The approach to Belfast Harbour from the Irish Sea is via a straight channel through Belfast Lough.  Cruising up Belfast Lough from the passengers viewpoint affords a good opportunity for first impressions of the Northern Irish countryside. Cruisers will first notice the town of Carrickfergus with its Norman Castle guarding the approach to the Lough, and the Belfast castle set on the side of Cave Hill overlooking the city. On the Port side the countryside of County Down is clearly visible, while ahead the cranes of one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built, can be seen towering above the Port. The Port of Belfast is home to massive ferry services, serving over 1 million people a year.  Many cruise liners also operate at the port.

   
Like Dublin, the Port of Belfast is very industrial.  The Harland and Wolff shipyard is where the Titanic was built.

Getting Around

      All of Northern Ireland’s many tourist attractions are easily accessible from the Port with Belfast city centre only a short journey from the quay front. However, it's too far to walk from the cruise ship dock. Free shuttles run from the port to town. If you take a taxi it is about 10 minutes and around 5 Euros.   Belfast's city center is compact. All roads lead to Donegall Square, home to the imposing City Hall.

ATTRACTIONS and SIGHTSEEING around the city

The Big Blue Fish:  This magnificent sculpture by John Kindness, situated at the Lagan Weir on Donegall Quay, celebrates the return of salmon to the River Lagan as a result of Laganside Corporation's river cleansing project over the last 10 years.

Waterfront Hall:  Waterfront Hall is concert hall and exhibition centre in Belfast. It serves as a venue for concerts and exhibitions, with seating for over 2,000 people.The dome of the building is coated in copper. This is so the exterior will eventually turn green and reflect the dome of Belfast City Hall and other Victorian buildings in the city centre. The building also contains bars and a restaurant.
 

Victoria Square:  Newly built Victoria Square is a multi-purpose development consisting of four floors with commercial, residential and leisure facilities. Opened in early 2008, Victoria Sqaure expands Belfast's commercial industry with 98 stores. New places consisting of bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants bring a new exciting nightlife in the city.

Victoria Square, Belfast's  biggest and brightest shopping mall.

Belfast City Hall:  

     Belfast City Hall is the civic building of the Belfast City Council. Located in Donegall Square, it faces north and effectively divides the commercial and business areas of the city centre.

     The exterior is built mainly from Portland stone and is in the Baroque Revival style. It covers an area of one and a half acres and has an enclosed courtyard.

     Featuring towers at each of the four corners, with a lantern-crowned 173 ft (53 m) copper dome in the centre, the City Hall dominates the city centre skyline. As with other Victorian buildings in the city centre, the City Hall's copper-coated domes are a distinctive green.

 

 

 

The Belfast Wheel:  

     The Belfast Wheel similar the the London Eye (200 feet high) is a viewing wheel located in the centre of Belfast, next to the city hall. It opened in November 2007. Views across Belfast and Belfast Lough can be seen from the wheel. The cost a year ago was £6,50.  There is a VIP box, costing £55, and £70 with champagne.  Tickets purchased on-line:  HERE

 

Grand Opera House:
     Designed in 1894 by the famous theater architect Frank Matcham, this building on Great Victoria Street reveals the Victorian age's fascination with the East. Beautifully restored in the 1970s, the Grand Opera House is worth a visit, even if you don't go to a show, for a chance to admire the opulence of the gilt moldings, ornamental plasterwork, and exquisite ceiling fresco by contemporary Irish artist Cherith McKinstry. However, the best way to see and enjoy the Grand Opera House is to attend a show; musical, operas, or conventional theater production.

 

 

Crown Liquor Saloon:
.     Opposite the Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street and now owned by the National Trust (the U.K.'s official conservation organization), the Crown is one of Belfast's fine old gathering places. Built in 1894, the bar has richly carved woodwork around cozy snugs (cubicles), leather seats, colored tile work, and abundant mirrors. It is still lit by gas, and is the perfect setting for a pint of Guinness and a plate of oysters.

 

St. Malachy's Church: Alfred Street Gothic Syle dark red bricks and slender elaborate  turrets.Notable are its turrets overlooking the upper Market area.

St. Anne's Cathedral:
 

On Donegall Steet.
Deep, rounded arches in the Irish neo-Romanesque style accent this large edifice, which is basilican in plan and was built at the turn of the 20th century.