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40 Things Only Northern Irish People Do

As if you need any more proof that Northern Ireland is a wee world of its own...

But nevertheless, at NI Parcels we've decided it would be a bit of craic to make a list of all the strange eccentricities we possess as a country.

So, here are 40 Things Only Northern Irish People Do. If you think of any we've left out, be sure to pop over to our Facebook page and tell us!

1. Say bye one hundred times before hanging up the phone.

2. Call your parents mummy and daddy even when you’re a fully grown adult.

3. Get a wee bit excited about a bomb scare because it means you might get to go home from work early.

4. Bring Lucozade and grapes to people when visiting them in hospital, as if this sugary drink has medicinal qualities.

5. Introduce Coronation Street in your best Julian voice.

6. Start every conversation with ‘here’

7. And end every sentence with 'soitis'.

8. Try to guess where Frank’s weather watching camera is every single night. (And feel secretly triumphant when you get it right.)

9. We fully believe we have the psychic ability to predict a person's religious background by the way they pronounce the letter H.

10. And by what they call this place.

11. And by what football team they support.

12. And by how far apart their eyebrows are.

13. By what side of the road they walk on.

14. Say ‘fuck off’ when what you really mean is ‘are you serious?’

15. Ask for a chip when you mean portion of chips. Not one single chip.

16. Drink a glass of milk with dinner.

17. Pronounce Primark as Pree-mark.

18. Have a ginger mate called fanta pants.

19. Use the term ‘poke man’ to describe a person who sells ice cream from a van.

20. Have lemonade delivered directly to your door by the Maine man.

21. Slag off Northern Ireland til the cows come home, but get violently possessive if someone from outside the country does it.

22. Eat crisp sammiches.

23. AND eat four different types of bread in one Ulster Fry because we CLEARLY don't get enough carbs.

24. Use the term 'carry out' to refer to the feed of drink you buy from the off license before you go to the pub and drink more.

25. Do stuff like this just for the craic.

26. Talk about the weather non stop.

27. And complain regardless of whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing.

28. Keep towels and bed sheets in the hot press.

28. Buy the local papers religiously to see who died. Or, at least your granny does anyway.

29. Possess the inherent inability to take a compliment.

30. Use the phrase 'going up the town' to say that you're off to do some shopping.

31. Use the term 'the big light'.

32. Have a deep rooted fear of wooden spoons.

33. And this red light.

34. Drive somewhere on a Sunday just to get an ice cream.

35. Eat dulse. Seaweed. Actual seaweed.

36. Refer to everything as wee.

37. Mix chocolate and crisps together. Preferably with Tayto cheese and onion.

38. Say sorry and apologise profusely when someone bumps into YOU in the street.

39. Have a weird obsession with international country and western singers.

40. Smile, make eye contact and say hello to people in the street.

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23 Weirdest Northern Irish Newspaper Headlines

Northern Ireland has a reputation around the globe for outstanding journalism…

Our reporters have produced some groundbreaking investigative content over the years and some of the most talented names in the journalism industry first cut their teeth at our local and regional titles.

To celebrate our country’s journalistic triumphs, we’re taking a look at what are, without doubt, the greatest and most memorable headlines in Northern Ireland’s newspaper history.

We're sure you'll agree on the 'memorable' part at least ....

1. Hopefully there was no one else in the water at the time.

2. The accused was later arrested for attempted mooder (eugh, sorry).

3. Well, if he insists...

4. Bus wker (literally)**

5. Luckily no one was injured.

6. A bit harsh. He seems like a nice lad.

7. No word on whether the victim was askin' for it.

8. Security has increased in the area, after fear of what 'his ma' might do to retaliate.

9. Never EVER come between a man and his meat and pastry based snack.

10. It was a crap idea to begin with.

11. This unfortunate layout decision.

12. And another Titanic fail...

13. Apparently the driver was half-cut at the time of the incident.

14. No word on whether the 'wile dose' has subsided.

15. Just as the philosophical question goes: "If a naked transvestive dogger falls in a forest, do they make a sound?"

16. Wait - you're NOT supposed to sit on your parents when they refuse to buy you more drink?

17. After battering innocents with carbohydrates, the perpetrator knew it was crunch time.

18. After receiving some therapy, the man is feeling much bedder.

19. You gotha be kidding me...

20. Maybe it was just an axedent?

21. Pretty sure they saw more than a beauty spot.

22. Apparently the co-pilot gave him a hand.

23. And of course...

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24 Things Every Northern Irish Person Did As A Child.

There’s no doubt about it, us Northern Irish really are a rare breed.

And it’s fairly easy to see why. All you have to do is take a look back at our weird and wonderful childhoods...

Things all Norn Irish people did when we were childer...

1. You got a batin’ for leavin the murshon on.

2. You got a batin’ for beakin off school.

3. You ran into the house to beg for money when you heard the poke man’s music.

4. You’ve never ran faster that when you played rap the doors.

6. You got threatened with the wooden spoon.

7. You’ve said this infamous line.

8. You’ve explored a dilapidated/abandoned house with your mates.

9. You had a street dog that was part of your gang.

10. You had a chippy or chinese on a Friday night.

11. You got a bus to Kelly’s in Portush/ the Coach in Banbridge at age 15.

: Belfasttelegraph.co.uk

12. You played kerbsy.

13. The best summer of your life was spent at a caravan park in either Portrush or Newcastle.

14. When you were sick, or in hospital, someone always brought you a bottle of this because for some reason we believe that it has medicinal qualities.

15. You loved going to your granny’s because she’d sneak you money.

16. You have 100 cousins. And you don't even know the half of them.

17. You weren’t allowed to eat anything after school because...

18. You’ve seen May McFetridge in Panto.

19. You kept towels in the hotpress. (And probably still do)

20. You collected these. And spent days on end practicing wee tricks.

21. If you did anything wrong, you were threatened with ‘the man’.

22. When your ma or da was really angry, you’d hear these four words.

23. You had to try not to cry in front of your mates when you got smacked on the knuckles playing conkers.

24. "Stewed bugs and onions" was a standard reply when you asked what’s for dinner.

Thanks for reading!

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11 Northern Irish Blogs You Need To Follow

Over the past few years, the world of blogging has changed dramatically.

Blogging has gone from being something that only self-obsessed teenage girls did in their bedrooms, to a hobby that millions of people around the world enjoy.

Nowadays there is literally a blog to cater for every interest on earth. And I mean EVERY interest on earth.

You’re into pictures of people eating baguettes? Cool. There’s a blog for that. Your greatest passion in life is reading Dolly Parton quotes about love? Great. There’s a blog for that too.

And even though Northern Ireland is very teeny tiny, it has no shortage of diverse blogs on a wide range of topics. I mean there are no Northern Irish bloggers (that I know of) with their own corner of the internet dedicated to baguettes or Dolly Parton quotes, or both combined, but there are some excellent local blogs out there that tackle all kinds of interests from fashion and food to politics and travel.

So if you’re looking for a new website to read on your daily commute or something for when you lock yourself in the bathroom to get five minutes peace from the kids, here are 11 of the best Northern Irish Blogs that you really should be following.

1. That Belfast Girl

This blog is a personal favourite, not just because it deals with two of my life's loves (lipstick and shoes), but mainly because Gemma-Louise who runs the blog is such an inspiration to young, hard-working women. Gemma has about twenty university degrees, she’s currently studying for another, she runs her blog, she attends every local event in the calendar and she still manages to look more glam than Kim K while she’s at it. Thatbelfastgirl.com

2. Slugger O’Toole

There will be a lot of people reading this who already follow Slugger O’Toole but it’s worth a mention for anyone who might not be familiar with the political commentary of Mick Fealty and his team of contributors. This is an excellent resource for anyone with an interest in NI politics. Best of all, it has a constant churn of quality on-the-nose content, exploring a spectrum of opinions. Sluggerotoole.com

3. Belfast Barman

This blog is the brainchild of a local bar manager, who also happens to contribute to Slugger O’Toole. Belfast Barman expresses his opinion on many subjects but I especially love his posts about the local hospitality trade. He’s clearly very passionate about Northern Irish life - the good and the bad, and his wit often leaves me laughing out loud. Belfastbarman.com

4. The Style Guide Blog

Sera has been on the blogging block for a while now but her posts never fail to compel me. She started off her blogging career as The Agrophobic Fashionista, garnering much acclaim by delving so honestly into her mental health battles and chipping away at the stigma surrounding this specific issue. Her new website The Style Guide Blog is a new evolved incarnation, mostly tacking fahion, beauty, design and health.

5. Pikalily

I’ll be honest, I’ve actually had to stop looking at Pikalily because I can not cope with how delicious every single post looks. I’m not a ‘foodie’ at all - I mean, I LOVE food but i can’t cook a thing. Nevertheless, every time I read a Pikalily post, I’m desperate to try each recipe. The blog (which also features a splash of travel) really is terrific, so take a look by all means - just do so at the peril of your stomach. Pikalily.com

6. Belfast Times

Jeff who runs this blog, is so on top of what’s happening in Northern Ireland and Belfast Times has become a real go-to for local news and events. As well as this, he also offers up some fab reviews on film, theatre, food and events. There are interviews and also some cool lifestyle posts. I’m really not sure where Jeff finds the time to do all this. I’ve never met him, so I’m convinced he’s a non-human being that’s evolved past the point of needing sleep. Belfasttimes.co.uk

7. Sugahfix

I like to call Katrina (who runs Sugahfix) Northern Ireland’s fairy blog mother. She’s the original and as a result, Sugahfix is NI’s number one fashion, beauty and lifestyle website. My favourite features are the Style Spotter and fashion galleries, mainly because I love having a nosey at what other Northern Irish women are wearing. Katrina also founded FABB which is a collective of local fashion and beauty bloggers, set up to support each other’s work and help each other grow. You can check out the list of FABBers here. Sugahfix.com

8. The World of Kitsch

If you like weird stuff, you’ll love The World of Kitsch. Honestly. Claire has been nominated and has won a string of awards for her blog and it’s easy to see why - there’s nothing out there quite like The World of Kitsch. I can’t get enough of the weird and wonderful products she posts about and I’m constantly visiting the site to see what new obscure thing she’s discovered. Theworldofkitsch.com

9. A Cup of Lee

A Cup of Lee is a blog about blogging. If you’re interested in the world of PR, digital marketing and social media, you will become absolutely obsessed with this blog. Leanne is not only so knowledgeable about this industry, she’s able to break down subjects to make them digestible and relatable to anyone. The best thing about this blog is Leanne’s ability to explain something in a way you never considered before. I can’t get enough. Acupoflee.wordpress.com

10. Life at the Little Wood

This blog will make you want to move to the countryside, bake some cakes and birth some adorable children. Emma is a lifestyle, fashion, beauty and family blogger. Her photography is absolutely stunning and your heart will just melt everytime she posts about those lovely little children of hers. Life at the Little Wood is a perfect source of inspiration for any mums or family oriented gals out there, but even the undomesticated among us will find something to love among her posts. Lifeatthelittlewood.co.uk

11. Quare Swally

Despite not really liking beer all that much, Quare Swally is still one of my favourite local blogs. (It’s about beer. FYI. In case that wasn’t clear.) Roy’s style of writing is absolutely hilarious and is so, totally Northern Irish from his funny colloquialisms to his genius references. Through this blog I am now very well educated in the local craft beer and brewery trade. If you like a tipple, you’ll find some cracking recommendations here. Quareswally.co.uk

Thanks for reading!

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12 Things That Will Happen With The Belfast Bikes

With elections coming up on 7th May, the Northern Irish media has been a bit doom and gloom lately...

So naturally, people are feeling a bit downhearted and losing sight of the great things that Northern Ireland has to offer. No one’s in the mood for a packet of Tayto and even Eamonn Holmes' banter can’t put a smile on our faces.

But thankfully, this week the long-awaited Belfast Bikes scheme launched, giving us something more positive to focus our attention on.

Here at NI Parcels, we’re very excited about the impact that Belfast Bikes will have on the city, and hopefully the wider country as time goes on. We have a really great feeling about it, so we thought we’d turn our thoughts into an entertaining little blog post that will distract you from all the negative headlines for at least five minutes.

Here are: 12 things that will inevitably happen with the Belfast Bikes

1. There will be selfies. So many selfies. Caption: “Trying out the new @Belfastbikes” Subtext: “Look how fit and healthy I am and how much I care about the environment and my community. AMENT I GREAT?!”

: Pete Snodden showing us all how it's done! (via @petesnodden on Twitter)

2. The media will talk like it’s the best thing to happen to Northern Ireland and make it look like we’re a progressive place, in line with the rest of the UK. Everyone’s going to be fitter and healthier and Belfast is going to be the centre of the world. (And of course, there’ll be a bunch of negative Nellies who will yap about it.)

3. It will therefore be the greatest novelty in the world for about a month and everyone will sign up and try one out for the craic.

4. Websites and newspapers will compete for the most ridiculous pun infested headlines which we groan at despite being secretly impressed yet sad that we didn't think of them first.

5. There will be pictures of Northern Irish politicians posing on the bikes. And we will make memes with these pictures.

6. Someone will get hurt and there will be calls to ban Belfast Bikes altogether.

7. The helmet issue will become a thing. But nothing will happen with it.

8. More miserable sods will yap about Belfast Bikes and they will be given a funny nickname; ie the coca cola death traps. (Yes, that's rubbish. I'm sure the great Northern Irish public will think of something better.)

9. Some idiot will definitely attempt to put one on top of a Bonfire. Or dump one in the Lagan. Oh wait...

: Theulsterfry.com Literally coming up the Lagan in a bubble.

10. The media will make it look like we have a huge vandalism problem and people will be interviewed on Nolan or UTV Live suggesting that we cancel the entire scheme.

11. Once the buzz dies down and people calm the bap, commuters will start to use them and realise that they are bloody handy.

12. In the end, they’ll eventually become part of day-to-day life and WILL be an asset to the city.

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26 Faces That Every Northern Irish Person Should Recognise

Northern Ireland is just pure bursting with talent…

I mean, seriously - this wee country has produced some incredible people over the years; from Oscar nominated actor turned daughter-losing badass Liam Neeson to serial killing sex weirdo Jamie Dornan.

Then there's the iconic broadcaster and hard hitting journalist Eamonn Holmes, rich ball hitter Rory McIlroy and of course, not forgetting - our favourite members of Snow Patrol, Jonny, Nathan and Johnny.

But any true Northern Irish person will tell you that it’s not just the big global names we care about. There’s a whole list of famous faces that have contributed to Norn Irish culture, been integral parts of our childhood and who have made us proud to call ourselves Northern Irish/British/Irish. (What are we, again?)

So, to honour those lesser acknowledged but nonetheless special names, we thought we’d put them on a list. Here are 26 faces that every Northern Irish person should recognise.

1. Julian Simmons

Who else could start this list but the living legend that is big Julian? If you ever want to find out if someone is truly Norn Irish, walk up to them and say "And nai on the yooteevee." If they don't respond with a remark about Gail Platt's love life, I'm pretty sure Stormont will grant you permission to extradite this imposter.

2. Pamela Ballantine

The fun loving broadcaster who has neither aged, nor been pictured without her trademark ear-to-ear grin in the last 500 years. (We're fairly certain she's a vampire. Or maybe it's all that Optilase...)

3. Rose Neill

The newsreader who loves Northern Ireland so much that she got this patriotic haircut.

4. Jedi Jim Eastwood

The cliche speaking mind controller who actually had the gall to try and fire Alan Sugar from The Apprentice.

5. Frank Mitchell

The broadcaster and presenter who somehow has never run out of towns for his Weather Watching camera. It's one of life's greatest mysteries.

6. Frostbit Boy

The local teen who became an internet sensation after his body was momentarily inhabited by a senile old man.

7. Our Logie

And not forgetting his good pal Refundinho.

8. Colin Murray

Despite forging a successful career as a sport and music journalist, he'll always be the awkward looking lad from the Lidl commercials, who tried to show us that it's ok to do your shopping there even though they have way less stuff than Tesco.

9. Stephen Nolan

The man who earns a living by trolling politicians live on air, interviewing bigots and making members of the audience shout angrily.

10. Uncle Hugo

The Radio Ulster disc jockey who is like sexual catnip to old ladies.

11. Terri Hooley

The unstoppable one eyed bandit who survived growing up in east Belfast, getting shot in the head with an arrow, the Troubles, bankruptcy, a serious heart attack and having to hear Teenage Kicks at every event he ever attends.

12. The cast of Give My Head Peace

Ironically, they are probably Ulster's most functional family.

13. The girl who gets headbutted and dies in one of NI's most grim road safety ads.

Not only did this ad scar us for life, but it also ruined Samantha Mumba songs for everyone.

14. Joe Mahon

There's a reason why the places you visit are 'lesser spotted'.

15. Jenny Bristow

Middle class mum's favourite.

16. Roy Walker

"What's Mr Chips doing there?" Almost always something that looks like a sexual act, cleverly concealed by the flashing boxes.

17. Jim McDonald

Nai I'm warnin ye Eluzabith.

18. Malachi Cush

The talented singer from Donaghmore who came to prominence through BBC's Fame Academy. (Now available for shopping centre openings, judging local talent competitions and turning on Christmas lights.)

19. Orlaith McAllister

(Yes, the one from the hot tub in Big Brother.)

20. Singer from Ash

You know the one. With the song about the... The girl... burn, baby something, something. Oh, I can't remember. Just Google them.

21. Zoe Salmon

The lawyer turned Blue Peter presenter with the very lovely face.

22. Brian Kennedy

Most famous for having his song made even more famous by Westlife.

23. May McFetridge

Probably the only man who looks more like a man when he's dressed as a woman. (And also Worzel Gummidge.)

24. Duke Special

Dreadlock piano eyeliner man, whose song you can never remember but for some reason, when you hear it, you know every word.

25. Dj Hix

Actually - this is kind of a stupid one, because although most people know his name, they haven't a notion what he looks like. So here's a picture of a radio.

26. Barra Best

The second best weatherman in the country. (Sorry Barra, but Frank does have a Weather Watching camera...)

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15 amazing beauty products that are actually made in Northern Ireland

There’s absolutely no denying that us Norn Irish are a gorgiz bunch.

I mean, would ya just look at the astounding array of aesthetic wonders we have produced over the years.

So what’s our secret? Well apart from a complexion enriching diet of potatoes, bread and dairy, Northern Ireland is home to a number of of exceptional beauty brands. We’re the birthplace of world-renowned cosmetic lines, as well as a wide range of little pretty hidden gems that are just getting on their feet.

However, we thought it was time to stop being so selfish with our beauty secrets, and instead, spread the good news far and wide so that everyone can at least try to be a as beyuuutiful as us. (Pah, good luck.)

Northern Ireland's Top 15 Beauty Brands

1. Vita Liberata

Have you seen those young ladies who swan about town doin ther shappin on a Saturday afternoon looking a bit like this?

Well those lot clearly haven't heard of Vita Liberata. This tan brand was established in 2003 by local wonder woman Alyson Hogg who wanted to create self-tanning products that actually work. The brand has grown exponentially over the past few years and is stocked by an insane amount of chemists and salons. We use it and you should see us - our skin is flawless. Vitaliberata.co.uk.

2. Skinician

This is miracle skincare range, created by the geniuses behind He-Shi tanning, is stocked in local salons up and down the country. The products use superior ingredients to ensure a noticeable result. A few months back I underwent a glycolic facial by Skinician, and I swear to God, afterwards, I looked 10 years younger. Which would make me 11. (ahem...) Europroducts.co.uk

3. Lucy Annabella Organics

If you haven't heard of this brand, then grab your bank card, head to their website and prepare to file for bankruptcy on Monday morning. Their bath milks are just delicious (smelling, don't drink them) and when you've lathered yourself in them, you'll emerge smelling like an ethereal woodland fairy who has been napping in lavender for 30 years, rather than the slightly smelly office worker after an eight hour shift, that you really are. Lucyannabella.com.

4. bBold Tan

Do us a favour. Take off your clothes and rub this all over your body (not if you're reading this at work you MANIAC. Wait until you get home). Afterwards, you will emerge as a bronzed goddess. bBold is a local gem. It's super easy to use and dries quickly, so you don't have to stand still and naked in your bedroom for ages. (If you don't want to.) B-bold.co.uk

5. Marble Hill

Marble Hill was created by this legend of a woman, Dr Maria McGee. All of the products are 100% natural which means no animal testing (Yay! Go bunnies!) and they are very effective in alleviating skin irritation caused by Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis. Marble Hill don't do much advertising etc because they rely on word of mouth, so do something nice today and share this post with someone who might use these products, because Marble Hill very much deserve it. Marblehillonline.co.uk

6. Beginnings by Karen Eakin

Lather yourself up real good with Beginnings luxury handmade products by Karen Eakin. Like Marble Hill, all of these products are natural, using things you can eat like avacado oil and shea butter. (But again, don't actually eat them. I must be real hungry today.) They sell soap, oils, body butters, bath salt and gift sets. Beginningsoaps.co.uk

7. Super Facialist

Una Brennan has long been recognised as one of the best beauty therapists in Northern Ireland, so it was only natural she would launch her own range of skincare products which you've probably seen in Boots. My personal top pick (not that you asked) is the Miracle Makeover Facial Oil which smells like your granny, but in a nice childhood nostalgia way - not the stuffy nursing home way. It's gorgeous. Superfacialist.co.uk.

8. Baby B Browne

Yes, it's another tan on the list, but can you blame us. It's been 15 years since we last saw the sun in Northern Ireland. And anyway, this one is amazing. The best thing about Baby B Browne is that it's incredibly long lasting and because it reacts to your own skin pigment, it looks natural and it doesn't do that patchy thing that self-tanners do. Babybbrowne.co.uk

9. Belfast Soap Company

Yet another product that looks like a dessert but AGAIN, don't eat it. (Now you can't sue us because I've warned ye.) Belfast Soap Company is a soap company from Belfast, in case you didn't guess. Let me tell you, these guys LOVE planet earth. Not only are these artisan soaps 100% natural, the packaging is recyclable AND they give 10% of their profits to Friends of the Earth. Belfastsoapcompany.co.uk

10. B Perfect NI

See next time you're walking through Castlecourt and you spot the B Perfect guys and girls opposite Debenhams, take a minute and look into their eyes. No, this is not some sort of weird hypnotic thing, I just really want you to see how good their brow and lash products are. They have a range of genius products but it's the mascara that caught my eye (hahaha, caught my EYE. Get it?!!) It's a transplanting gel with natural fibres that make your lashes so long that you feel like a sexy cartoon version of yourself. Bperfectcosmetics.com

11. Ciara Daly My Hero foundation brush

You know the way make up artists always go mad when you tell them you put your make up on with your fingers, but you don't want to use a brush because it's such a faff? Well, here is the answer to all of your prayers. The My Hero foundation brush from Ciara Daly will make you look like your make up has been kissed onto your face by angels. FACT. Ciaradalymakeup.com

12. Oonagh Boman Concealer

Nope, this is not a beauty product for aliens or Zoe Saldana in Avatar. This green concealer by Oonagh Boman can be used on your own human face. It's a colour corrector, so the green counteracts any redness on your skin. So it's perfect to cover up any broken capillaries or rosacea or general redness. Oonaghbomanmakeup.com

13. Barely Cosmetics

Barely Cosmetics create a range of make up and tanning application products. And honestly, if you saw one of these sponges in isolation, you probably wouldn't have a clue what it is. But they are little miracle workers. The sponges and mitts are non-absorbing, which means you're not wasting any product which might otherwise get soaked into the sponge. Clever or what? Barelycosmetics.com

14. Scent Cosmetics

Ok how much fun does this stuff look?! It's soap that is made into Lego shapes by Scent Cosmetics. Again, this is yet another ethical, organic brand (who knew Northern Ireland loved the planet so much?) 10% of all you spend goes to Stepping Stones charity in Nigeria. Scent Cosmetics also take soap making workshops AND private lessons, as well as facilitating soap parties for children. Scentcosmetics.com

15. The Beardy Beard Co.

As beauty products aren't just for ladies - (can I get a shoutout for metrosexuality?), we thought we'd include a couple of brands for the boys. Unless any of you ladies have facial hair you want to groom, which is cool. We're liberal people. Annnyyywaaayy. Let me introduce you to The Beardy Beard Co (what a name, BTW), who create luxury balms, oils and combs to keep your facial fuzz in tip top condition. The packaging is so attractive and the products sound so delicious (to smell) that it kind of makes me wish I had a beard. Thebeardybeard.co

Thanks for reading and remember - sharing is caring.

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The 50 Best Northern Irish Foods

There’s a weird thing that happens to people who leave Northern Ireland for a while…

(There’s also a lot of weird things that happen to people who stay IN Northern Ireland, but that’s a story for another time.)

These people who leave suddenly become obsessed with local food. It’s flippin odd, isn’t it? All their lives, they took our unique culinary delights for granted, but as soon as they escape NI they start smelling cheese and onion Tayto everywhere they go and they lie awake at night desperately craving the overwhelming sense of savoury joy that one can only experience when biting into a buttery piece of potato bread.

Here at NI Parcels, we think there is a severe lack of appreciation for our local food. How often do you hear people declaring their undying love for Veda bread? Not often enough we say! NI food is great, it’s the best actually. And we want everyone to recognise their gratitude right this minute, before it’s too late and they’ve gone and left the country and they have to ask their families to send them a bag of Comber spuds in the post.

So without any further ado…. we present the 50 BEST Northern Irish foods. (WARNING the following list may contain potato.)

50. Starting the list is DULSE. It’s a controversial one. Some hate it, whilst others think it’s the best thing since sliced seaweed.

49. Moy Park Chicken. And the odd, but slightly pleasant smell that the factories have contributed to Ballymena, Portadown and Dungannon.

48. A cupcake from Lily Pink Bakery on a Sunday at St. George's Market.

47. Creamola Foam at a child's birthday party in the 1980s.

46. Fancy bread baked into interesting shapes from The Yellow Door.

45. Paris buns. Which were given that name because the blind person who created them thought they looked like the Eiffel Tower...

44. Mashed potato from Mash Direct.

43. A milkshake from Maggie May's. Although technically not a food, it has enough calories to feed a family of five for three weeks.

42. Pop Notch Popcorn.

41. A monster of a burger from Alley Cat, Belfast. If you don't feel your ateries clogging with every bite, you're not doing it right.

40. Fish and chips from John Dory's. Every fish is caught, gutted, battered and fried with love.

39. Cured meats (and cheese, and olives and basically everything) from Sawer's, Belfast.

38. Mackle's Ice Cream from Portadown. Legend has it, the ice cream machine is 4,000 years old.

37. Cabrito from Broughgammon Farm. And if you don't know what Cabrito is, there's a fairly prominent clue in this photo. (It's goat.)

36. Boxty. For those under the age of 85, this is a potato pancake that reminds all old people of when they were too poor to afford anything else.

35. Old fashioned sweets from Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory.

34. A bun from Ditty's Bakery, Castledawson.

33. A burrito from Boojum.

32. Clandeboye yoghurt.

31. Golden Cow butter. Lathered on absolutely anything.

30. Skea Eggs.

29. Ballyblue Brie from Fivemiletown Creamery.

28. Portavogie prawns.

27. Wheaten bread from Genesis Crafty.

26. Fish supper from the Pit Stop, Kilkeel.

25. Fusco's ice cream.

24. Fish on a Friday, bought from St George's Market.

23. A big sticky gravy ring.

22. Warm dinky doughnuts, eaten whilst freezing your ballicks aff at Nutt's Corner.

21. Churros and Nutella from the Belfast Christmas Market. But they only taste good if you've queued for an hour to get in and for another hour to order them.

20. Foster's Chocolate bought from any sort of fair or market across the country.

19. Van the man's favourite - Snow Ball buns.

18. Barnbrack. That's bread with dried fruit in it for anyone who's not elderly and still has all their own teeth.

17. Coleraine Cheddar. Hands up if you remember this absolute beezer of an ad.

16. A pastie bap. Preferably one that looks like it could be some sort of disease.

15. A Northern Irish child's most dreaded family meal, champ and gammon.

14. Maud's Pooh Bear ice cream.

13. Yellow Man. Because why wouldn't you willingly digest something that luminous?

12. Fifteens.

11. Soda Bread.

10. Dale Farm ice lollies, as soon as the sun comes out.

9. Veda bread.

8. Comber spuds.

7. Cookstown sasseejez.

6. A Belfast bap.

@belfastcapco on Twitter — @belfastbapco on Twitter

5. Potato bread.

4. An Ulster fry that's literally shining from the amount of grease.

3. Tayto cheese and onion. The REAL version.

2. Your granny's homemade stew, which looks like vomit in a bowl but tastes like a hug for your insides.

1. Nutty Krust!

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32 Things You Have To Do in Northern Ireland Before You Die

In case you haven’t noticed, Northern Ireland is small.

It’s really small. For instance, did you know you could walk the whole way from Enniskillen to Belfast in just 27 hours? I mean you’d probably freeze to death or just give up after an hour and go to the pub, but still - it can be done.

And, because NI is so miniscule, there is no reason NOT to experience every single glorious thing this country has to offer. So if you want to make the most of your time living on this fine (but small) land, we’ve created this handy Bucket List of 32 things you have to do here before you die.*

(*I’ll be honest, this is more of an ‘alternative’ bucket list. If you want actual advice on things to do here, i’d suggest you visit the very lovely Tourist Board website)

1. Let's begin with the obvious. Visit the Giant’s Causeway.

Internally question whether or not you’re impressed because although it looks incredible, it’s not all that different from the 21 million pictures you’ve seen of it during your life.

2. Go to Boojum because the whole country won’t shut up about how good it is.

Arrive and see a queue outside, complain about how long the queue is until you realise how quickly it’s moving. Get flustered during the ordering process and end up going for the same thing as the person in front of you. Umm and aah over the best way to go about eating it, give up and just stuff it in your mouth. Come to terms with the fact that it's the best thing ever.

Let's make a Mexican food baby together — via Olfactoryobsessed.wordpress.com

3. Get a warm fuzzy feeling when you see the Tayto sign upon your arrival back in the country at Belfast International Airport.

Because nowhere else in the world has an overweight potato shaped man in an orange top hat as its mascot...

4. Appear on/meet some one who has appeared on the legendary entertainment show 'School Around the Corner' .

It doesn't count unless you actually sat on the stripey sofa with Frank. I don't care if you played violin in the bit before the ad break.

5. Buy something weird that you think may not be legal from Smithfield market.

6. Get out of the car whilst driving in the countryside to usher a sheep out of your way.

7. Neck a full carton of Sukie when you’re hungover.

8. See someone boke all over themselves on the Big Dipper at Barry’s.

9. Torture your poor mate who’s terrified of heights by jumping up and down like a madman on Carrick-a-Rede ropebridge.

10. Get a cup of tea with the lovely people from the SOS bus after a night out.

Talk absolute drunken gibberish and feel guilty about it the next day.

11. Tell everyone under the age of 26 about how amazing Leisureworld was.

Feel an overwhelming sense of pity for those who never had the chance to experience the joy of the wee ferris wheel thing that greeted you when you walked through the doors.

12. Spend what seems like an entire summer (but was probably only a week) at a caravan park in either Newcastle or Portrush.

Also, can we just take a moment to really think about the fact that one of the most popular caravanning destinations in Newcastle is called LAZY BJ'S. Seriously.

13. Get squashed to death by throngs of office workers outside the Duke of York on a Friday after 5pm.

14. Visit the Titanic experience.

And get more excited about the Shipyard motion ride than you should as a fully-grown adult.

15. Take a trip to St George’s market and browse the incredible selection of foods.

Deliberate over what to eat then end up stuffing your face with cupcakes from Lily Pink Bakery.

16. Try to get drunk on samples at the Bushmills Distillery.

Quickly realise that this is not going to work. Go to the pub afterwards.

17. Appear on the UTV news at least once in your life.

Your mum phones the entire extended family and you all sit through the entire programme only to see a two second shot of the back of your head.

Popular UTV news vampire anchor, Paul Clarke who has not aged since the mid 80s.

18. Compete for the country's most prestigious award.

(That's School Choir of the Year for anyone who's simply not badass enough.)

19. See Snow Patrol perform at least once a year.

Usually at either Tennant's Vital or Belsonic.

20. See someone throw a brick at a police landrover and claim you took part in a riot.

21. Meet and get a picture taken with at least one cast member of Give My Head Peace.

22. Purchase five lighters for a pound or some other random tat at Nutt's Corner.

23. Argue with someone from another part of the country about the correct use of the word scundered.

*Spoiler alert* Neither is right. It's not even a real word.

24. Demand a stick of rock from your mum every time you visit a seaside town.

Then get bored of eating it after ten minutes because you've cut your tongue and your hands are sticky, so you throw 3/4 of it in the bin.

25. Make a clean fortune on the 2p machines.

And lose your entire winnings with a couple of rookie moves. 38p down the drain.

26. Take a school trip to the Tayto factory.

Spend the entire time wondering when you get to eat the crisps. Leave gutted that they didn't give everyone a free multi-pack on the way out.

27. Get sent home from work/school because of a bombscare.

28. Take your pet hoover for a walk.

29. Have a terrible experience with Buckfast during your adolescence which scars you for life.

30. Get the insuppressible urge to go to the Christmas market.

Even though you have to queue outside for ages and it's a bit of a cattle market when you eventually get in AND the churros are never as good as you remember them in your mind. But still, it's tradition and Belfast looks all pretty when it's lit up.

31. Get a picture with the Big Fish.

32. Take an arty Instagram picture of Samson and Goliath.

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