born near Hillsborough, County Down in 1884, invented the tractor and the Ferguson system, that changed the face of agriculture. He also made the first powered flight in Ireland in 1909 in a monoplane he built.
The Dunlop tyre: John Boyd Dunlop, a successful veterinarian working near Belfast, developed and patented a practical version of the pneumatic tyre. In 1888, seeing his son’s difficulties while riding his tricycle over cobbled ground, John designed a rubber tyre filled with air to give it cushioning properties.
Irish Linen: The Ferguson Irish Linen Company, based in Banbridge, County Down, was established in 1854 by Thomas Ferguson and stands for the very best in Irish Linen. Their products, including the exquisite Linen Double Damask, are to be found in the world’s finest hotels, as well as palaces, embassies and stately homes.
And finally…interesting facts:
1. The population of Northern Ireland is 1.685 million.
2. 48.7% of the population are male and 51.3% are female.
3. Northern Ireland constitutes 2.87% of the total UK population.
4. Some 23.6% of the population are under 16.
5. Single households represent 27.4%.
6. The vast majority of people (98.4%) live in private households.
7. 70.0% of people believe their general health to be good.
8. 99.2% of the population are white, 0.2% are Chinese, 0.2% are of mixed ethnic group and 0.1% are Indian. 0.1% are Irish Travellers.
9. Just over two fifths of the population (40.3%) are Catholic, 20.7% Presbyterian, 15.3% Church of Ireland and 3.5% Methodist.
10. The average household size is 2.65 persons.
11. 15.8% of the population has a degree level or higher qualifications.
12. Northern Ireland is 5,240 sq miles in size.
13. Climate range summer 10-17oC, winter – 1-7oC.
14. There are 24,825 kilometres of public roads.
15. Over 3.5 million passengers a year use Belfast International Airport.
16. Travel time from New York via Shannon is 9 hours 20 mins, from Hong Kong via London 13 hours 40 mins and from Rome via London 3 hours and 40 mins.
17. Northern Ireland has the lowest crime victimisation rate in the world.
18. Average house price in NI is £100,000.