Belfast

Belfast is situated in the North East corner of Ireland and is the second biggest city on the island. It's name is derived from the Gaelic or Irish 'Béal Féirsté' meaning mouth of the Sandbank or mouth of the river Farsett (which incidentally runs directly under High Street in the heart of the city centre).

Beginning as a small settlement, overshadowed by the political power base of Carrickfergus, Belfast grew to be a major player in the global Linen trade and a dynamo of the Industrial Revolution.

Before that we witnessed rebellion in 1798, famine in 1840-1850 and great social change in the latter 19th century.

Prior to our recent poiltical troubles we built the Titanic, invented the Tractor and gave the world George Best, Van Morrison and CS Lewis. Not to mention the second world war during which most of the city centre was destroyed by the Luftwaffe in 1941 during the Belfast Blitz.

Now of course we have peace. We have a burgeoning tourism economy and a great feeling of optimism in the city (regardless of the stuttering,fluttering, wobbly peace process). In this city of 350,000 tour guides you can enjoy world class entertainment, world class hospitality and naturally all the craic and laughter and fun that you can squeeze into a short stay.

Easily reached by low cost airlines and improving roads on the island, Belfast is changing for good.

Open Top Bus Tour

www.belfastcitysightseeing.com
This is the best way to see Belfast and all its attractions. These award winning tours take in the city centre, the Shipyard and Titanic Quarter, Stormont and Parliament Buildings, Cathedral Quarter, Crumlin Road Jail and Courthouse, Shankill Road, Peace Wall, Falls Road, Queens University, City Hall and much, much more.

Tickets are valid for 24 hours and there are 18 hop on/hop odd stops around the city route. The tour takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete if you don't get off.

You can book online and save £1

Black Taxi Tour

www.belfasttours.com
A black taxi tour of our political areas remain incredibly popular. See the areas that were scarred by conflict and enjoy commentary and interpretation from those living and working within the communities. The taxi tours give you a deeper insight into our murals and the infamous Peace Wall.
 

Find out more about the Giants Causeway....

Spending time in Belfast or on the Causeway Coast?