10 Things Conor Washington Needs To Know Before Visiting Northern Ireland
Conor Washington has earned his first call-up to Michael O'Neill's side for the Euro friendlies with Wales and Slovenia... but he has never stepped foot in the country before!
Just five years ago the 23-year-old QPR striker was playing for non-league side St Ives Town and was earning a living as a postman.
He qualifies to play for Northern Ireland under the grandparent rule.
If he shines over the next few days he could break into O'Neill's 23-man squad for France.
Before he takes to the pitch for Monday's game against Slovenia at Windsor Park, we've compiled a list of the top ten things he needs to know before visiting here.
1. Good luck getting a drink this weekend
Northern Ireland Easter licencing laws are a divisive issue. Alcohol can only be served between 5pm and 11pm on Good Friday. Bars stop serving at midnight on Easter Saturday and 10pm on Easter Sunday.
... not that he'd be drinking before the Slovenia game anyway!
2. Boojum
By far the most popular student eating establishment in Belfast... they do awesome burritos but only accept cash (Apple Pay wont work here) and you might be waiting a while.
... please don't be late for kick off.
3. Bout ye!
Common Northern Irish phrase, used for greeting. A way of saying 'hello how are you doing?'. Especially in Belfast.
4. Potato bread
He must go for an Ulster Fry! This comes as part of it. Potato bread is flat bread prepared with potato, flour, and buttermilk. It's cooked on a griddle.
5. Tayto
One of Northern Ireland's best known and beloved brands. If he gets the chance he should so visit the Tayto factory at Tandragee Castle.
6. The craic
Irish word for fun or enjoyment. If someone asks you "What’s the Craic?" this means "How are you?".
The correct response is "The Craic is 90".
7. Pastie bap
A pastie is a large to medium sized round battered pie common to Northern Ireland. Generally served with chips to form a "pastie supper or in a bap
it is a common staple in most fish and chip shops in the country.
8. Guiness
Belfast and Dublin do the best pints of Guiness in the world. Guinness is a dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate. Guinness is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide.
... stay off this or Michael will go mad.
9. Buckfast
We'll say no more.
... definitely stay off this or Michael will go mad.
10. Giant's Causeway
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, it's our very own natural wonder.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Belfast, lots of hexagonal columns.
