Ireland Belfast Places to Visit and Attractions

Belfast (derived from the Galic beal feirste 'mouth of the sandy ford') is capitla of Northern ireland and it's largest city.  Formally associated with the "troubles", the city has recently opened up to visitors, and is a good base for exploring the whole country.

City Centre                                     South Belfast                                  North Belfast

City Attractions

Donegal Square:
is the central square in Belfast and is home to Linen Hall library, established in 1788 and St Malachy's Church, a fine Victorian Building. Plus in front of City Hall (see below) is a statue of Queen Victoria.

City Hall:
is located in Donegal Square, and is constructed of white portland stone. Guided tours are available during the summer months. The buildling is in a neo-classical style, and has a 50m dome modelled on St Pauls cathedral in London.

The Entries:
are a series of narrow alleyways, situated between Castle Place and Ann Street.  Within the area are some great bars, some of whcih date back to the eighteenth century.

War memorial Building:
is dedicated to those who fought in World war II

Royal Ulster Rifles Museum:
is dedicated to the history of the Royal Ulster Rifle http://www.geocities.com/rurmuseum/

South Belfast

Botanical Gardens:
is located to the south of the city are pleasant to visit. The two main attractions are the Palm House, a hothouse which predates the famous one in kew Gardens, london, but is very similar in style and the Tropical Ravine House. For more details and opening times: try http://www.gardensireland.com/palm-house.html

Ulster Museum:
is one of the vountry's best museums and covers everything from archeology to applied arts to natural sciences and world cultures.  http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/

Queens University:
the main building is a mock tudor design which is flanked by the Georgian University terrace. The Upper Crescent is neo-classical although is in need of a little TLC.

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