For many people, the city of Belfast represents decades of violence and unrest more commonly known as "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland. There was indeed a great deal of conflict in the city during those difficult times, but since the Good Friday Agreement signed in 1998 the city has quickly become a tourist destination of some popularity. If you're still unsure about how completely the city has transformed, take this into consideration: recently, Belfast was named the UK's safest city, quite a turnaround and something of which the local residents are understandably proud. |
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One of the many advantages of visiting Belfast is its plentiful historical sights, relatively inexpensive prices, and less crowding than in the much larger Dublin. The local residents of Belfast are charming, hospitable, and offer a great deal of warmth in their welcome of visitors. This is particularly evident in the many pubs and bars in the city, where the patrons and proprietors alike will most likely welcome you to the establishment much as they would an old friend.
Saint Anne's Cathedral, located near the end of Royal Avenue, is nothing short of spectacular. The architecture is stunning, and the cathedral building is extremely interesting to explore. The area around Saint Anne's Cathedral is known as "Cathedral Quarter" and is undergoing significant restoration and rejuvenation. It is still home to some wonderful bars, cafes, coffee shops, and pubs that are well worth visiting while you are there.
Down by the river you will find the famous Belfast Big Fish statue located alongside the River Lagan, which is also where you will find the Lagan Lookout. This is a terrific display of information about the Lagan Weir, which controls the flow of the River Lagan, as well as Belfast's colourful history. Part of that history about which Belfast residents are surprisingly proud is that the Titanic was built in the shipyards of Belfast. The Lagan Lookout contains a model and display about the Titanic, and there is also a water tour (The Titanic Boat Tour) that takes you out and around the shipyards where the Titanic was built. This area is being developed and improved, with the addition of restaurants, bars, and other urban attractions.
Another popular attraction that is well worth visiting is the Botanical Gardens. This beautiful place includes the Palm House, where you can see a wonderful collection of native foliage as well as exotic species such as carnivorous plants. Close by is the Tropical Ravine, a one-of-a-kind display in the UK that allows visitors to stroll across a large balcony while enjoying an enticing array of tropical plants and foliage down below. Of course, there are plentiful outdoor gardens as well, plus lush, green, grassy areas just perfect for playing catch, having a picnic, reading a book, or taking an afternoon nap in the shade.
For a more modern facility with more modern activities, be sure to stop by Odyssey Centre. There you will find a wonderful complex that includes an IMAX theatre, an ice arena that is home to the Belfast Giants hockey team, an interactive science centre, and many terrific restaurants and bars in all price ranges. You can even go bowling in the Odyssey Centre if you want. All in all, this is a terrific place to go for a day if you need a break from historic sites and other areas of the city.
The city is served primarily by Belfast International Airport for international flights and George Best Belfast City Airport for domestic and UK flights. From either airport you can hire a taxi, hire a car, or take one of the frequent buses going into the city. You should also check with your hotel accommodations in advance because many of them offer discount or even complimentary shuttle services from the airports to their locations.
Wiki:- Belfast
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