The economy is thriving. New industries are being created. Cities are being revitalised with millions being invested in regeneration. There is a new cultural vitality, pride and optimism. Instead of emigrating, our brightest graduates are staying. Tourism is thriving too, with new visitors discovering our humour, hospitality, scenery and quality of life.

The Troubles officially ended with the ceasefires of the early 90s. With the return of normality, Northern Ireland has blossomed. Today the people of Northern Ireland are confidently looking forward to building a new future together.

St Patrick of Ireland is undoubtedly one of the worlds most popular Saints. An Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick in Scotland in the year 387AD, he died at Saul, Down Patrick, Northern Ireland on the 17th March 461AD. St Patrickas Day has become a day when everyone is Irish.

Theres plenty worth seeing in wherever you go, museums, visitor centres, historic and scenic attractions put the emphasis on participation.

Stately homes and history parks arent just for viewing, visitors can experience life as it was lived in times gone by. Museums have exhibits you can touch and explore.

Everyone knows the story of the Titanic, yet few realise the ship was built in Belfast. The most famous ship in history is pictured and interpreted through unique and internationally important Titanic collections.

The City Walls Of Derry is the only remaining walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of walled cities in Europe, kept in splendid state of preservation.

The Giants Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption sixty million years ago.

The Bog side Artists studio offers visitors an opportunity to see the work of and speak to those who have created an open air mural gallery in the famous Bog side area of the city.

For such a small country we have a lot of famous people who have made an impact all across the world. Competed at the highest level in sport, including football legend George Best, Harry Gregg, Pat Jennings and Martin O Neill, Formula One driver Eddie Irvine, motorcycling hero Joey Dunlop, snooker world champions Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor, British and Irish Lions rugby stalwart Willie John McBride, golfer Darren Clarke and Olympic gold medallist Mary Peters. An abundance of musical talent and have produced such greats as Van Morrison, Gary Moore, James Galway, Phil Coulter, Brian Kennedy.