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- Belfast
Belfast
The fortunes of Belfast have risen and fallen over time, from
its beginnings as a Bronze Age settlement to extensive World War II
bombings and civil conflict. Today the capital of Northern Ireland
is a thriving city that has regained some of its old charm and
industry, and has begun to lure the curious traveller.
Belfast is situated near the mouth of the River Lagan and
blossomed in the 17th century with an influx of English and
Scottish settlers. The port city grew in prominence during the
Industrial Revolution, with booming linen, rope-making and
shipbuilding industries. The ill-fated Titanic was built here in
the Harland and Wolff shipyards and today Belfast still boasts the
world's biggest dry dock, as well as a restored Waterfront Complex
that houses chic restaurants, shops and ubiquitous Irish pubs.
Much of the city's architectural heritage was destroyed during
repeated bombings in World War II, as well as during the Troubles;
civil conflict between Roman Catholic nationalists and Protestant
unionists that raged from 1969 until the late 1990s. Several
exquisite Victorian and Edwardian buildings remain, however, and
have been filled with trendy bars, boutiques, galleries, museums
and restaurants in an attempt to regenerate the city's image.
Evidence of the Troubles can still be seen in the many murals that
line Falls Road and Shankill Road, and the Europa Hotel has become
famous as one of the most bombed buildings in Europe, having being
targeted no less than 27 times.
Belfast is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but its
fascinating history, ongoing struggles, many attractions and above
all, the warmth and acerbic wit of its inhabitants make it an
essential stop on any trip to Northern Ireland. It also serves as
an excellent base from which to explore the many wonders of the
region.
Information & Facts
Climate
Belfast's climate is temperate, with plenty of rainfall,
particularly between August and January. Temperatures in summer
average around 64°F (18°C) and in winter, 43°F (6°C); there are
seldom extremes. There is some snow and sleet in winter, but due to
Belfast's coastal location, it only averages two to three days a
year.
Getting Around
Although a relatively car-dependent city, most of the city
centre of Belfast is reserved for pedestrians and is fairly
compact; visitors can tour it on foot in about one hour. Belfast
Metro is the local bus service, and its Smartlink cards and Metro
Day Tickets offer visitors good value, depending on the length of
stay. The Metro includes a nightlink service, although connections
between different suburbs can be poor. Taxis have colour-coded
plates to enable visitors to recognize legitimate services, while
London-style Black Taxis offer a less expensive alternative.
Open-top bus tours, boat tours, and bicycle hire are also
options.
Language
English is the official language, though visitors will be
astonished by the variety of regional accents.
Money
The currency is the pound (GBP), which is divided into 100
pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards
should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign
currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels,
however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.
Travellers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by
tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid
additional charges.
Sightseeing
Belfast is a great place for travellers to enjoy sightseeing as
they layout of the city and its public transport make it easy for
visitors to get from the centre of Belfast to the surrounding
suburbs within 20 minutes, even during rush-hour.
Take a trip to City Hall to admire the turn of the century
British architecture or enjoy a tour, or simply view the memorial
to the victims of the ill-fated Titanic (which was built in
Belfast) and a statue of Queen Victoria. Head to Cathedral Quarter
where the beautiful St Anne's Cathedral provides a wonderful
backdrop for the small shops, boutiques, galleries and eateries
lining the streets around it, and take in the magnificent
architecture in the area which is marketed s Belfast's 'cultural'
district.
For a more relaxing day of sightseeing, visit the Botanic
Gardens with a book and a packed lunch, head to the Falls Road or
Shankill to see some of the world's finest political murals, animal
lovers should visit the Belfast Zoo to meet the famous prairie dogs
that run free around the zoo's grounds and the Barbary lions, and
opera lovers will be thrilled at the opportunity to visit the Grand
Opera House for a tour or a performance.
Time
Local time in the United Kingdom is GMT (GMT +1 from last
Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).