Some History

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, proudly sits on the northeast coast of the island of Ireland. As a key city within the United Kingdom, it’s essential to recognise their nationality—Belfast residents are British citizens, distinctly not Irish.

After officially becoming a city in 1888, Belfast confidently established itself as a global powerhouse in industry and shipbuilding, giving rise to the world’s most iconic vessel – the Titanic. It also dominated the linen production industry, earning the proud nickname “Linenopolis”.

The years that followed were marked by significant challenges for Belfast, as it endured heavy bombing during the Second World War and emerged as the epicentre of political turmoil known as ‘The Troubles’, characterised by intense disorder and rioting between rival Protestant and Catholic factions.

The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 decisively ended the violence, and after enduring a couple of dark decades, Belfast began its impressive recovery, drawing significant reinvestment while a thriving movie industry, exemplified by Game of Thrones, flourished amidst the city’s affordability.

What to see in Belfast

Titanic Museum and Dockyards

There is a lot to see around this area. The Titanic museum is huge spanning several floors that spills out onto the dockyards offering the Titanic Hotel were you can enjoy typical afternoon tea. Tickets for the museum are £24.95 that includes the Titanic Museum and access to the only surviving White Star passenger ferry the SS Nomadic. Definitely worth the price especially when it includes a gondola ride inside the museum too.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is one of the Northern Irish capital’s biggest and most recognisable buildings that opens to the public three times daily for guided tours.

Led by an experienced guide tours last around an hour and include an overview of the history of Belfast City Hall and its most prominent features. Tours are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must register 10-15 minutes before the tour is due to depart at the guided tours reception.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Explore over 150 years of history at Crumlin Road Gaol and find out its darkest secrets on a guided tour. Multiple tours run each day and a guide will accompany your group, showing you around the former prison while accompanying your visit with a series of fascinating anecdotes and stories about this infamous Belfast institution.

The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed its doors as a working prison after 150 years in service in 1996. In addition to the regular tours, there are also several night time tours available throughout the year including the Ghost Walk Tour, Paranormal Tour and Historical Evening Tour. Tickets cost £14 for self guided tour, or a guided tour for £19.50.

Stroll the Waterfront

Walk the banks of the river Lagan and discover places such as the Customs House, the famous yellow H&W (Harland and Wolff) crane that dominates the dockland skyline constructed in 1960, and the 10m (32ft) salmon, which houses a time capsule, that was commissioned in 1999 to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan and the historic importance of the site.

Albert Memorial Clock

The Albert Memorial Clock is a clock tower situated at Queen’s Square. The Albert Memorial Clock is sometimes described as Belfast’s answer to Pisa’s leaning tower, its tilt caused by the fact it is constructed on reclaimed land from the River Farset and weighs over 2,000 tonnes.

Erected between 1865 and 1869 in Gothic style to commemorate Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, it’s height is 141ft (43m).

Glass of Thrones

To commemorate the hit TV series Belfast created a collection of six stained glass windows peppered around the city, one for each of the series. They’re vividly coloured and depict the moments from the house of Baratheon, Stark, Lannister, Targaryen and the White Walkers.

St George’s Market

To capture the true spirit of Belfast make sure to stop by St George’s Market for a couple of hours. It’s only open at weekends to meander the eclectic mix of stalls brought to you by over 250 traders.

It’s a great place for a spot of lunch with everything on offer from bacon and egg rolls to fresh paella. You can also grab a homemade cake for dessert and gather around with a drink for some fantastic live music.

St. Anne’s Cathedral

The most famous cathedral in Belfast is St. Anne’s Cathedral located in the quirky Cathedral Quarter. It was built in stages. You can enter with a small fee to wonder inside. It’s beautiful inside and outside.

Victoria Shopping Mall

Victoria shopping mall is a shopping complex located in the centre of Belfast. It is home to an assortment of shops, cafes, restaurants and an entertainment floor all housed under a glass dome. Catch the lift to the top floor to be rewarded with 360 degree view of the city.

Shankill Road

Shankill Road runs for about a mile and a half and is famous for its murals. A visit to Shankhill Road is pretty straightforward and easily walkable from the city centre.

Shankill Road was a hotbed for activity and violence during ‘The Troubles‘ both the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) and the UDA (Ulster Defense Association) were formed. Shankill Road was the scene of attacks on both Protestants and Catholics during this time period.

Where to eat

Belfast is awash with cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and stands offering everything anyone would want. The trouble with Belfast is there is way too much to choose from.

Bittles Bar

Bittles Bar is a very eclectic, cosy, historic pub right in the city centre neighbouring Victoria Mall, located at 70 Upper Church Lane.

The Dirty Onion and Yardbird

Both, found at 3 Hill Street, are located under one roof. The Dirty Onion takes up the ground floor whilst the Yardbird restaurant spans the first floor. The Dirty Onion is a modern pub with indoor seating and outdoor terraces.

The Thirsty Goat

Located at 1 Hill Street, The Thirsty Goat offers pub food and drinks within a relaxed atmosphere often with a live band at weekends.

The Cloth Ear

The Cloth Ear is found at 16 Skipper Street. It’s a quirky classy pub-restaurant offering homely and heartwarming food and drink.

Munch

Munch, found at 19 Church Lane, could be described as a ‘greasy spoon’ kind of establishment offering hearty breakfasts and lunches served from tables with plastic tablecloths. Their Ulster fried breakfast is great!

Whites Beer Hall

Located at 18 High Street (a short walk from Primark). Whites Beer Hall are three buildings joined together by opening doors. There’s the bar area, ‘The Garden’ bar and the restaurant that serves all sorts of warming and delicious foods from burgers, to seafood chowda, to pork loin steaks.

Bootleggers

Bootleggers, located at 46 Church Lane, is a very friendly laidback kind of establishment offers quirky burgers, tacos, a variety of cocktails and beers.

Commercial Court

Commercial Court is a narrow cobbled alleyway in the Cathedral Quarter off Hill Street (Near The Dirty Onion) lined with traditional pubs and brightly coloured umbrella’s hanging above the street below.

Muriel’s Cafe Bar

Muriel’s, found at 12 Church Lane, is a trendy quirky decorated cafe bar with outside seating offering bar snacks, cocktails and beers.

Final Word

Belfast has come along way since those troubles of the past. Yes, there still are signs of aggression if you stray too far away out of the city but it’s not seen within the city. Belfast is becoming vibrant, full of character whilst still holding its Irish charm. There is definitely an increasing amount of investment being put into the city. The people are friendly, hospitable and proud of their city.

Guinness at Bittles Bar

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