Northern Ireland
Belfast
Derry/Londonderry
North Antrim Coast
Belfast
Belfast, the town that built the Titanic, was the only city in Ireland which experienced the Industrial Revolution. Situated on the River Lagan at the head of Belfast Lough, Belfast enjoys easy access by sea to Scotland. Because of its proximity to Scottish coal and iron, it became a great industrial centre during the Industrial Revolution and was home to a thriving linen and shipbuilding industry.
The world's largest dry dock is located in Belfast and the giant shipyard cranes are still part of the skyline. There are many attractive Victorian and Edwardian buildings with elaborate sculptures over doors and windows. Stone-carved heads of gods and poets, scientists, kings and queens peer down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses.
Today, Belfast is the major administrative and commercial centre of Northern Ireland. The vibrant city centre has been transformed into a pedestrian area. Belfast City Hall, located on Donegal Square, was built in the 1900s and has an impressive and imposing Edwardian structure, its interior being lavishly decorated with beautiful Italian works of marble.
The Grand Opera House, opened in 1896, hosts a wide range of local and international entertainment encompassing theatre, musicals, opera, ballet, comedy, concerts, pantomime and much more.
The Botanic Gardens is another fascinating Belfast attraction, with beautiful rose gardens, colorful flowerbeds, extensive variety of trees, a Tropical Ravine, and a Victorian Palm house which was built in 1839. On a sunny day the park is a hive of activity. Opposite the Botanic Gardens is Queens University, built in 1849 by Charles Lanyon, who designed many fine buildings in Belfast.
The Ulster Museum features collections of contemporary international and Irish art, Irish furniture, glass, silver, ceramics, and costume, as well as a display of life in Ireland over 9,000 years. Perhaps the best-known collection is the gold and silver jeweler from the wrecked Spanish Armada treasure ship Girona, recovered by divers in 1968.
Belfast Castle, situated on the slopes of Cave Hill, provides splendid views of the city and Lough. The castle is overlooked by MacArt's Fort, a rock where the United Irish Men planned the rebellion of 1798.
Located just north of Belfast City, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum recaptures a disappearing way of life, while preserving traditional skills and celebrating transport history. You can stroll through yesteryear's countryside and a typical Ulster town.