Belfast, County Antrim -travel information and accommodation

Belfast is a city that has endured many troubles over its history, yet the strong spirit of the people ensures it remains a lively and vibrant city. A ride on board the Citybus bus will soon acquaint you with the city’s major landmarks and there are over 50 parks and an amazing 30,000 acres of greenery to be enjoyed. The centre has an increasing number of shops, bars and restaurants and in particular the newly regenerated waterfront area is definitely worth a visit.  

The first settlers arrived in the Belfast around 9000 years ago, when Ireland was separated from Britain by the great thaw. Iron Age Celts then began the Celtic history that we still see today in the form of Celtic symbols associated with Ireland . Vikings later challenged the way of life, followed by the English in 1169. Problems arose with the Irish opposition to English rule and as separate communities of Catholic and Protestants grew, so did resentment. Problems escalated over the years with several major tragedies such as the 1641 killing of countless Protestants and the Battle of the Boyne of 1690.

Despite its problems, Belfast thrived under the industrialists of the Victorian era, the result of which can still be witnessed in the many grand buildings around the city, including the impressive Queens University , the Royal Academic Institution and Ulster Hall. During this time the linen trade really took off and became a major export industry, alongside a busy shipbuilding trade. The increased wealth and population lead to the area being officially declared a city in 1888 and much later in 1920, Belfast was made the capital of Northern Ireland .

However, it was far from all good news, the 1920’s and 30’s saw a huge decline in trade and whilst Northern Ireland’s increasing isolation from the South helped save it from the worst of the Potato Famine, relationships gradually got worse. In 1949 the bonds were finally broken and the Republic of Ireland was created.

Recent history has seen years of rival bombings and killings in which Belfast has been heavily involved. However, the 1997 cease-fire and the later Good Friday Agreement have assisted Belfast towards a safe and secure future and work still continues towards achieving lasting peace. Belfast is once more attracting visitors and gaining greater employment and heavy investment for regenerating the poorer areas and transforming the waterfront, which will hopefully ensure a bright future for the city.

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