Belfast, Northern Ireland

Geography of Belfast

The River Lagan

Street Map of Belfast

The city of Belfast sits on the east coast of Ireland, bordered by the counties, Antrim and Down, and the Rivers Lagan and Farset. It is the second largest city in Ireland. The name Belfast is derived from "Beal Feirste” which means “the mouth of the Farset River.” Belfast is also surrounded by rolling hills and its location at the mouth of a river makes it perfect for the ship building industry. It is also well known as the building site of the Titanic.

EconomyBelfast is essentially an industrial city. It is home to the single largest shipyard in the U.K., named, Harland & Wolffe Shipyard. Other Industries in Belfast include: aircraft, tobacco, rope, computer software, beer, military missile systems, fertilizers, and oil refining.

ReligionBelfast is divided when it comes to religion. West Belfast is mainly Catholic with a percentage of 90 being Catholic. East Belfast is mostly Protestant, with a percentage of 90 as well. A large Peace Wall was erected between these two rival religious groups to keep them apart and to reduce fighting.

Jesus

Peace Wall

Language

The main languages spoken in Northern Ireland are English Irish and Ulster Scotts

Government All day to day concerns are handled by the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Northern Ireland Executive. The Assembly debates and makes the laws and is made up of 108 members. The Executive branch is responsible for issues concerning: Agriculture, Economy, Education, Health, and Public Safety. It is made up of the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and ten other ministers.

The Parliament building was built in 1921 and is home to the Northern Ireland assembly. Its total cost is around ₤1.7 million or $2.193 million dollars.

The current President of Northern Ireland is Michael D. Higgins

Government Building

President of Northern Ireland

Holidays January 1 (New Year)

March 17 (St Patrick's Day)

April 6 (Good Friday/bank holiday only)

April 9 (Easter Monday)

May 7 (May Day)

June 4 (Spring Holiday)

June 5 (Queen's Diamond Jubilee)

July 12 (Public Holiday)

August 27 (Public Holiday)

December 25 (Christmas Day)

December 26 (Boxing Day)

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Belfast Castle Estate is adjacent to one of the highest spots in Belfast, Cave Hill, offering great views over Belfast

Cave Hill has been synonymous with Belfast, with its imposing outline visible throughout the city. The landmark, named for the five caves located on the side of the cliffs, contains a wealth of natural, archaeological and historical features, including Belfast Castle.

Its most famous feature, known locally as Napoleon's Nose, is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels.

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Belfast was originally a small settlement.

In 1613, when a Royal charter gave Belfast town status. It expanded, becoming an important port and manufacturing centre.

By the end of the 19th century, Belfast had outgrown its status as a town and was a major industrial powerhouse, known for its shipbuilding, ropemaking, engineering, tobacco and textile industries.

In 1888, Queen Victoria gave Belfast the title of city and it was generally agreed that a new city hall was needed to reflect this change in status.

The first stone was laid in 1898 and building work was completed eight years later.

In total, Belfast City Hall cost less than £500,000 to build. Belfast City Hall opened its doors on 1 August 1906 during a great time of prosperity for the city.

Today, the magnificent building is a lasting memorial to Belfast's success and a great source of civic pride.

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Belfast Zoological Gardens is located in North Belfast on the slopes of Cave Hill and is home to more than 1000 animals and 150 species

One of the oldest visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, which have been home to the animals since 1934. Belfast Zoo is a major visitor attraction in Northern Ireland, with more than 300,000 visitors a year.

Popular attractions include the Asian elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, California sea lions, penguins, apes, Malayan tapirs, giant anteater, Malayan sun bears, Visayan warty pigs, Good fellow's tree kangaroo, red-backed bearded sakis, crowned sifaka and Sumatran tigers.

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Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast's Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists.

There are two main buildings, the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine, as well as a children's playground, a bowling green, walking routes, a rose garden and assorted tropical plants, mature trees and flower beds.

The park is often used for events, as well as band recitals, concerts and opera performances.

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Titanic Belfast is a "must see" visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. It is located in the heart of Belfast, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship's construction. Housed in an iconic, 6-floor building, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.

You'll learn about Belfast as a thriving boom town and experience a tride through a impressive presentation of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. Watch the launch from the slipways, and explore the sumptuous luxury and outstanding craftsmanship of Titanic's interiors. Learn about the stories of the passengers, the crew and the heroes of the day; relive the drama of the tragic end to Titanic's maiden, and only, voyage, and visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic

Facts About Belfast

It is the Capital of Northern Ireland.

It is also the second largest city in all of Ireland.

It was made a city in 1888.

Averages 38.4 inches of rain each year.

Pictures

Botanic Gardens

Clonard MonasteryBelfast City Hall

More Pictures

The Belfast Barge

Armagh County MuseumAlbert Clock

Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre