Story of the day: post-conflict tourism in Northern Ireland

DSCN1598Every day in January I’ll be publishing stories from my back catalogue. Consider it a Happy New Year.

First up is a story I entered for some of the travel-writing awards last year – that’s 2012, since you ask.

I didn’t win. I think I was robbed. But, then again, I would say that.

Here’s an extract:

The Troubles, the violent period from 1968 to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, is the elephant in the room throughout my journey around Northern Ireland. It’s a feature of almost every conversation, with everyone I meet insisting that it’s time to move on.

The region has its chance to do exactly that over the next 12 months, with a triumvirate of key events aimed to encourage visitors: the centenary of the launch of the Titanic in April next year; the opening of a visitor centre at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site in June; and Londonderry’s selection as the UK’s inaugural City of Culture in 2013.

I’ll be back in Derry this year for its moment in the spotlight as the UK’s first City of Culture.

Read the full story, Giant Steps Forward.

More about Derry City of Culture.

Was this a winning story? Will you be going to Derry in 2013?

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