City Hall

The Dome

The principle dome rises to a height of approx. 53m terminating in a stone lantern.

The Whispering Gallery similar to that in St Paul's Cathedral in London, encircles the interior of the Dome. It gets its name from a charming quirk in its construction, which makes a whisper against its walls audible on the opposite side.

The Grand Staircase

This magnificent staircase's made from Carrara, Pavonazzo and Brescia marbles.

The large stained glass windows around it record important municipal events, from the creating of the original Charter by King James I in 1613 to the redefining of Belfast as a County Borough in 1899.

Stained Glass Windows

Throughout the Hall are many colourful stained glass windows depicting the Belfast Coat of Arms, the longest serving Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Sir Crawford and Lady McCullough, world war memorials and other prominent historical events such as the Famine Window which commemorates the plight of all those citizens who died as a result of famine related diseases.






The Banqueting Hall

This hall features a vaulted dome. The walls panelled in carved oak and a series of stained glass windows showing the Royal Arms and those of Lord Donegall and Lord Shaftersbury.

A step away is the Reception Hall, the smallest of the three function rooms. Special cases in it display the city's charters and certificates awarded to the first Honorary Freemen of the City, Viscount and Viscountess Pirrie.

The Council Chamber

Belfast City Council sits hereon the first working day of each month, its 51 members privileged to conduct business in such a setting. Similar to the Houses of Commons, Westminster, the seating faces inward to a central gangway which leads to a dais at the top of the chamber.
City Hall - Belfast

Mayors

On the walls of the corridors, you can see the paintings of all Belfast mayors.

The Lord Mayor's Chain of Office dates from 1874 when it was presented to the then Mayor, James Alexander Henderson. At the heart of the medallion is the Coat of Arms and motto of Belfast. This is surrounded by symbols of the four provinces of Ireland. A red hand for Ulster, a round tower for Munster, a harp for Leinster and a wolfhound for Connaught. The medallion also features the Irish inscription 'Eirinn go Bra', meaning 'Ireland Forever'. Within the chain itself are coats of arms of Mayors and Lord Mayors from the period 1842 and 1928. Made of solid gold, it weighs nearly 7 kilos.