Plant and animal life. The general features of the vegetation of Northern Ireland are similar to those in the northwest of Britain. The human imprint is heavy on the landscape and is particularly evident in the absence of trees. Most of the land has been plowed, drained, and cultivated for centuries. Above the limit of cultivation, rough pastures are grazed extensively, and beyond them lies a zone of mountain vegetation. Only about 5 percent of the land is now under forest, and most of this has been planted by the state. Young trees in these plantations are economically unimportant, but locally they help to diversify the landscape.

The fauna of Northern Ireland is not very different from that of Great Britain. There are, however, fewer species of mammals and birds. Only two mammalsthe Irish stoat and the Irish hareand three species of birds are exclusively Irish. The region is rich in fish, particularly pike, perch, trout, and salmon; the first is the only fish introduced in historic times.

Horce race A deep sense of love for the Irish horses are widely known outside the country. Set of stables and special teams can be another attraction of the country. In addition to the amateur riding in Ireland and you can enjoy the spectacle of professional horse races - one of the essential components of sports and social life of the country.

The Giant's Causeway, situated on the North East coast of Northern Ireland, is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Most of the basalt columns are hexagonal in shape. Famous Irish breweries include Guinness, Smithwicks (Kilkenny), and Harp Lager.