NI Connections

If you know one thing about us by now, it’s that we love Northern Ireland.  
 
So much so, that we believe there’s truly no better place on the face of planet earth to call home.  
 
But hey, you shouldn’t just take our word for it. So today we thought we’d get an insight into how life in Northern Ireland is perceived by one of the world’s sharpest minds.  
 
A modern-day Einstein. As innovative as Steve Jobs, as philosophical as Newton, able to automate information faster than Carol Vorderman herself. 

 
Ladies and gents. 

Artificial Intelligence.  
 
We simply asked AI ‘why is it so great to live in Northern Ireland?’ and here’s what it came up with on the first attempt. A list of seven rock-solid bullet points that we can’t argue much with.  
 

1. Natural Beauty 
Northern Ireland boasts stunning landscapes, including the Giant's Causeway, the Mourne Mountains, and picturesque coastlines. The countryside is known for its lush greenery and scenic views. 
 
Strong start. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off proceedings.   

2. Cultural Heritage  
Northern Ireland has a rich cultural and historical heritage. From ancient castles to vibrant cities like Belfast and Derry, there's a wealth of history and cultural experiences to explore.  

 
They’re not wrong. I mean, we’d add Armagh, Newry, Lisburn, and Bangor to the list of brilliant Northern Irish cities, but we’ll forgive AI for the oversight.  
 

3. Friendly people  
Many visitors and residents note the friendliness of the people in Northern Ireland. The strong sense of community is often cited as a positive aspect of life there. 
 
It’s the truth. Whether we’ve known you for ten years or ten minutes, we’ll happily invite you in for a cup of tea. And with a high percentage of the Northern Irish population identifying as Tepidophobics (having the fear of a badly made cup of tea), you can guarantee it’ll be a good, proper cuppa.  

4. Peace Process  

The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 brought an end to much of the political violence in Northern Ireland, leading to a more stable and peaceful environment.  
 
Would we place the events of 1998 within the top 7 reasons to love Northern Ireland? Probably not. Has the Good Friday Agreement had an irrevocable impact on the peace in our country today? Absolutely.  

5. Affordable living  
Compared to some other parts of the UK, the cost of living in Northern Ireland can be more affordable, including housing and daily expenses.  
 
We see no lies. In fact, we have a whole blog dedicated to this very truth. Click here to check it out.  It’s times like these that we’re glad to not be paying rent in Hong Kong.  
 

6. Access to education  
Northern Ireland has reputable educational institutions, including universities such as Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. 
 

Not only do we have some of the best universities in the world, but our entire education system is top-notch. According to major international tests, Northern Ireland has some of the highest-achieving primary school pupils in the world, especially in maths. Need us to help you solve the circumference of a circle? Easy as pi.  
 
7. Sports & Recreation  
The region has a strong sports culture, with a particular emphasis on rugby, football (soccer), and Gaelic games. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports. 
 
Indeed. Indeed they can. Our combat sports scene has also exploded in recent years, and we’ve a whole other blog about it here. Sports in NI have even made the leap from pitch to PC, with Queens Esports now having almost a thousand active users. What a time to be alive, eh?  
 

And there we have it, folks.  
 
Credit where credit’s due, the mysterious wee machine really knows its stuff.  
 
Now AI, can you magically fold my washing? Drop my parcel to the Post Office? Send that email I’ve been putting off all week?  
 
What? Not so smart now, are ya?