The Splendid Museum

Almost hidden among the fir trees is this splendid Ulster Museum, once the municipal Art Gallery. Here you can find out a lot on Belfast's and the island's history and art.

Visit the art gallery with one of the best collections of Irish art from the 17th century onwards, don't miss Treasures of the Armada with spectacular items from the Spanish galleass Gerona, sunk off the north coast in 1588, or Princess Takabuti (known as Belfast's oldest bleached blonde due to her chemically discoloured hair), the 1st mummy to be displayed outside Egypt...

Egypt

Greece

The museum also offers regular backpacks and trails for children, as well as lectures and musical evenings.

Opening times:
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 1-5pm, Sun 2-5pm

Address: Botanic Gardens
Directions: Metro 8A

Free entry!

Phone: 028 9038 3000

Website: http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk

St Anne's Cathedral

This is one of the most famous buildings in Belfast, and well worth visiting. It succeeds a previous Parish Church, named after Anne, wife of the 5th Earl of Donegall.

The construction of this Protestant Cathedral was begun in 1898. It was consecrated in 1904, but various parts have been added since.

Here you can admire impressive mosaics and delightful stained-glass windows (some on Celtic themes), listen to one of Ireland's largest church organs... The Cathedral also has the largest Celtic Cross in Ireland.

The Cathedral Choir sings on Sunday at 11am and 3.30pm (excluding July and August).

Address: Cathedral Quarter, Donegall Street

Directions: Metro 1A-G, 2A-F, 57, 61, 64

Phone: 028 9032 8332

Website: http://www.belfastcathedral.org

The Legacy from 'The Troubles'

Many buildings in the Catholic and Protestant working-class neighbourhoods of Belfast feature political murals.

In Catholic neighbourhoods, the murals are usually republican and favour Union with the Republic of Ireland. In Protestant areas, they're usually loyalist and support the existing union with the UK. These murals are Belfast's legacy from 'the troubles,' the dacedes-long period of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

The City Hall Gardens

The gardens are often used for public events, such as operas and concerts.

Queen Victoria

In front of the Hall stands Thomas Brock's statue of Queen Victoria. In the gardens is a marble figure of Thane, erected to mark the sinking of The RMS Titanic in 1912. Other statues around the gardens commemorate various worthies, from frock-coated mayors to James Magennis, who won his Victoria Cross in WWII by placing mines from a midget submarine beneath an enemy boat.

Address: Donegall Square

A Giant Wedding Cake

This magnificent building is Belfast's most popular attraction. No wonder! It's the centre of Belfast life and its commercial heart as well, imposing itself on the skyline from all angles. So, don't miss investigating it! You can find out a lot about its colourful history, learn about the many extraordinary characters who are part of its story...

The building of this masterpiece began in 1898 on the site of former White Linen Hall, and took eight years to complete.

Take a tour to see the ornate dome (rises to 53m above the centre), grand staircase, oak furnished Council Chamber, John Luke's mural illustrating the foundation of the city... The striking Great Hall has its original seven stained-glass windows, depicting three monarchs who have visited Belfast (King William III, Queen Victoria and King Edward VII) and the shields of Ireland's four provinces.

Free guided tours:

at 11am, 2pm and 3pm Mon-Fri, and 2.30pm Sat, Jun-Sept and 

11am and 2.30pm Mon-Fri and 2.30pm Sat, Oct-May

Address: Donegall Square
Directions: City Centre

City Airlink service 600

Free entry!

Phone: 028 9027 0456

Beal Feirste

Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, was founded on the sandy mouth of the Lagan River in 1613 by settlers from Britain. It took its name from Beal Feirste (Irish for 'the mouth of the sandbank').

Belfast remained a small trading port until about 1800, and soon became a major industrial city.

Europe's friendliest regional capital

Famous for shipbuilding (The Titanic built here) and Irish linen, Belfast has two airports, two universities, two cathedrals, two riverside venues for mega-events, and just one Grand Opera House.

Top 10 Sights

coat of arms

City Hall

Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens

Grand Opera House

Parliament Buildings

Queens University

Albert Memorial Clock

Belfast Castle

St George's Market

Crown Liquor Saloon

ZOO

Belgian Venice

Ancient architecture, small bridges, canals, swans, windmills, and much more make this splendid town a place you always want to return to.


Pros: architecture, bridges, people