I am planning to visit Ireland during the Easter holidays, from March 21 to about April 4. I'm trying to decide whether to spend Easter in Belfast or Galway, and I just wondered if there is likely to be any political/religious tension during this weekend. Any suggestions for a good church for Easter services, in either location?
Thanks!
Hi Katrina, I hope you are well, warm greetings from Ireland.
Galway obviously wont have any religious or political tension, hasn't had any since 1921.
Belfast most likely the same, though it is a divided community, so low-level political and religious tension is never too far from the surface in some areas, and blissfully non-existent in other areas.
So either will be fine. There will be a few nationalist parades in Belfast, particularly as it is the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, but these will likely be non-contentious and restricted to republican districts. Unless you seek them out, you probably wont even notice them. Id recommend seeking them out, a unique travel experience.
One slight negative about Galway on Good Friday is all pubs must close and its enforced something akin to Saudi Arabia, much to the dismay of many Irish citizens like me. So there not much to do on Good Friday by way of pubs or music, many restaurants even close, most cities are like ghost-towns. The North has restrictions also, but are ironically less severe.
A good church for Easter services would of course depends on your denomination. But both cities have fine Catholic Cathedrals (Galway has a pro-Cathedral actually but this would take too long to explain right now) and equally appealing Church of Ireland (Anglican/Episcopalian) Cathedrals, and a smattering of fine places of worship for other denominations also.
Enjoy either city over Easter. I'd opt for Belfast myself, but maybe Im biased as I spent 4 happy years at University there!
Slainte/Good health
Stephen McPhilemy
Ireland Tour-Guide
I totally want to hear what a pro-Catholic church is! (If you don't mind taking the time, that is.) Thank you for all your suggestions. Still not quite sure which direction I'll go, but I feel better prepared to make the choice now. :)
