Belfast Historical Sites
Belfast is a city in Northern Ireland that is rich with history and landmarks to behold. As the largest city of Northern Ireland as well as the capital city, Belfast plays a significant role in the development of the coastal region. A deep harbor stretches from the city out to sea and beautiful mountains border the opposite edge of Belfast.
There are many historical areas of interest in Belfast, most notably, the famous shipbuilders Harland and Wolff, creators of the RMS Titanic. Their location can still be found along the Belfast Lough.
There are many architectural styles to be found in Belfast. Many famous old buildings were constructed in the Edwardian and Victorian architectural styles. Most of these buildings were created as not to be functional, but also to showcase the city's status.
The Belfast City Hall is located in Donegall Square and is a beautiful Victorian styled building that houses the City Council of Belfast. The magnificent dome and carved figures made of stone make the City Hall quite distinctive and definitely worth a tour.
Belfast Castle is home to many features and tourist attractions. Opened in 1870, the castle is situated along the lower slopes of Cave Hill at the north end of Belfast. There are beautiful views of the harbor as well as lovely botanical gardens.
The Giant's Ring should not be missed, as it is the largest site of prehistoric findings in all of Ireland. Located along the southern edge of Belfast, you can view a megalithic chamber that contains ancient tombs.
A stop off at the Crown Liquor Saloon will allow you to not only experience some delicious Irish food, but to take in the ornate gaslight fixtures and proper Victorian splendor. The paneled booths, colored marble, and tile are magnificent features of this very famous public house. Lunchtimes are quite busy, so plan ahead.
Close to city center, you will find St. Anne's Cathedral along Donegall Street. This Anglican cathedral is of neo-Romanesque design, which incorporates mosaics as well as stone flooring. This flooring was actually made of different types of stone found throughout Ireland. Sir Edward Carson is buried here.
Stormont Castle is found on Upper Newtownards Road and is a classic, historic structure, which was originally the home of Northern Ireland parliament. Now the building is home to the administrative offices of government and can only be viewed from the outside.
In 1783, the First Presbyterian Church was opened. The oval church is a fascinating as well as unusual design. Sinclair Seamen's Church has a notably nautical theme, and St. Malachy's hides a celebrated demonstration of plasterwork inside of its simple, red-bricked exterior. For a look at even more extravagant architecture, take a walk along the Golden Mile, which stretches from Great Victoria Street towards the university.
The Linen Hall Library is found within Donegall Square and houses a large collection of books inside the ornate interior. The unusual names come from the fact that the area of Belfast was once nicknamed "Linenopolis" as it was once the center of the Irish linen industry