From Dublin we went to the city Belfast, capital Northern Ireland. We headed northeast and soon, without even noticing, we found ourselves in another country. From the Irish Republic we moved to Great Britain, or more precisely to Northern Ireland, which is part of Great Britain along with England, Scotland and.
The city of Belfast turned out to be even more unremarkable than. However, even here it was possible to hunt for sights. But - exactly what to hunt. If in other cities something interesting awaits you at every step, then in Belfast you need to arm yourself with a map with attractions and follow the route. Then there is a chance that you will have a fun time, and Belfast will hook you. In general, you need to make some effort and have a desire to get to know the city better.
I will say about myself that I expected the worst. Still, you will agree that Belfast and Ulster are associated in the mind with something alarming and dysfunctional. Ulster was always mentioned exclusively in connection with regular clashes between Catholics and Protestants. To this day, Catholics in Belfast live in special quarters surrounded by a wall. Therefore, I expected to see echoes of this confrontation (say, an increased number of police on the streets, gloomy, wary people), but the center of Belfast made a favorable impression, people were friendly and open. The atmosphere was quite simple, even poor in places, but there was no sense of wariness in the atmosphere. On the contrary, like any port city, Belfast gave the impression of an open and free space, familiar and loyal to various types of public.
A little history and geography
Belfast is located on the shores of the Irish Sea, at the mouth of the river Lagan. The city center is flat and the city is surrounded by hills. A castle was built on one of these hills back in the 12th century. The urban settlement arose much later, in the 17th century, and received city status relatively recently - in 1888, under Queen Victoria.
The convenient bay has long been used by the inhabitants of the neighboring island Britannia to advance deeper into Ireland and conquer the local population. It got to the point where the Irish were forbidden to speak their language. The Irish tried to reclaim their land for several centuries. A particularly strong confrontation began when Henry 8 established the Anglican Church and began to plant it in Ireland (the Irish profess Catholicism, brought to the Emerald Isle by St. Patrick).
After the Anglo-Irish War, which ended in 1921, the Irish retook most of the island (on which the state was later created Republic of Ireland). And only 6 counties of the province Ulster(Ulster includes 9 counties in total) remained part of Great Britain. Belfast became the capital Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is considered to be the poorest part of Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland is even poorer. But if we compare Dublin and Belfast, then Dublin seemed to me lively, livelier and more cheerful, and in general somehow more prosperous than Belfast. However, let's move on to exploring the city.
Town Hall and Donegall Square
The most representative part of Belfast is the huge rectangular Donegall Square, the central part of which is occupied by the magnificent Town Hall, built between 1898 and 1906. in neo-baroque style.
Belfast Town Hall
City hall is the main attraction of Belfast, and usually the presentation of the city begins with it. The building is indeed magnificent, with numerous monuments along the perimeter, among which the monument to Queen Victoria in front of the main entrance stands out (she awarded Belfast the status of a city).
The lawns around the Town Hall are loved by young people, and such a celebration of life on the lawns is very English.
You can go on a tour to the town hall itself and see its interiors. Such excursions take place 3 times a day: at 11, 14 and 15 o'clock on weekdays and at 12, 14 and 15 o'clock on weekends.
Near the town hall there is a memorial to the victims of the Titanic (which was built in the Belfast shipyards). The names of those killed in the shipwreck are engraved on the plaques. The square around the Town Hall is called Titanic Memorial Gardens
The town hall is surrounded by beautiful, metropolitan-style, solid houses.
We are primarily interested in the tourism office, which is located on the north side of Donegall Square (house 9). How to find it. We stand with our backs to Queen Victoria, facing the street Donegall Place going north, and look for the letter “i” on the left side of the square. There you will get a map with the sights of Belfast.
Donegall place street
Having taken the map, we go along Donegall place street. This is a shopping and souvenir street. Along its right side there are metal arches - monuments to the most famous liners made in the Belfast shipyards. Among them you will find the famous Titanic and its two “brothers”: Britannic and Olympic.
We reach the first lane on the right and turn into it. The lane is called Castle lane.
It displays an irregularly shaped area Arthur Square, to which several more streets approach from different sides.
There is a composition of rings on the square. This is the so-called Spirit of Belfast. Its steel rings are intended to symbolize the power of ships and the lightness of fabric: the textile industry and shipbuilding were main industries of the city. However, local residents nicknamed the sculpture “Onion Rings.”
A large shopping center begins to the right of Arthur Square Plaza Victoria. The street goes to the left Cornmarket, former grain market. It leads to a wide avenue High street, leading towards the Lagan River. The landmark will be a tall, free-standing tower - Albert Memorial Clock.
On the left side there will be a pointer to White Tavern, Belfast's oldest pub. It was founded in 1630.
A narrow street, like a crack, leads to it.
This is what the historic White Tavern pub looks like.
During your walk you will come across pubs quite often. This is a very simple pub.
On the streets of Belfast
Here's a more intricate one
We continue towards the river and soon find ourselves at the foot of the Albert Clock Tower.
The Prince Albert Clock Tower was built in 1869. The Prince is depicted in the uniform of a Knight of the Order of the Garter. Since the soil on the coast is weak, the tower began to deviate from the vertical over the years. Now the tilt of the tower is very noticeable.
The blank facades of houses are often decorated with huge, skillfully executed graffiti
Lagan Quay
We go out to the embankment. On the shore, Big Fish attracts attention.
The surface of the fish is covered with ceramic tiles, which depict the history of Belfast: in documents, drawings, photographs.
The Lagan River is not wide. We cross the pedestrian bridge to the right bank. We return via another bridge.
Another notable monument is the Thanksgiving Statue, or “Beacon of Hope.”
Cathedral Quarter
Along Ann street and Victoria street we approach Church of St. George. Anglican churches are modest in decoration. What is attractive about this church is the projecting portico.
In general, we are in Cathedral quartier. This is indicated by a black sign with a description. And such signs are placed in Belfast near every attraction.
There are several churches in the Cathedral Quarter. And from St. George's Church I headed to the next church on Rosemary Street. Which I didn’t find right away. And no wonder. I would never have thought that this faceless building was a church. It was only from the inscription on the plaque that I learned that this was Belfast's first Presbyterian church, built in 1644. The present building was built in 1783.
Belfast Cathedral - St. Anne's Cathedral - is also, of course, in the Cathedral Quarter. It began to be built at the end of the 19th century on the site of an old church. Construction continued until 1981.
How varied are the designs on the columns?
In front of the Cathedral there is a large Writers’ square. Various cultural events and festivals are held at Writers Square.
In May 1941 Belfast was heavily bombed. In the Cathedral Quarter in particular, many buildings were destroyed.
In the park behind the Cathedral
The street in front of St. Anne's Cathedral is called Donegall street. If you follow it further north, you can reach the next cathedral - St. Patrick's(1877). I went back to the center, since we were still planning to stop at Belfast Castle.
Locals jokingly call Donegall Street “Spend thrift” - “leave frugality”, because it begins at the bank and ends at the house for the poor.
Decorated brick facade
Buildings in Belfast
Wide Bridge street leads to High street. And now the Town Hall is visible.
Overall, during the walk there were many interesting buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, the Opera building was in the woods, but judging by the photographs, it is quite remarkable. I also didn’t make it to Belfast University. In the photographs, its red brick façade reminded me of some colleges. Near the university there is a free Ulster Museum, which contains a variety of artifacts, ranging from antiquities to works of art.
Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum is located on the other side of the Lagan, near the shipyards where the ill-fated liner was once built. The ticket is quite expensive, 21 euros. We arrived when it was already closed, so we just looked at the unusual museum building and the shipyard.
I don’t even know if I would like to go to this museum. Perhaps if, by the will of fate, I would someday find myself in Belfast, and I would need to somehow pass the time.
Belfast Castle
The castle is located on one of the hills closest to the city - Cave Hill. The first castle was built under the Normans, and subsequently it was rebuilt several times. What we see now was built by the 3rd Marquess of Donegall in 1870. In 1934, the castle was donated to the city. Now it hosts special events, conferences, exhibitions, and is rented for weddings.
The inside of the castle is quite modest, but from its windows there is a view of the neighboring hills and the sea harbor.
The section is very easy to use. Just enter the desired word in the field provided, and we will give you a list of its meanings. I would like to note that our site provides data from various sources - encyclopedic, explanatory, word-formation dictionaries. Here you can also see examples of the use of the word you entered.
Belfast meaning
Belfast in the crossword dictionary
Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998
Belfast
BELFAST (Belfast) is the main city and port of the North. Ireland (Great Britain), 304 thousand inhabitants in the Irish metropolitan area (1986). Mechanical engineering (large shipbuilding), light industry. University. Known since the 12th century. After the dismemberment of Ireland (1921), one of the centers of conflict on religious grounds in the North. Ireland.
Belfast
Belfast(Belfast), a city-county in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The political and economic center of Northern Ireland. Founded (originally as a fortified castle) at the end of the 12th century. Area 73 km2. Population 399.3 thousand people. (1966). A port on the shore of the Northern Strait, at the confluence of the river. Lagan in Belfast Lough. The inland areas are connected by railway. network and channel. Airport B. - Sydney. Industrial center (about 60% of those employed in Northern Ireland's industry). B. and its surroundings are an ancient region of the flax industry, which arose using local raw materials in the 17th century. In the middle of the 19th century. The shipyards of the Harland and Wolfe company came into operation, producing up to 7-8% of UK ships. Ships such as the Titanic and others were built here. Marine engineering, rope production and other industries are closely related to shipbuilding. In Bulgaria there is a large aircraft plant, enterprises in the electrical industry, textile engineering, tobacco, food, and clothing industries, as well as the production of woolen fabrics, carpets, and artificial fiber. University (since 1845), technological college; art Gallery.
B. is a major center of the labor and democratic movement. At the end of the 1960s. together with other cities in Northern Ireland, it became an arena of workers’ struggle for civil and social rights.
Wikipedia
Belfast
Belfast- a city in Great Britain, the capital of Northern Ireland. Located at the mouth of the Lagan, on the Irish Sea.
Belfast is the main city and port of Northern Ireland. Population - 579,554 inhabitants (2001). The second most populous city on the island of Ireland after Dublin.
Mechanical engineering, light industry. University. Known since the 12th century. After the division of Ireland (1921) - one of the centers of conflict on religious grounds in Northern Ireland. In 1911, the Titanic was launched at the English shipyard Harland and Wolff in Belfast.
Belfast (area)
Belfast- city-region of the same name in the south-east of Northern Ireland. In terms of population, the region is the largest of all regions in Northern Ireland.
Belfast (Christchurch)
Belfast- a suburb of Christchurch in New Zealand. Located north of Christchurch, near.
Belfast (international airport)
Belfast International Airport(Irish: Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Bhéal Feirste) (IATA: BFS, ICAO: EGAA is an airport located approximately 24 kilometers west of Belfast. Also known as Aldergrove, through the village, which is located west of the airport. The runways at Belfast International Airport are shared between a civilian airport and RAF Aldergrove, which has its own infrastructure. Over 5 million passengers (2.1% of UK airport traffic) used Belfast International Airport in 2006, 1.4 million (39.2%) more than in 2001. Belfast International Airport is the busiest in Northern Ireland and the largest of Belfast's two airports. (the second is George Best Airport).
The airport serves scheduled flights to 48 destinations (16 local, 32 European and transatlantic). Transatlantic destinations include Newark, Orlando, Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax. Charter flights are served to Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, the USA and a number of European countries.
Belfast International Airport is the main hub for EasyJet and Jet2.com, with Bmibaby, First Choice Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines also conducting a significant portion of their operations through Belfast International Airport. In December 2007, Aer Lingus also established a base at the airport; in early 2008, it is expected to open flights to 4 destinations; in the future, the airline plans to increase the total number of destinations to nine, they will be served by three aircraft based at the airport.
The airport is owned by TBI plc, the same company that owns Luton, Cardiff and Orlando Sanford airports.
Belfast International Airport has a license (number P798) to operate passenger flights and train pilots.
Belfast (disambiguation)
Belfast:
- Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland.
- Belfast is a city-region of the same name in the southeast of Northern Ireland.
- Belfast ( Belfast, Maine) is a city in the US state of Maine.
- Belfast is the airport in Belfast.
- Belfast is a 1977 song by Boney M.
- Belfast is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Belfast is a town in Murray County, Minnesota, United States.
Examples of the use of the word Belfast in literature.
During the attack on Belfast The 83rd Infantry put up a strong resistance, defending its barracks on North Queen Street - massive, strong buildings.
I sent one of the transports to the Azores with instructions that it should go to Belfast, as soon as the repairs are completed.
But Belfast defeated, Ulster surrendered, and Ireland is united, indivisible and free.
In Northern Ireland, Scottish troops fought a fighting retreat and returned with the news that Belfast also taken.
We are a people of workers who have built Belfast in a matter of years and made it a prosperous, growing city.
I interrupted him: - But, Doctor Finchatton, what do they have to do with Cain's swamp? Belfast, Liverpool and Spain?
Margaret at first threatened to sue them, but in the end she took the baby to Belfast
And again Margaret Hanen took her son to Belfast, and there he was christened Samuel.
But at least it's now clear where Jeff crossed paths with him - he was a lieutenant in one of the first units sent to Belfast, and probably wandered into Cooley's store one day.
The stillness of faded skies Belfast Only two or three curly clouds disturbed the sky.
They go from London Derry on the north coast, straight to Belfast and down to Newry, past Dublin, to Waterford and Cork.
This means we will have trains and good roads, and before Belfast, apparently, no more than fifty miles.
East of Belfast, where Belfast Lough meets the Irish Sea, lies the tiny fishing village of Groomsport.
Behind Captain Otfried, who galloped out of Belfast artillery fire thundered along the coastal road to the north.
Apart from this single report from Belfast, we are operating completely in the dark.
The city of Belfast is the main city in Northern Ireland, and in fact it is its capital, because the parliament building is located here. The city is located on the Irish Sea, near the mouth of the Lagan River.
It is no coincidence that the main port of Northern Ireland is located here, because the city’s location is excellent for these purposes. Belfast is the second most populous city on the island of Ireland after Dublin.
In most people's minds, Belfast is associated with the infamous Titanic, which was launched by local shipbuilder Harland and Wolff in 1911.
Brief history
There was a settlement on the territory of modern Belfast back in the Bronze Age. To this day, in the vicinity of the city, fortifications and other evidence of ancient people living here have been preserved.
In fact, Belfast appeared in 1609, when the settlement of Ulster by Scottish and English settlers began.
However, the castle on the site of Belfast was built by John de Courcy back in 1177. It was this castle, along with the surrounding land, that was given into the possession of Sir Arthur Chichester, who rebuilt the castle in 1611, and later a small town arose around the castle.
The early 17th century in Belfast, when the local population was just 1,000, was characterized economically by the export of wool, grain, leather, butter and corned beef to Scotland, England and France.
Later trade began with India and the colonies in North America. By the end of the 17th century, the population increased to 1,500-2,000 people due to people fleeing to Northern Ireland from the French Huguenots.
The rapid growth of the population in Belfast dates back to the 18th century: by 1800 it was already 20 thousand people. At this time, the city subsisted on the production and sale of flax..
At the same time, the first newspaper (1737), the first bank (1752), and the first theater (1768) were founded.
In the 19th century, Belfast continued to develop rapidly: hospitals, churches, a university, railway lines, etc. appeared.
In 1888, Queen Victoria approved the official city status of Belfast. An economic boom was observed in the shipbuilding sector, and the production of tobacco and whiskey also appeared.
When Northern Ireland was founded in 1921, Belfast became its capital. When conflicts broke out between Catholics and Protestants (60-90s of the XX century), it was the capital of Northern Ireland that became the center of controversy. The armed clashes officially ended only in 1998, when the Belfast Agreement was signed.
During the Second World War, Belfast was bombed by German aircraft, which killed thousands of people and left many residents homeless.
The 20th century for Belfast was a time of development of the oil refining and electrical industries, as well as the development of instrument making.
Attractions
Now Belfast is a small developing city with a population of just under 600 thousand people. Since the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast, it is here that its parliament and assembly are located.
Tourists are attracted by the numerous attractions of Belfast, which glorify the city far beyond the borders of Ireland.
The main attraction in Belfast is the central Donegall Square, which is surrounded by magnificent works of architecture - numerous monuments of the Victorian era.
The city hall is also located here, representing a mixture of architectural styles.
Linen Hall Library, located in the square, is home to many of Ireland's literary treasures.
The oldest part of the city is considered to be the High Saint area, which was destroyed during bombing, but some historical sites fully convey the spirit of the past.
One of the historical and cultural attractions is the Grand Opera, built back in 1895. The building was extensively damaged during the Second World War, but now it is again presented in all its splendor.
Worth visiting by tourists is the Ulster Museum, which is one of the most important collections in Northern Ireland. Historical artifacts, archaeological finds, unique works of art and documents are presented here.
The museum is located next to Queen's University– another important architectural landmark. The university has existed since 1849 and is now not only a place of study for students, but also an interesting object for tourists: there is an exhibition center and a souvenir shop.
Belfast became notorious because of the Titanic, which is also associated with several local attractions. One of them is the Titanic Belfast Museum, where excursions are held on the history of the ship itself and the city. The museum is located on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard.
Titanic Belfast Museum
A popular object among townspeople and tourists is the figure of the “Big Fish”. The sculpture is about 10 meters long. This piece of contemporary art reflects historical and even mythical information about the city.
According to legend, it was in the capital of Northern Ireland that salmon was caught, which was not actually found in the local river. The sculpture contains a time capsule with information about the city.
Figure "Big fish"
The historical symbol of the city is Belfast Castle. The last reconstruction of it, created in the 12th century, took place in the 19th century. Legends and interesting stories are associated with the beautiful castle.
One of them is the story about the guardian of the fortress - a white cat. That is why there are several sculptures of white cats around the castle.
Notable is the local parliament building - Stormont, next to which there is an interesting castle of the same name.
Another architectural landmark is Clifton House, which is now a nursing home.
Another famous building in Belfast is the Albert Memorial Tower, named after Queen Victoria's husband. The clock, which is located at the top of the tower, is a copy of the clock on the famous Big Ben.
An interesting feature of the Albert Tower is its slight tilt, reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is simply some mistake by the tower designers who did not take into account the characteristics of the swampy area.
Among the religious landmarks, the Cathedral of St. Anne and the Parish Church of St. Malachy are notable.
Among the natural attractions, tourists highlight Cave Hill in the northern part of Belfast, which offers excellent views of the city.
The local zoo is one of the best in the UK and Ireland. Also interesting is the Botanical Garden, located near Queen's University.
No idea of Belfast would be complete without visiting the many golf clubs, local pubs, souvenir shops and parks.
Information about the city:
Full title: Belfast, England Belfast (Irish: Beal Feirste, OLS: Bilfawst)
A country:
County: Antrim
Population (with surrounding area): 0.58 million people
Square: 115 sq. km.
On the coast of the Irish Sea, at the mouth of the River Lagan, is the beautiful city of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. This area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. To this day, on the hills in the area you can see the remains of the Ring of the Giants, the famous Henge monument, which is thousands of years old, and other ruins of ancient cities that have come down to us since the Iron Age.
In 1177, a castle was built on the site of modern Belfast by the Englishman John de Courcy. However, in fact, the city appeared several centuries later, when King James began settling Ulster with English and Scottish settlers in 1609.
In 1611, Sir Arthur Chichister, owner of lands in Ulster (including Belfast Castle), rebuilt it, and soon a small town arose around the fortress. In the 17th century, the city's population increased to 2,000 thousand people. This was due to the flight of the Huguenots from persecution by the French, and the refugees were mainly engaged in the production of flax.
In the following years the city developed very quickly, and by 1800 the population had increased tenfold. In the 53th century, a newspaper began to be published in Belfast (in 1737), the first bank (in 1752) and a theater were opened (in 1768). In those same years, flax production and exports increased sharply.
In the 19th century, the city's growth was no less rapid. In 1823, the city received gas lighting, and 15 years later a railway was built there. Shipbuilding was developing no less actively, the port was working at full capacity.
The year 1888 was marked by an important event: Queen Victoria granted Belfast the status of a royal city. At that time, a variety of institutions were built there: hospitals, churches, and a university. And then, at the end of the century, the production of whiskey and tobacco products began to play an important role in the city’s economy.
1921 is the year Northern Ireland was founded. From the very first days, Belfast became its capital and a kind of center of confrontation between Catholics and Protestants. The peak of this conflict occurred from 1960 to 1990. It was officially exhausted in 1998, resulting in the signing of the Belfast Agreement.
The city was subjected to regular and extremely brutal raids by Nazi Germany during World War II. One of these bombings claimed the lives of thousands of citizens, and tens of thousands of others lost their homes and other property.
Today, this city invariably attracts an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. The city has two airports, a railway station and a port. Belfast, more than any other Irish city, has a wide variety of museums, galleries, theaters and parks - it is a true cultural centre.
Tourists can visit luxurious restaurants, cozy bistros and shopping malls. Particular attention should be paid to Donegall Square. It is surrounded by magnificent Victorian monuments.
In addition, the town hall is located here, a true example of a mixture of architectural styles. Most of the works of Irish literature are kept in the Linen Hall Library, which is also located in the square.
The High Saint area, better known as the Entrance and located in the north, is the oldest area of the city. Almost all of it was destroyed during the Second World War. Currently, only a few pubs remain from it - a kind of custodians of the glory and spirit of bygone times.
The Opera building was also damaged by bombing, but even now, after restoration, it amazes visitors with its beauty and wealth. The opera hosts on its stage the best singers and performers, famous ballet troupes and renowned jazz and symphony orchestras of the world.
Next to Queen's University is the excellent Ulster Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the city. In the suburbs you can see the famous Belfast Castle, which can now hardly be attributed to the 12th century - its last restoration dates back to 1870. Stormont is also located there - the meeting place of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The capital of Northern Ireland, the magnificent city of Belfast, annually attracts tourists not only with its beauty, but also with its hospitality. Although the settlements on the territory of the modern city can be attributed to the Bronze Age, its history actually began in 1609, with the settlement of Ulster (Northern Ireland) by Scottish and English settlers. At that time the population was about 1000 people. Did you know that?
By the beginning of the 19th century, the population reached 20,000 people and the active construction of administrative buildings, theaters, educational institutions, churches began in the city, and the first railway connection appeared. From the very first days of the founding of Northern Ireland, Belfast became its capital. The city became famous for its shipbuilding not only because the best liners were built here, but also because of the tragedy that happened in 1912. It was from the port of Belfast that the famous Titanic set off on its first and last voyage. If you are interested, look here.< /p>
How to get to Belfast
Belfast has two airports. The first is the International Airport, located 20 kilometers from the city center. The second is George Best Belfast City, which is located next to the port, three kilometers from the city. Unfortunately, there is no direct air service between Belfast and Moscow, so you will have to make a transfer in one of the European cities. Estimated travel time can take from 6 to 11 hours, depending on the airline chosen and the time between flights. The distance between Moscow and Belfast is 2700 km. Total flight time is 3 hours 45 minutes.
You can also get to Belfast by sea. Ferries from Liverpool, the Scottish city of Stranraer and the Isle of Man arrive at the city port. There are also two bus stations in the city: Euro Bus Center and Laganside Bus Center. The first of them provides connections with the capital of Ireland Dublin, County Londonderry and the southwestern cities of Northern Ireland, and the second with eastern cities and the Cookstown area. It should be noted that Belfast can be reached from almost any city in Northern Ireland. The railway network is well developed here.
What to see and where to go for tourists
In the heart of Belfast lies the beautiful Donegall Square. There are numerous buildings of a wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous city hall, surrounded by elegant sculptures. The structure dates back to 1906 to commemorate Belfast's incorporation as a city in 1888.
In the park, not far from the town hall, there is a memorial to those killed on the Titanic, erected on the site of a monument to the sunken inhabitants of the city. It is an allegorical sculptural composition. A woman holding a laurel wreath represents Fate. At her feet is a drowning sailor surrounded by mermaids. By the way, not long ago a magnificent museum dedicated to the tragic history of the Titanic opened in Belfast. It is located in the Titanic Quarter. On the site where the shipyard where the liner was built was once located.
In Belfast there is a beautiful building of the Grand Opera House, built in oriental style. This example of architecture is rare in Ireland. The building was built at the beginning of the twentieth century according to the design of the famous architect Frank Mitchum. During the Second World War it was heavily damaged and subsequently restored. After a major renovation, a cinema was installed here, which operated from 1949 to 1972. Later, in 1980, after a complete reconstruction, the building again opened its doors to the public.
You should definitely visit the amazingly beautiful Belfast Castle, located at the foot of Cave Hill. From here you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city. The castle itself was built to the design of John Lanyon in 1870 for the third Marquess of Donegal. After his death, ownership passed to the Shaftesbury family. The castle was transferred to the city authorities in 1934.
One of the unusual attractions of the city is the “Big Fish”. This ten-meter sculpture, made by artist John Kindiess, was installed in 1999. The history of the city is reflected in the ceramic tiles that cover the fish.
Belfast is home to many temples, cathedrals and museums. It will be very interesting to visit the zoo on Cave Hill and the hockey stadium The Odyssey Arena, where the interactive science museum is located. It's worth checking out the famous pubs and just strolling through the streets of the city.
What to bring as a souvenir?
Often, when thinking about Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is shamrock clover and the color green. The Irish sincerely believe that clover brings good luck, and the color green symbolizes health. Therefore, most souvenirs are decorated with these attributes. What other associations come? Irish folk, of course. In almost every souvenir shop you can find CDs with national music. By the way, a traditional musical instrument would be an excellent souvenir. For example, a bagpipe, or, say, an Irish flute - a whistle. However, such a souvenir may not be exactly cheap.
Prices in Belfast
As for prices, an Irish breakfast in a pub will cost about 8 euros. But it should be understood that the very concept of “breakfast” among the Irish is a very well-established concept. This is a standard set of products where only slight variations are possible. It is usually served in local pubs until 10 am. Set meals costing 13-18 euros can only be enjoyed in the afternoon. You can eat at a fast food restaurant for 5-7 euros.
The cost of a hotel room per night depends on the class of the hotel and its location. A 5-star hotel will cost, on average, from 70 to 200 euros, in economy class hotels you can stay for 30 euros, hostels accept guests for 12-17 euros, and mini-hotels will provide all amenities and even breakfast for 40-60 euros .
You can visit the cinema for 15 euros for two, and the best seats in the theater cost 30-35 euros per person. A taxi ride costs $18 for 5 miles (8 km).
