Belfast Information

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and part of the United Kingdom situated at the mouth of the River Lagan and surrounding hills. It is the second biggest city after Dublin, which is the capital of the Republic of Ireland.

Belfast has become a vibrant and rich city.  It dates back to the Middle Ages and although it was bombed several times in World War II, it is still a great heritage site.  Most famously known, the Titanic was built here in the 19th century.  Belfast was associated with conflict between Catholics and Protestants for over thirty years from the late 1960’s but there is now a new peace process across Ireland.  Tourism has greatly increased in Northern Ireland, and Belfast has been voted one of the best cities on the rise to visit for short weekend breaks.

Belfast has been the capital since 1921 when it began to emerge as a major city.  From the 18th to the 20th century it blossomed as a commercial and industrial centre.  The city was heavily bombed in 1941 and the industry declined from the 1960’s but recently large amounts of money have been invested in an effort to stabilise the economy.

Places to Visit in Belfast

Belfast City Hall dominates the city with its wedding-cake design.  In the grounds of the City Hall there is a monument to the Titanic, the doomed vessel that set sail from the city in 1911.  From many parts of Belfast ‘Samson and Goliath’ yellow cranes can be seen at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard where the Titanic was built.  Tours of these areas and the city are available Monday to Saturday.  The simplest and possibly most rewarding of the hikes is the ‘Highway to Health’ a circular and sign posted trail through the city centre beginning at the City Hall.

The biggest cultural draw is the Ulster Museum, but it is closed for refurbishment until spring 2009.  St Anne’s Cathedral is Belfast’s version of the Sagrada Famlia although it does not have the scale of the temple in Barcelona.  Built in Hiberno-Romanesque style it features the largest Celtic Cross in Ireland, sculptures and mosaics. The Queen’s University and the Ormeau Baths Gallery are also popular spots of history and culture.

Donegall Place offers usual high street shopping.  For something different try St George’s marked, refurbished with shops and restaurants or try Lisburn Road for all types of individual one off stores including some upmarket fashion boutiques.

Belfast’s Mountains just outside of the city offer extraordinary wildlife and spectacular views across the city.  Belfast Castle is situated on the slopes of Cave hill, which is part of the Belfast’s Mountains.  It was constructed in the 1870’s and has a Scottish baronial architecture.  There are beautiful gardens in the grounds and a heritage centre offering a exhibition for the castle and surrounding area.  The Cave Hill Country Park can also be found in this area with walking paths, superb views, the famous Neolithic caves and McArt’s Fort.