If you’re asked about the culture of Northern Ireland what kinds of things do you say?

‘good arts scene, good pubs, good social life, good people’

As with other UK countries one of the first things that comes to peoples’ minds when asked about the culture of their country is music, though this also includes a thriving arts scene in the cities.

‘I think the music culture in Northern Ireland is great, whether you are looking for traditional or modern.’

‘There are many traditional music pubs where musicians gather in the evenings (without being paid or charging the listeners) to have a session. If the evening is good this is called ‘having great craic’.’

‘There is also a strong international cultural scene and various arts festivals such as the Belfast Festival, Cathedral Arts Festival and Belfast Film Festival which strengthen this internationalism by inviting artists from around the world.’

In rural areas the nightlife tends to be more limited, though work/life balance can be very good. Family life across Northern Ireland is very strong and important.

‘Homelife is very important. Northern Irish people like to ‘keep up with the Jones’s – having the right house, right car etc. Standard of education is high and education is important.’

And then there are the people themselves…

‘Friendly, welcoming attitude towards each other (most of the time) and to visitors.’

‘Northern Ireland is quite a small place and it’s quite nice to know that you will almost always bump into someone you know.’