Why the Grass is Actually Greener in NI
You know that old saying ‘The grass is greener on the other side?’
Well, we’re here to confirm that it’s true.*
*(Unless of course you are already living in Northern Ireland. In that case, it would be entirely false)
Northern Irish grass is literally and metaphorically greener than the rest of the world. And we’ll prove it!
Green spaces
People all around the world dream of having green spaces, golden beaches, rolling hills and wild coastlines on their doorstep. In Northern Ireland, those dreams are a reality.
No, seriously. With spectacular mountain ranges, jaw-dropping beaches, and hexagonal columns formed by the hand of Finn McCool himself, it’s no surprise that we managed to nab four of the top spots on the prestigious ‘National Landscapes 2023' list.
Causeway Coast, Antrim Coast & Glens, Strangford Lough and Mourne Mountains - take a bow.
Given our phenomenal natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that we have some gorgeous walking trails. We have a whole blog about that, so click here to read about 10 of the best places in Northern Ireland to go for a wee dander.
While we’re on the subject of getting outside in nature, it feels like the whole world and his dog have taken to open water sea-swimming in the last couple of years.
Teenagers and pensioners alike are grabbing their trunks and heading to the water, raving about the physical and mental health benefits as they go.
If you’re one of the buck eejits partial to an icy dip, Northern Ireland has some unbelievable swimming spots.
Rivers. Loughs. Sea. You name it, we’ve got it. And our water quality is also exceptional, as proven by our 18 Blue Flag sites.
Some of our most beloved spots include Helen’s Bay, Murlough Beach, Lough Neagh, Bloody Bridge and Donaghadee Harbour.
So whether you’re a tentative toe-dipper, or a seasoned wild-swimmer, there’s something for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Green Future
The environmental crisis is a very real concern. To literally every single person on planet earth. But thankfully Northern Ireland is making big moves to tackle climate change.
For example, we’re leading the way in transport transformation, rolling out zero emission Metro buses across the country. It’s predicted there’ll be 100 new electric buses in operation by summer 2024, and plenty more to follow.
We’re also championing pre-loved, with loads of new vintage and sustainable clothing organisations popping up across the country.
RESPONSIBLE, a streetwear resale marketplace based in Belfast, use advanced AI to create a platform where fashion and footwear items are bought, renewed and resold. And they’ve just recently been named in the coveted ‘Top 100 UK Businesses’ list. Amazing!
With stores in Derry, Enniskillen, Omagh and Belfast, ForSight is a new vintage store with a difference. You can expect to get your hands on big brands at bargain prices, help to benefit those who are blind or visually impaired, and play your part in creating a circular fashion economy.
Saving the planet one pre-loved Prada bag at a time? We’re in.
We’ve also passed our country’s first-ever Climate Change Act and have committed to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Net Zero means that total greenhouse gas emissions will be equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere.
So put simply, it’ll be the death of global warming. Brilliant news for both you and the polar bears.
Last year, 45.5% of total electricity consumption in Northern Ireland was generated by renewable sources, which means we’re way ahead of the curve, considering Australia is 32%, USA is 20%, and Canada is 19%.
Come on guys, catch up would yas?
We could go on and on about why Northern Ireland is the greatest place in the world to live. But we won’t.
(Until our next blog, obviously. Then it’s business as usual.)
Seriously though, if you want to live in a place that is rich in natural beauty and really cares about the environment, you should consider Northern Ireland.
We’re proud that our wee country’s greenery isn’t solely confined to our landscape, but we have a green outlook that is helping to create a fairer, more sustainable world.
