Belfast can trace its origins to a fort complex in 3000 BC, but it was really the Plantation of Ulster policies adopted by the British Government in the 17 th century, that established Belfast as a town. This imitative planted Scottish and English Protestants in the area at the mouth of the Lagan River. This led to an immediate increase in trading activity as these people arrived with a solid work ethic and a desire to succeed.

Ironically, this action sowed the seeds of what was to become of the worlds most bitter religious wars between Catholic and Protestant. The civil rights marches starting in 1969 were prompted by the dominance of the Protestant majority over the Roman Catholic minority, which denied them many basic rights and was akin to apartheid being practised right across the social strata. Access to civil service jobs was denied to Catholics, though not by any official approval and in all walks of life, suppression of Catholic rights was rife.

The suppression of the Catholic people created a crescendo of violence throughout Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles, with Belfast particularly affected. The Provisional Irish Republican Army came to life as military protectors and enforcers of the Catholic case and fight from rule by Britain. On the Protestant side, military organizations such as the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), evolved to into terrorists organization and guerrilla warfare raged for nearly three decades. Over 2.500 lives were lost throughout the province and countless injuries sustained in clash of cultures that traced its origin back to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. An IRA ceasefire in 1994 led to a reduction in violence and the first steps to peace.

Belfast today, mainly because of inward investment from Britain and America, is a modern go-ahead city that contains a greater city area of 580,000 people. Cranes dominate the skyline of the city as re-generation of many districts takes place. One of the most important developments is the Titanic Quarter in East Belfast, near the site of the old shipyards. When complete, this major construction project will change the face of Belfast forever and bring life back to a deprived area. Other smaller developments are continuing apace as the city establishes its credentials as the second largest city in the island of Ireland. Shipbuilding, where the city was once a global leader, remains on a small scale and the reminder of the glory days are visible in the two giant yellow Harland and Woolf cranes that are an iconic landmark in the city.

A visit to the city reveals a welcoming and friendly people keen to embrace the tourist – an action denied to them for decades. And, there is plenty to see for the visitor. Belfast City Hall is wonderful example of Edwardian architecture. Many other examples of a variety of buildings are to be found in the Cathedral Quarter. Stormont Castle, the seat of power of the Northern Ireland Assembly, should be a priority on any visit with the most majestic of grounds and buildings to admire.

Pubs and restaurants around the city centre reveal a robust and bustling social scene and the presence of major hotels indicates the strength of confidence in the future of Belfast.

One hotel not to be missed is the Hotel Europa, which during the Troubles was the most bombed hotel in the world.

Belfast has two airports, George Best Belfast City Airport and further west Belfast International Airport. The former is named after the greatest football player Ireland ever produced, George Best, who dazzled the world with his skills playing for Manchester United in the sixties and seventies. At his peak, he compared to Pele as perhaps the world’s greatest footballer. However, the curse of the Irish – the drink – cut short a brilliant career and ultimately his life in 2005.

Belfast has a history as a seat of learning going back centuries. Queens University is one of the biggest UK universities, regarded by many as being on a par with Oxford and Cambridge and Dublin’s Trinity College. Students flock from all over the world to attend it and it has produced many notable scholars.

So, whether it is for shopping, culture, or just a plain old good time, Belfast will surprise the visitor in a most pleasant way. Further details on all activities can seen on our Services Directory section.