Northern Irland Area: 13,843 sq km Population: 1,700,000 Capital: Belfast Major cities: Londonderry, Newtownabbey English and Irish Gaelic Currency: Pound Sterling Highest point: Slieve Donnard Largest river: the Bann (122 km) Largest lake: Logh Neagh National Day: 17 March, St. Patricks Day National flower: the shamrock Is the highest point. It is 858 metres It is also the 19th highest peak on the island of Ireland. The bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland. It is 122 kilometres. The river winds its way from the south east corner of Northern Ireland to the north west coast Religious conflict Started already in the 16th century Ireland: The Catholics were in controll. Northern Irland: The Protestants were in controll. The armed war started in The Protestants took nearly all the good land in the area. It is this way, even today. Many innocent people died.