Northern Ireland has a population of approximately 1.75 million people. It is located on the island of Ireland but is legally part of the United Kingdom. The region has historically been divided along religious and political lines between Catholic nationalists who want Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland and Protestant unionists who want it to remain part of the UK. Ballymena, the author's hometown, is an ancient town located 35 km from Belfast known for its farming, manufacturing industries, and major international shops.

1. Northern Ireland. My home! Population – approx 1,759,000 I am from here (Ballymena)

2. Northern Ireland. Ireland is divided into two countries, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Southern Ireland) Northern Ireland is part of Ireland but legally it belongs to Great Britain and accounts for 1 of the 4 countries in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)

3. Northern Ireland For many years, there have been arguments in Northern Ireland between Catholic Nationalists (people who want a United Ireland) and Protestant Unionists (people who want to stay part of the United Kingdom) Both sides signed the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ in 1998 and ‘The Troubles’ stopped. However, there are still arguments and violence from time to time Although it is part of the UK, Northern Ireland has it’s own government in Belfast

4. These are some of the flags you may see if you were to visit Northern Ireland.

5. A few landmarks in Northern Ireland Stormont Parliament Buildings The Giants Causeway The Harland and Wolf cranes built the Titanic My University- Queens University Belfast

6. Ballymena (my town) Ballymena is an ancient town. It dates back to the 5 th century. It is situated in a valley about 35 km away from Belfast. It is known as the ‘City of the Seven Towers’ as until recently you could see 7 towers on the horizon when entering the town. It has a population of approx. 40,000

7. Ballymena In Ballymena, you can find the only volcano in Northern Ireland- Slemish. However, fortunately the volcano is extinct. This is the view from the top of the mountain. Legend has it that St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who famously chased all of the snakes out of the country, kept his sheep on Slemish mountain.

8. Ballymena Industry Farming is a major industry in Ballymena and there are sheep and cows EVERYWHERE in the surrounding countryside. However, Ballymena is mainly famous for its production of tyres, cigarettes and buses. Recently, Ballymena has welcomed many major international shops and it is a very good town for shopping.

9. A few basic facts about me  My name is Klara Rebecca Leigh Tough I was born in Belfast on the 28 th September 1988. I study French and Spanish at Queens University in Belfast. I am half Scottish (don’t worry if you can’t pronounce my second name!!) I worked in H&M (the clothes shop) for 3 years until I came to Almonte. I don’t like ice-cream!!

10. … anything else you would like to know about my town or my life…you can ask me!!