In the midst of high hills, beside the River Lagan and Belfast Lough, is the port city of Belfast, a thriving center for arts and a city rich in cultural history.
Deluce Castle
Belfast, Ireland
The differences between Dublin and Belfast may seem striking. The
British influence here gives the city a more cosmopolitan flair.
You will notice a more polished veneer and a Victorian elegance evident
in the town's shops, restaurants and even its pubs. However, the
omnipresent Irish charm still exists. The city has come a long way since
the days of security checkpoints and armored patrols and Belfast now
appears poised to shed its unfortunate past and take its place among
Europe's new hot spots.
GEOGRAPHY
The name Belfast comes from the Irish words "Beal Feirste," which
roughly translated means the "mouth of the Farset river." The Farset
River joins
the Lagan River as it flows
out into the sea at Belfast Lough
(i.e., inlet). Belfast is surrounded by gentle rolling hills and boasts a delightful setting.
The city grew during the industrial revolution with its flourishing linen, rope-making, and shipbuilding industries. The area around the river banks, served as the wharfs or docks for the growing merchant port in the 1700s.
HISTORY
Belfast blossomed in the 17th century with an influx of English and Scottish settlers. From its beginnings in the Bronze Age settlement and its involvement with the Titanic (which was built in Belfast), to extensive World War II bombings and civil conflict, Belfast has had to endure much. Most of the city's architectural heritage was destroyed during repeated bombings in World War II. Political unrest, referred to by locals as "The Troubles," raised an immediate red flag to visitors and Belfast was overlooked as a tourist destination. But today the capital of Northern Ireland is a thriving city that has retained some of its old charm and industry and has begun to lure the curious traveler.
The Troubles conflict, between Roman Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists, raged from 1969 until the late 1990's and divided the nation with some of the worst violence Ireland has ever had to suffer. The Agreement on Good Friday, April 10, 1998, brokered with the help of the US, brought an end to 30 years of suffering and bitter feuding between these communities. Throughout the Troubles, both sides painted large murals on buildings, particularly in the residential areas on houses. Many of these murals glorify paramilitary groups such as the Irish Republican Party (IRA) or the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). The murals of Belfast have acted as beacons to people and still create a sense of belonging and identity for the residents. Today they are part of sightseeing tours. However, today as Belfast emerges from a decade of peace, things have begun to change. Murals promoting a political or religious beliefs are being painted over and replaced by those with a more Celtic flair, color and local advertising.
POPULATION
The city of Belfast has a population of 267,500.
Read an interesting article about the Trouble times and how it all started: HERE
ECONOMY
Prior to incorporation as a city in 1888, Belfast was the cultural and political center of Ulster, or Northern Ireland. After the wars and political unrest, Belfast became one of Europe's leading ship building cities with the world's largest dry dock, where the ill-fated Titanic was constructed. The 19th-20th centuries saw unique architectural development with several bridges, buildings, streets, a restored Waterfront Complex with chic restaurants, shops and Irish pubs--and a university named in honor of Queen Victoria, who visited in 1849. And the newly developed Victoria Square area attracting international attention.
CURRENCY
As
part of the United Kingdom,
Northern Ireland uses the British pound.
Many large stores will accept Euros (EUR) as well, although a service
charge may apply.
Major credit cards are readily accepted. When shopping, remember many
banks add a "currency conversion fee" to transactions made in a foreign
currency.
Most banks
are open Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and a few are open on
Saturday morning. ATM machines are commonplace and you'll find one on
practically every corner. Currency exchange booths are plentiful as
well, including one located inside the Belfast Welcome Centre on
Donegall Place.
| Belfast |