ARmy Rumour SErvice

sounds very sensible...Ralphy, you craic on with your hols, adopt this disguise, stay in a campsite in SA as per an earlier poster's advice, and you'll be fine son.

Be sure to drop into Paddy Short's bar in Cross wearing a Rangers T-shirt and whistling 'The Sash'. You'll be guaranteed one or two free rounds ...

Whatever you do don't mention your service career etc to anyone, just be a tourist! :D
Don't do the stupid thing and nose around areas like Crossmaglen, it's not called Bandit country for nothing!
I spent several good years in N.I, lots of mates etc but i never went into red areas etc unless in my Saxon on ops!
All the border areas may be dodgy, Dundalk etc but there are loads of great places too.Try Donegal or even better go to somewhere like Galway, fantastic place for a piss up/holiday, but Dublin has become far to commercial and like any city has it's own version of chavs etc (known locally as Skangers)
Enjoy!

Thanks for all the advice..lmao at some of the posts!! I thought it sensible to ask the question as ive just read Bandit Country and made me realise that all that went on right on our doorstep. I spent 10 years in the RCT/RLC and never did an NI tour..i grew up hearing all about it on the news etc and many of my mates have served there. So out of curiousity really i want to go and have a look for myself. But like was said earlier and as the old saying goes "old soldiers never die they just fade away" so is true for the hardcore republicans who considered their struggle as a war. Im not expert by any means but i understand the situation and above all value my looks and my life..and my knee caps!!
Im still planning the trip and could make the trip through SA in one day stopping for brief photo ops..where is the I R A sign on the telegraph pole?

Keep the advice coming and any ideas of places to go etc..its all appreciated.

Thanks again.

Never had any bother, even in areas like the loyalist enclave in Short Strand or places like Newry, Armagh or Drumcree or even Milltown cemetery. There's a pub half way up the Falls, opposite what was the INLA 'headquarters' - can't remember the name, or even if it is still there. They look at you a bit funny, but that's about it.

As long as you don't make a Rangers or Celtic shirt gaffe, or sport a sash or a poppy (sadly) you'll be fine.
I was once asked by the Chinese owner of a Chinky Takeaway in Kilkeel, "you're not from round here, are you?".

"No", I said "but neither are you", looking at his inscrutable, Fu Manchu features. "Nah! Me from Bournemouth", came the reply.

The only dangerous thing about NI is their bloody driving; the worst I've ever seen. They drive like eejits.

Indeed, they drive like Fangio on amphetamines, particularly a)the taxis and b)the culchies!

Originally Posted by Cuddles

Indeed, they drive like Fangio on amphetamines, particularly a)the taxis and b)the culchies!

It's an odd failing. Bosnians are crap drivers too - must be something to do with the 'I've survived The Troubles / civil war, so nothing can touch me now' syndrome.

The road from Belfast to Londonderry is particularly bad.

edited due to spacky handed double post!