Located on the eastern coast of Northern Island on the mouth of the river Lagan, the capital Belfast is a city that has until the last decade or so been plagued by sectarian violence, meaning it was largely off-limits to tourists. That has completely changed now. Northern Ireland|Ireland’s political future and previous disputes are but resolved and the city is now welcoming visitors en masse, who generally come for its friendly Irish feel, historic buildings, good pubs, and rapidly rising arts and culture scene.
Although Belfast’s troubles are largely in the past, an excursion of neighborhoods that were once the central battlegrounds has become a part of the tourism scene here. Areas like Shankill road or The Falls road still feature huge, colorful wall murals dedicated to the struggle. Another politically-oriented site worth considering is the recently reinstated Stormont Parliament buildings which are lined with marble and very impressive.
Belfast’s entertainment center is in and around The Golden Mile, which runs between Queen’s University and Belfast City Hall – with Bradbury Place the main hive of activity and a good place to stop for that all-important pint of Guinness. Shopping-wise, Belfast has very good markets. St George’s and Smithfield markets between them sell everything from clothes to food and handicrafts, making both good places to track down unusual souvenirs.
Highlights
St Anne’s Cathedral: is an impressive 19th century building and the highlight of Belfast’s rapidly changing Cathedral quarter.
Belfast Botanic Gardens: comprise a beautiful expanse of green and flowers in the middle of the city. The focus here is a distinctive cast iron glass house, the Palm House, dating back nearly 200 years.
Shankill road: this is a Protestant working-class area famous for its huge wall murals.
The Golden Mile: is actually a little longer than a mile long. This stretch of road is a good place to start a night out in the Northern Irish capital, courtesy of its huge number of bars.
Crown Liquor Saloon: is the most famous pub in Northern Ireland and is the only bar owned by the British National Trust. The 19th century drinking hole oozes character.
Smithfield Market: the best place for a genuine Irish shopping experience with plenty of choice on offer in terms of knick-knacks to take home.