Belfast

Over the last two centuries Belfast developed into an industrial, administrative and university city. From 1916 to 1918 Belfast was the industrial capital of Europe, i. e. shipbuilding, rope works, linen industry, tobacco factories, whiskey distilleries, and aircraft industry. In 1911 the world-famous Titanic was built and launched in Belfast's H&W shipyard. Today mainly buildings, places and street names remind of the once important industries.

Belfasts features three universities: the Queen's University in the South of Belfast, the University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus in the North of Belfast, and the Art College in the city centre.

Although very much a busy and international capital city, the countryside is never far away. Numerous parks and the banks of the river Lagan are ideal for strolling and relaxing. Theatres, the Grand Opera House, many art exhibitions and events can be enjoyed. Belfast is a great place for bargaining with many shopping centres and arcades (with new and second hand goods).

For those of you, who prefer spending time with friends, the pubs, like the Crown Bar, cafés and restaurants are the right places to enjoy live music, a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

Titanic, releasing the last rope. April 1912.

Sightseeing in Belfast

Black Taxi Tours

Showing you the murals in both catholic and protestant areas of west and east Belfast, the Peace Wall, Belfast Castle, City Hall, Queens University, Shipyard (where the Titanic was built), etc., they provide lots of information on local and recent history, background of the troubles, and general idea about the political situation.

The tours are really informative and are recommended by many travellers. It lasts about 90 minutes, costing £6 - £7. Tours are easily arranged from the Linen House.

Other places worth seeing

• City Hall (Free guided tours)
• Queen's University Information Centre
• Botanic Gardens with Ulster Museum (Northern Irelands "National Museum"), Palm House and Tropical Ravine (free entrance)
• St Anne's Cathedral
• Lagan Weir Lookout (scene of industry, river Lagan, H&W shipbuilding, Titanic's birthplace, Waterfront Concert Hall)
• Belfast Castle and Heritage Centre
• Opera House
• Public Record Office and heritage information
• Belfast Zoo and Cave Hill
• Giant's Ring (prehistoric monument)
• Cultra Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Plenty of further information is available from the Northern Ireland's Tourist Board, just around the corner or a mouse-click away.

Events in Belfast

• Belfast Music Festival - the cream of Belfast's youth talents in speech, drama and music. (Beginning of March)
• St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, 17. March
• Botanic Garden Party - the open air music festival in May.
• North West 200 - Motorcycle races in May.
• Ulster Drama Festival - Plays, poetry and drama, end of May.
• Lagan River Festival - Belfast Carnival Parade, riverboat trips. End of June.
• July Parades
• West Belfast Festival / Féile An Phobail - the largest community festival in August, featuring music, theatre, and competitions.
• Ardoyne Fleadh in August - music festival.
• Belfast Festival at Queen's - end of October to beginning of November. Drama, comedy, ballet, cinema, and every kind of music from classical to jazz, and the biggest rock and folk acts.

Click on the map to get a more detailed view. Suitable for printing.

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