The rebel tradesmen and tenant farmers were defeated north of the town at the Battle of Antrim and to the south at the Battle of Ballynahinch. Further emboldened by the French Revolution, a more radical element in the town, the Society of United Irishmen, called for Catholic emancipation and a representative national government. Abolitionist sentiment, however, defeated the proposal of the greatest of the merchant houses, Cunningham and Greg, in 1786 to commission ships for the Middle Passage. From the 1760s, profits from the trade financed improvements in the town’s commercial infrastructure, including the Lagan Canal, new docks and quays, and the construction of the White Linen Hall which together attracted to Belfast the linen trade that had formerly gone through Dublin.

On the 31st March 1996 Crumlin Road Gaol slammed shut its doors for what many thought would be the final time, but, on the… Belfast is a compact city with an amazing array of activities and attractions for you to enjoy. Belfast has enjoyed a renaissance in the brewing and culinary arts in recent years. Whether you’re planning a belfast taxi numbers weekend getaway, romantic escape or family city break, Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every style and budget. Once you’re here, you’re spoilt for choice – Belfast has great road, rail and bus connections to the rest of Northern Ireland, so you’re in for an easy and memorable trip. W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre, located in the Odyssey complex at the gateway…

What famous ship was built in Belfast?

Don’t miss exploring the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world, which is included with a museum ticket and is docked right outside. The journey culminates with a deep dive into the RMS Titanic, whose ill-fated Atlantic voyage in 1912 eventually crippled the city’s top industry. The Titanic Belfast museum, rising from the grounds of the Harland & Wolff shipyard, is much more than a maritime showcase. Museums and tours nourish history buffs, while enthusiastic hikers can find nature on the city’s doorstep.

The SCENEic Route

Inspired by the tradition of military tattoos, it features performances from pipe bands, military and civilian musicians, dancers, and cultural groups from Northern Ireland and around the world. It is generally understood as an area around the Falls Road in west Belfast served by the Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich cultural centre. (According to the 2021 census, 15.5% of people in the city have some knowledge of Irish, 4% speak it daily).

  • In 1997, unionists lost overall control of Belfast City Council for the first time in its history, with the Alliance Party holding the balance of power.
  • Get out in the fresh air and enjoy a relaxing walk with the family in Belfast, and beyond this…
  • Centuries of history combined with memorable experiences – what will you discover first?
  • Celebrate Belfast’s dynamic arts scene at this popular festival in the city’s cultural heart.
  • Each of the city’s quarters tells a story – from the history of one of the world’s most famous ships at Titanic Belfast to tales of the city’s past at the Ulster Museum.

Popular Locations

On the day he was buried in the city, 100,000 people lined the route from his home on the Cregagh Road to Roselawn cemetery. Belfast was the home town of former Manchester United player George Best, the 1968 European Footballer of the Year, who died in November 2005. The Belfast Marathon is run annually on May Day, The 41st Marathon in 2023, with related events (Wheelchair Race, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk) attracted 15,000 participants. The 100-acres of Ormeau Park were opened to the public in 1871 on what was the last demesne of the town’s former proprietors, the Chichesters, Marquesses of Donegall. Introduced in 2018, it is a bus rapid transit system linking East Belfast, West Belfast and the Titanic Quarter from the City Centre. In addition to its extensive freight business, the Belfast Port offers car-ferry sailings, operated by Stena Line, to Cairnryan in Scotland (5 Sailings Daily. 2 hours 22 minutes) and to Liverpool-Birkenhead (14 sailings weekly. 8 hours).

Ashes to Fashion at The Ulster Museum

Small, idiosyncratic Belfast has long punched above its diminutive weight in terms of cultural impact – the hometown of George Best and Van Morrison, the RMS Titanic and Harland & Wolff shipyard, and deeply politicized murals enlivening brick gable walls. Titanic Quarter has historic and state-of-the-art Titanic and maritime visitor attractions, hotels, sporting activities and tours for the whole family to enjoy. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a walk in Belfast and beyond.

The Blitz and post-war development

Vendors are mostly the craftspeople, bakers, fishers and farmers who grew, caught or created what they are selling, and they are happy to chat about their wares. Though the market, situated in a Victorian building, is a mainstay of the Belfast townscape, the goods on offer are cyclical. The kitchen is partially open to the dining floor, creating a sense of theater within its urbane confines, while the mixologists pay as much attention to detail for the cocktails as the chefs exercise toward the food.

Sign up to receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland! Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is the city’s buzzing, creative soul, where Belfast’s vibrant cultural life bubbles visibly to the surface. In South Belfast, modernity collides with tradition, creating a vibrant atmosphere enriched by a dynamic cultural scene. Discover iconic landmarks like Belfast Castle, explore wildlife at Belfast Zoo, or delve into the past at Crumlin Road Gaol and Clifton House. West Belfast is a canvas of history and community arts, characterised by vibrant murals that tell the stories of its cultural heritage. From brunches to dinners and food tours that wind through the city’s most flavourful streets, Belfast rewards the curious eater at every turn.

Take a black taxi tour of Belfast’s political murals

Get out in the fresh air and enjoy a relaxing walk with the family in Belfast, and beyond this… One of the great things about Belfast is that within a short drive from the city you can discover a… Take a day trip and discover the stunning parks, enchanting woodland and coastal scenery in Belfast… Whether you’re looking for quirky bars, traditional shops or delicious food, Belfast has an… Find something for all the family to enjoy with our picks for family fun attractions in both Ards…