Located at the western end of Belfast Lough, the city of Belfast at the mouth of the River Lagan has gained a reputation for its bustling nightlife, excellent shopping and top tourist attractions. It’s full of beautiful architecture and as it’s relatively compact it’s easy enough to get around on foot. But why not save yourself the hassle? Take the Belfast City Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour. Buses depart regularly from Castle Place and you can take in many of Belfast’s top attractions.
First of all a little bit of history…
Queen Victoria granted Belfast, “city status” in 1888. During the 18th and 19th centuries, industries, for example, heavy engineering, shipbuilding, tobacco, linen making and rope making were very prosperous. At one stage Harland and Wolff shipyards employed 35,000 people.
During the German “Blitz” of 1941, Belfast was bombed killing approximately 1000 people and destroying the homes of thousands.
The worst was still to come with “The Troubles” with Belfast suffering the most in respect of bombings, street violence and assassinations. However, with the IRA Ceasefire (1994) and The Good Friday Agreement (1998), Belfast has undergone a bit of a rejuvenation process providing its citizens with stability and economic growth and making it a desirable place to live and a popular tourist destination.
The tour…
Why not explore for yourself what Belfast has to offer by taking the Belfast City Sightseeing Tour? During high season, from May to September, open top buses operate from Castle Place, 9.30am to 5pm, departing every 30 minutes. From October to April buses depart every 45 minutes from 10am until 4pm. Tourist attractions along the route include:
City Hall…
City Hall was designed by Brumwell Thomas. Building started in 1898 and was completed in 1906. The building is rectangular in shape, made from Portland Stone and is Classical Renaissance style.
Albert Clock…
Designed by William J Barre, this monument was constructed in memory of Prince Albert. It stands 113 feet high and is mainly built of sandstone.
Shipyard…
The Harland and Wolff Shipyard was once the largest in the world. The ill fated titanic was built here. Access to the shipyard is limited.
Customs House…
Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and built circa 1856/1857, the style of the building is attributed to High Italia Renaissance or “Palazzo”.
Laganside…
The Government of the day set up the Laganside Corporation in 1989. Its aim was to transform this neglected area of Belfast into a place where locals would want to live, work and socialize.
Titanic Quarter…
This massive development takes in old ship building land, where famous ships, RMS Titanic and SS Canberra were launched. The development will consist of apartments, offices, hotels, etc.
Cathedral Quarter…
St. Anne’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland) is the focal point in this area. This building is in the Hiberno-Romanesque style and was over 80 years in the making. Cathedral Quarter is like many other areas of Belfast - still having major work done!
Gaol and Courthouse…
The Gaol is now a “Grade A-listed building” and was built between 1843 and 1845. It was designed by Charles Lanyon and made from Black Basalt rock. Charles Lanyon also designed the Courthouse, which was built between 1845 and 1850.
Shankill Road…
Pass through the Shankill Road and see the many murals on the sides of houses.
Falls Road…
Murals sympathetic to the Catholic side of the struggle can be viewed here.
Find out more about the Belfast Murals.
Peace Line…
These barriers were built to separate Catholic and Protestant areas and the main aim was to try to decrease violent outbreaks between the 2 groups. The barriers first went up at the start of “The Troubles”, and during 2008, talks were held on when these barriers could actually be taken away.
Queen’s University…
Founded by Queen Victoria and designed by the very busy Charles Lanyon, the university opened its doors to students in 1849.
Find out more about Queen’s University Belfast.
Ulster Museum…
Designed by James Cumming Wynne (although founded in the 1800′s), the museum set up house in this building in 1929. The museum consists of extensive collections of art, archaeology, natural sciences and world cultures. At present the museum is closed for essential work.
Botanic Gardens…
Featuring an Alpine garden, numerous flowerbeds, rockeries, sculptures, a tropical ravine (opened in 1889) and a palm house (built between 1839 and 1852).
Opera House…
Designed by Frank Matcham, the Grand Opera House opened on 23rd December 1895. The company did very well with a variety of shows and performances down through the years until the 1950′s and the advent of television! Audiences declined and the building was taken over by Rank Organisation and used as a cinema. In 1972 it finally closed its doors, however the fortunes of the Opera House were to change in 1974. Thankfully it was declared a listed building and after major renovations it re-opened in the 1980′s. Despite suffering bomb damage in the 1990′s its still standing today!
Belfast pubs and clubs…
Lets head to “the Golden Mile”. This is the “happening place” in Belfast as regards entertainment, pubs and clubs. Keep an eye out for “The Crown Liquor Saloon”, resident in Great Victoria Street since 1849.
Find out more about Belfast City Sightseeing Tour.
Where to stay…
Need somewhere to stay? Choose one of our Belfast hotels.
