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By the late 1730s the castle had been destroyed, but Belfast was beginning to acquire economic importance, superseding both Lisburn as the chief bridge town and Carrickfergus as a port. He did much to encourage the growth of the town, which received a charter of incorporation in 1613. Belfast’s modern history began in 1611 when Baron Arthur Chichester built a new castle there. The city’s name is derived from the Gaelic Béal Feirste (Mouth of the Sandbank or Crossing of the River). A castle, probably built there about 1177 by John de Courci, the Norman conqueror of Ulster, seems to have survived until the beginning of the 17th century. Though the site of Belfast has been occupied since the Stone Age, its modern history began in 1611 when Baron Arthur Chichester built a new castle there.
Ashes to Fashion at The Ulster Museum
If you are short of time, you should start at the top with the major attractions, namely Titanic Belfast museum, a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and perhaps a small-group tour to learn more about the city’s history. It can be said to include, at the Skainos Centre in unionist east Belfast, Turas, a project that promotes Irish through night classes and cultural events in the belief that "the language belongs to all". Inside, you’ll discover the story of the most famous ship in the world, the people who built her, and its ill-fated journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the top things to do in Belfast this spring, from wandering through blooming parks and discovering nature to enjoying a packed calendar of events and outdoor activities.
It is "the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland" with bus stands, railway platforms, and facilities for taxis and bicycles. Bus services in the city proper and the nearer suburbs are operated by Translink Metro, with services focusing on linking residential districts with the city centre on 12 cabs belfast quality bus corridors running along main radial roads, The Ulster Hospital, Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald, on the eastern edge of the city, first founded as the Ulster Hospital for Women and Sick Children in 1872, is the major acute hospital for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Specialist services include cardiac surgery, critical care and the Regional Trauma Centre.
What famous ship was built in Belfast?
The compilers of Ulster-Scots use various transcriptions of local pronunciations of "Belfast" (with which they sometimes are also content) including Bilfawst, Bilfaust or Baelfawst. At the same time, new immigrants are adding to the growing number of residents unwilling to identify with either of the two communal traditions. A legacy of conflict is the barrier-reinforced separation of Protestant and Catholic working-class districts. Their descendants’ disaffection with Ireland’s Anglican establishment contributed to the rebellion of 1798, and to the union with Great Britain that followed in 1801—later regarded as a key to the town’s industrial transformation. While chartered as an English settlement in 1613, the town’s early growth was driven by an influx of Scottish Presbyterians.
- Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a walk in Belfast and beyond.
- Don’t miss exploring the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world, which is included with a museum ticket and is docked right outside.
- Next to the former the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices (now an hotel), stands the "cultural nucleus to Titanic Quarter", Titanic Belfast (2012) whose interactive galleries tell the liner’s ill-fated story.
- A legacy of conflict is the barrier-reinforced separation of Protestant and Catholic working-class districts.
Things to Do & Events
Of course for many people, the name Belfast brings to mind the horrors of ‘The Troubles’ and while people remember the past, most people you’ll meet are positive, inclusive and forward looking. Despite its troubled history, today Belfast is an enjoyable, pleasant city to visit with an onward and upwards vibe. Belfast is a quick two-hour drive from Dublin and the city is also connected to Dublin by train and bus. If you have more time you can then work your way on down the list but as touristing is such thirsty work, it makes sense if you leap-frog to section 7 – visit a pub – at some point during your day.
Since 2001, buoyed by increasing numbers of tourists, the city council has promoted a number of cultural quarters. Such figures, however, do not include all those living in severely overcrowded conditions, involuntarily sharing with other households on a long-term basis, or sleeping rough in hidden locations. This is against a background (in 2023) of 2,317 people (0.67% of residents) presenting as homeless, many of whom are in temporary accommodation and shelters. New townhouse and apartments schemes are being developed for the city’s quays, and for Titanic Quarter. But retail footfall in the centre is limited by competition with out-of-town shopping centres and with internet retailing.
Take a black taxi tour of Belfast’s political murals
If your flight is early or subject to delays, we will track your flight’s progress and send your driver at the new expected time of arrival. A comforting thought, especially for first time visitors in a foreign country. If you would like a quote for a journey you are planning please select the ‘Type of Journey’ you require and enter the post code on the ‘Instant Online Quote’ form above. Open a corporate account for 28-day credit terms, fixed business rates & streamlined monthly invoicing.Enquire today for smarter travel.More Information Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush). Visit the Belfast Hills website to learn more about the Cave Hill Walk and many other pleasant Belfast walks.
Food & Drink
This historic Victorian market sits at the heart of Belfast’s buzzing contemporary food scene. Discover an oasis of calm in bustling Belfast – a delightful mix of Victorian charm and natural beauty. More than just a city, Belfast is the experience of a lifetime. But you don’t have to go very far from the city centre to enjoy a bit of outdoor adventure.
