Belfast Information

The port dates back to the twelfth century, and is an important part of the city's character. Visit the source of the River Feirste (Beal Feirste in Gaelic, meaning the Crossing of the Sand Bank).
Belfast Casle overlooks Belfast Lough, on the slopes of Cavehill. During the Second World War it was used as a war control room, but today it's used as a romantic venue for weddings. You can walk around the grounds, explore the nearby forest, and climb to the top of Cavehill to visit McArds Fort, also known as Napoleon's Nose.

The most prosperous time in the city's history was during Queen Victoria's reign, when there were many active entrepreneurs and industrialists in shipbuilding, linen and engineering. They, along with people from Georgian and Edwardian times, built many of the beautiful red brick and sandstone buildings which permeate the city.

City Hall, built in 1906, is a wonderful example of Classical Renaissance architecture. It stands as the centrepiece of the city, and has a rich history. It has been described as a ‘glorious Edwardian confection of a building', and is lavishly decorated inside with three types of Italian marble, a high central dome which stands 173 feet high, a whispering gallery and a very ornate central staircase.
St Anne's Cathedral, which is designed in Hiberno-Romanesque style, took 77 years to complete, and today is a beautiful monument.

St George's Market is the oldest covered market in Ireland, dating back to Victorian times, and today is still a thriving market, and is worth a visit, especially on a Friday when it has a fish market with 23 seafood stalls!

The Ulster Museum has won awards for its Early Ireland gallery, and has some outstanding ‘Made in Belfast' exhibits. Artefacts range from mummys to dinosaurs to modern art. Other museums include the Transport Museum and the Royal Ulster Constabulary Museum. And Fernhill House tells the story of the Shankill district, Home rule and the World Wars.

After all that history, there's plenty of light relief to entertain you. Ulster Hall is the place to go to hear live music, from classical to pop. And for a refreshing drink, you can't find a better place than the Crown Liquor Saloon. This is a wonderful bar, with a reputation for being one of the greatest Victorian gin palaces. It is owned by the National Trust, and has been restored to its full and original Victorian glory. Shopping is good, including chic designer boutiques interspersed with al fresco cafes along Lisburn Road. And if you have children with you, there is lots for them to do. Attractions for children include Belfast Zoo, which has some wonderful aquatic enclosures, Streamvale Open Farm where the children can get up close to the animals, and the W5 Interactive Discovery Centre.