Belfast is not just any city – politics, history and religion are inescapable parts of its fabric. For visitors it is compact, with relatively light traffic and conveniently located points of interest. The major central landmark is Donegall Square, surrounded by imposing remnants of the Victorian era. It is in the west of the city that the poverty shows and that (Protestant) Shankill Rd and (Catholic) Falls Rd run – Six O’Clock News names if ever there were. Separate taxi services run tourists around the two mural-lined precincts for around £10.
Donegall Square is dominated by the City Hall, a true example of muck-and-brass architecture. Also on the square is the Linen Hall Library, which houses a major Irish literary collection. The area north of High St is the oldest part of Belfast, and is known as the Entries. It was badly damaged by bombing during WWII, and today only a handful of pubs are left to reflect the character of the past. The River Lagan runs through Belfast, and the cranes of its shipyards still dominate the western skyline. Queen’s Bridge, a lovely bridge with ornate lamps, is just one of those spanning the Lagan. The Crown Liquor Saloon displays Victorian architectural flamboyance at its most extravagant. As much a museum as hostelry, the Crown’s exterior is covered in a million different tiles, while the interior is a mass of stained and cut glass, mosaics and mahogany furniture. It’s impossible to get a seat, and even standing room is rare, but the Crown is well worth putting on your itinerary.
The Grand Opera House across the road is another of Belfast’s great landmarks. It’s been bombed several times, and at the moment has been restored in an abundance of purple satin. History and culture are on show at the Ulster Museum near the university; the collection includes items from the wrecked Spanish Armada of 1588. On the outskirts of Belfast are its splendidly located and well laid-out zoo; the Cave Hill Country Park; Belfast Castle, which dates in theory from the 12th century, but the existing structure was built in 1870; and Stormont, the former home of the Northern Ireland parliament, and now home to the Northern Ireland Secretary.
The bulk of Belfast’s restaurants and accommodation cluster south of Donegall Square and along the inner-urban stretch known as the Golden Mile.
Top Attractions in Belfast City, County Antrim
Belfast Botanic Gardens were established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society in response to public interest in horticulture and botany. The rose garden and herbaceous borders were established in 1920.
Belfast Castle is a beautiful Scottish Baronial castle which is set on the side of Belfasts Cave Hill, 40 ft above sea level. Beautiful theme gardens, way marked walks and Heritage Centre.
Belfast Cathedral seeks to maintain an Anglican and Irish ethos and identity in its daily worship, whilst providing a hospitable space for civic, community and inter-church services.
Belfast City Hall was completed in 1906 to commemorate Queen Victoria giving Belfast the status of City in 1888, the City Hall was built in the classic Renaissance style in Portland Stone.
Culturlann MacAdam O’Fiaich is an Irish language Arts Centre housing An Caife Glas, An Leathra Poili (Bookshop) and An Meanscoil Feirste (Secondary School). Regular concerts, book launches and exhibitions.
The Grand Opera House is Northern Ireland’s Premier Theatre. It presents a programme of the very best in live theatrical performances to satisfy the widest possible range of tastes and ages such as musicals, opera, ballet, comedy, concerts and pantomime.
Lagan Lookout Centre explains the background to the Lagan weir, industrial and folk history of the harbour. Hi-tech hands on computers and videos.
Lagan Valley Regional Park is home to ten miles of towpath along the banks of the Lagan river, past public parks. Wheelchair access points. Towpath starts near Belfast Boathouse, Stranmillis and ends upstream from Moore’s Bridge, Hillsborough Road, Lisburn.
Malone House is an elegant 19th Georgian century mansion set in the parkland of Barnett Demesne in South Belfast and is home of the Higgin Art Gallery. Permanent exhibition on Belfast parks.
Old Museum Arts Centre is a City centre based arts centre dedicated to contemporary forms of art, theatre and dance. The theatre is involved in the Education and Outreach programme and is home to Kabosh, a leading Irish theatre company.
Police Museum exhibits uniforms, photographs and equipment relating to the Irish Constabulary since its formation in 1822. The Royal prefix was added in 1867 and in 1922 the Royal Ulster Constabulary was created.
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland – The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, is the main source of manuscript information for genealogical research. Visitors are welcome to do their own research here.
Saint Anne’s Cathedral is an imposing Hiberno-Romanesque monument to persistence – it was partly completed and opened in the 1890’s and finished nearly a century later!
Saint George’s Market – A revitalised corner of Belfast’s colourful heritage. Don’t miss the displays of locally caught fish and fresh produce in one section and everything from discount clothing to second-hand videos in the aptly named Variety Market.
Stormont is home to Northern Ireland’s parliament. The buildings are not usually open to the general public, but guided tours may be arranged in advance for visiting conference groups, etc. Don’t miss the walk along the Processional Way from the main gates; it’s reputed to be exactly one mile.
The Linen Hall Library is Belfast’s oldest Library, and has been lending books to the citizens of Belfast since 1788. The Linen Hall Library is one of the oldest surviving subscription libraries in the United Kingdom.
Ulster Museum is a national museum noted for its collections of Irish art, history, natural sciences and archaeology. Early Ireland gallery (10,000 BC-1,500 BC). Treasures from the Spanish Armada.
Events and Festivals in Belfast City
The Balmoral Show is an annual three-day show held in mid-May featuring farming and agricultural displays and competitions.
The Belfast Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Belfast City.
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Getting to Belfast City and Around
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is extremely accessible. It is home to two airports which offer regular flights to many locations in Britain and continental Europe.
The nearest seaports are Belfast Port itself, and at Larne, which offers ferry services to Britain.
The A1 road meet’s the Republic’s M1 motorway at the border, providing access to Dublin and beyond. The M2/A6 route connects Belfast with Derry City.
The Dublin-Belfast railway line provides train services to Dublin’s Connolly station. There is also a railway line to Derry, and a number of services to other locations in Northern Ireland.
Translink operate most public bus services in Northern Ireland, and provide urban and long distance services.
Our Co. Antrim Transport Guide provides more information on getting to and around County Antrim.