This robust Northern Ireland capital city has undergone much change
over the years. Belfast was the engine-room of the Industrial Revolution
in Northern Ireland and during the Victorian era, was an industrial
boomtown, whose prosperity was based on its thriving shipbuilding,
linen and rope-making industries. Shipbuilding in particular was of
huge importance in Belfast and it was here that the Titanic was built.
For some decades now, Belfast has been hit by collapsing industries
and of course the ongoing troubles in the North. But following the
ceasefire of 1994 and subsequent peace agreements, Belfast has benefited
from major tourism investment and has undergone somewhat of a facelift
as a city.
Superficially (at least until a few years ago), Belfast may be described
as a large, rather ugly industrial city but Belfast of course, is
not just any city - its politics and history are interwoven into its
very fabric. For visitors, Belfast is a compact city with relatively
light traffic in comparison to other major cities and is easy to navigate
by foot. The major central landmark is Donegall Square, which is surrounded
by imposing remnants of the Victorian era, while at the southern end;
the Queen’s University area is the most appealing part of the
city. It is here that one can find the Botanic Gardens, fine 19th
century buildings and many excellent restaurants.
Today, Belfast is a vibrant city with many attractions for the visitor.
Donegall Square, the main shopping area in Belfast, is dominated by
City Hall, which was built around the turn of the 20th century. Built
in the Classical Renaissance style with an Italian marble interior,
the view of the Great Dome from the entrance hall is a feast for the
eyes, while its series of arches stained-glass windows; ornate plasterwork
and paintings are very impressive. Located near City Hall, the Linen
Hall Library, which houses a major Irish literary collection is well
worth a visit.
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
Laid out in 1827 on land that slopes down to the
River Lagan between Queen’s University and the Ulster Museum
is the Botanic Gardens. The gardens provide a great escape from the
city and are a wonderful haven of grass, trees, flowers and walks.
The Palm House in the gardens, constructed from curved iron and glass
is reckoned to be the largest such greenhouse in the world, while
the Tropical Ravine House displays a range of tropical plants. Beside
the gardens, the Ulster Museum is well worth a visit. Its collections
include contemporary Irish and International art but the main attraction
is probably the collection of jewelry that was recovered by divers
in 1968 from one of the Spanish Armada ships, wrecked off the coast
of the Giant’s Causeway in 1588.
Oppsite the Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street
is the Crown Liquor Saloon, without doubt Belfast’s most famous
pub. Built in 1894, the bar offers carved woodwork, cosy snugs and
leather seats in a great environment. The Crown Liquor Saloon marks
the northern end of an area known as the Golden Mile. Extending from
Howard Street in the north to Shaftesbury Square in the south and
bordered by Great Victoria Street and Bedford Street, the Golden Mile
is an area rich in historic buildings, hotels, civic buildings, restaurants,
cafés and stores. The Grand Opera House on Great Victoria Street
is worth a look even if you don’t intend going to a show. Designed
in 1894, the building was restored in the 1970’s and offers fantastic
plasterwork and beautiful ceiling fresco by renowned Irish artist
Cherith McKinstry.
Belfast Castle
Situated in Cave Hill Country Park just outside
the city and overlooking Belfast Lough is Belfast Castle, originally
built for the Marquis of Donegall in 1865. Today the Castle functions
mainly as a restaurant and is the ideal venue to sample excellent
cuisine in a wonderful atmosphere. It also houses the Cave Hill Heritage
Centre, which provides information about the Castle and its surroundings.
Belfast Zoo, which is one of the finest in Europe, is also located
on the slopes of Cave Hill. About ten miles northeast of Belfast is
the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, which tells the story of the
province’s social history. The North’s past is brought to
life with a series of reconstructed buildings including a traditional
weaver’s dwelling, an 18th century church, a flax mill, forge,
farmhouse and rural school. Just across the road is the Transport
Museum, where the exhibitions include a section on the Titanic, which
so famously sank on its maiden voyage in 1912.
