Belfast City Hall © www.sxc.hu
Why? Anyone intent on discovering Ireland may be tempted
to eschew a holiday in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, in
favour of what is perceived as the more archetypical Irish city of
Dublin in the south. Belfast, now that peace after years of
conflict is in the air, is intent on luring tourists willing to
travel to Belfast to scratch beneath its rather dowdy surface to
reveal its Edwardian and Victorian heritage and explore the epitome
of the Irish soul. New hotels, bars and restaurants are opening
daily and attractions are optimistically advertising their merits.
Merits there are aplenty in Belfast, known primarily as being the
city where the ill-fated liner, the Titantic, was built.
When? There is no "best time" to travel to Belfast, a city
that is wet and cool all year round, though winter is considered to
be the rainiest season (August through to January). Winter
temperatures are moderated by its coastal situation.
Who for? A holiday in Belfast is currently a popular choice
for Britishers and Europeans seeking a 'city break'. It is also a
recommended destination for anyone intent on understanding Ireland,
and nautical enthusiasts who travel to Belfast to explore its
Waterfront complex.
More Info: Discover how to get to Belfast and make the most
of your holiday in Belfast with our Belfast holiday guide, which is
updated regularly and includes a host of important information.
Overview
The fortunes of Belfast have risen and fallen over time, from
its beginnings as a Bronze Age settlement and the building of the
Titanic, to extensive World War II bombings and civil conflict.
Today the capital of Northern Ireland is a thriving city that has
regained some of its old charm and industry, and has begun to lure
the curious traveller.
Belfast is situated near the mouth of the River Lagan and
blossomed in the 17th century with an influx of English and
Scottish settlers. The port city grew in prominence during the
Industrial Revolution, with booming linen, rope-making and
shipbuilding industries. The ill-fated Titanic was built here in
the Harland and Wolff shipyards and today Belfast still boasts the
world's biggest dry dock, as well as a restored Waterfront Complex
that houses chic restaurants, shops and ubiquitous Irish pubs.
Much of the city's architectural heritage was destroyed during
repeated bombings in World War II, as well as during the Troubles;
civil conflict between Roman Catholic nationalists and Protestant
unionists that raged from 1969 until the late 1990s. Several
exquisite Victorian and Edwardian buildings remain, however, and
have been filled with trendy bars, boutiques, galleries, museums
and restaurants in an attempt to regenerate the city's image.
Evidence of the Troubles can still be seen in the many murals that
line Falls Road and Shankill Road, and the Europa Hotel has become
famous as one of the most bombed buildings in Europe, having being
targeted no less than 27 times.
Belfast is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but its
fascinating history, ongoing struggles, many attractions and above
all, the warmth and acerbic wit of its inhabitants make it an
essential stop on any trip to Northern Ireland. It also serves as
an excellent base from which to explore the many wonders of the
area.
