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 Belfast's Leaning Tower |
Queen's Square Belfast BT1 3FG United Kingdom +44 28 9024 6609 |
Pisa has its leaning tower and Belfast has one to match - the Albert Memorial Clock Tower. Known locally as "The Albert Clock", it was built in memory of Prince Albert following his death in 1861. The tower arouses most interest due to the fact that it leans slightly to one side as a result of subsidence. Much of the city centre suffers the same plight - buildings here were frequently built on wooden piles driven into muddy, reclaimed land. At the moment, attempts are being made to rectify the tilt - the whole structure is swathed in construction scaffolding. From the tower you will be able to view two giant yellow cranes in Harland & Wolff's shipyard. These are affectionately known as "Samson and Goliath". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Therese Jåtten |
 Photo: Pieter and Vanessa  |
 Photo: klmn.hamas.cinema.gaza.strip |
 Photo: faz besharatian |
 Photo: Damien McCoy |
 Photo: Braehill photography |
 Photo: Peter Reid |
 Photo: photojunkie.net |
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 Photo: Kimberly Wadycki |
 Photo: Marc Harrington |
 Photo: Ben du Chateau |
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 Photo: Marco Cortesi |
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 Photo: mark.gilpin@btinternet.com |
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 Photo: Chris Walker |
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 Second-largest arts festival |
25 College Gardens Belfast BT9 6BS United Kingdom +44 28 9066 5577 (tickets) / +44 28 9066 7687 (information) http://www.belfastfestival.com |
The Belfast Festival at Queen's is the second-largest arts and cultural festival in Britain and Ireland - only the Edinburgh Festival beats it in size and scope. The whole jamboree kicks off at the beginning of September. The festival incorporates over 400 performances of international theatre and dance, classical and popular music, comedy, literature and film and is focused around the campus of Queen's University. Each year, the festival focuses on many different cultures, including Africa, France, US and more. Ticket prices to performances vary; call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan in Belfast |
 Five-star hotel at the Laganside epicentre |
4 Lanyon Place Belfast BT1 3LP United Kingdom +44 28 9027 7000 http://www.hilton.co.uk/belfast |
One of the flagship buildings of the new Laganside development, it symbolizes the optimism in the regeneration of Belfast since the paramilitary ceasefires in the mid-90s. Of course it has all the high standards you would expect of a Hilton anywhere in the world, but there is still a distinctive Belfast welcome awaiting. Lots of deals make checking out the price options in advance well worthwhile. Bill Clinton stayed here on a visit to Northern Ireland as US President. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sesamelearning |
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Garden Refuge |
Botanic Ave College Park Belfast BT9 5AB United Kingdom +44 28 9032 0202 |
Situated next to Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens have provided a sanctuary from the pressures of city life since 1827. Especially prized is the iron and glass hothouse known as the Palm House - a splendid example of Victorian workmanship. The Palm House is a companion to the great glasshouses at Kew Gardens in London and the Botanic Gardens in Dublin, all of which were designed by Charles Lanyon. The Belfast version is a little diminutive in comparison with the great buildings at Kew, but has the same grace of design and contains an enormous variety of tropical plants. The gardens also contain rose beds, beautifully maintained herbaceous borders and a children's playground. The summer months see show jumping and free performances by brass bands. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan and Sandi Happy |
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 Photo: Harry Marmot |
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 Belfast's premier shopping experience |
Royal Ave Belfast BT1 1DD United Kingdom +44 28 9023 4591 http://www.westfield.com/castl... |
Castlecourt is Belfast's premier shopping experience. Opened in the late 1980s, it was a significant statement at that time that optimism was returning to Northern Ireland despite the ongoing violence. Since then it has gone from strength to strength. Always immensely popular with Belfast shoppers, it offers 60 local and international retail outlets with Debenhams being the flagship store. Others include Gap, Laura Ashley, Easons, Principles, Next, Angel Paris and Exhibit. It is a two-storey mall of marble floors, glass domes, natural light, fountains and exotic plants. There are self-service food outlets including donuts and burger stands, and a waiter-service patisserie if the packages get too heavy and the feet too sore. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Therese Jåtten |
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Historical building at city heart |
Donegall Square Belfast BT1 5GS United Kingdom +44 28 9027 0456 http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ |
The City Hall, with its impressive 173-foot copper dome, dominates the city's skyline from every angle. The building's remarkable interior contains a marble Grand Staircase crowned by a domed ceiling of intricate plasterwork. The Grand Staircase is lit by seven stained glass windows and the Grand Hall is also adorned with several stained glass portraits of British sovereigns, rescued from bombing during the Second World War. Guided tours of the building and grounds are available all year round; each tour lasts approximately one hour. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jean Smith |
 Photo: SimplyWithStyle |
 Photo: Jonathan Crawford |
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 Photo: Jill and Steven Good |
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World-famous hotel on the Golden Mile |
Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7AP United Kingdom +44 28 9027 1066 http://www.hastingshotels.com |
Boasting the dubious distinction of being the most bombed hotel in Europe, the Europa is now a tourist attraction in its own right. Set on the Golden Mile, the Europa is opposite two of Belfast's finest landmarks - the Crown Liquor Saloon and the Grand Opera House. Within the hotel you'll find the Lobby Bar, excellent for people watching, whilst the jazz on Saturdays is not to be missed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: toby barnes |
 Photo: Erika L. Walker |
 Photo: Alan Leen |
 Photo: Marty McAllister |
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 Photo: toby barnes |
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Belfast's Nightlife Heartland |
Encompassing Dublin Road, Shaftesbury Square and Great Victoria Street Belfast, Co. Down BT7 1LS United Kingdom |
The Golden Mile stretches from Queen's University to the city centre, is approximately one mile long, and hosts about 80 per cent of the city's most happening night spots. The mile includes Internet cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. In existence throughout the troubles, the Golden Mile was the brightest spot in the city. Now it's flourishing with peacetime investment. If you want to dine, Speranza's, Suwanna, Cayenne, Mongolian Barbecue, Red Panda, and Gipsy Queen are just a fraction of the buzzing eateries. Lavery's, the Crown and Robinson's offer great craic with their pints, while the Grand Opera House across the road dazzles the night viewer with its Victorian opulence. If you've come to Belfast for a good time, head here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Signature Victorian building |
17 Great Victoria St Belfast BT2 7HR United Kingdom +44 28 9024 1919 http://www.goh.co.uk |
The Grand Opera House is one of the city's great signature buildings. Restored to its Victorian glory in 1980, it is a masterpiece in gilt and plush scarlet; the pièce de la résistance of this lavish interior being the elephants that support the boxes! (Pavarotti got his first break here.) The venue maintains its operatic traditions, with regular visits by some of the world's great opera companies. In recent years, the Royal Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet have both performed at this venue. Ticket prices vary per performance; check out the Website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Harrogate |
 Photo: Yvette |
 Photo: Robert Young |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
 Photo: Benjamin Harrison |
 Photo: Heather Freelend |
 Photo: Bradford J. Wood |
 Photo: Maja Sindalska |
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Prestigious University |
University Road Belfast BT7 1LN United Kingdom +44 28 9024 5133 http://www.qub.ac.uk/ |
No trip to Belfast would be complete without a visit to Queen's. The building was designed by Charles Lanyon and completed in 1849, about the same time as University College Cork and University College Galway. All three buildings share architectural similarities. The front wing of Queen's was based on the late medieval design of Magdalen College, Oxford, and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic revivalism. Call the Queen's Visitor Centre (just through the main archway to your left) to learn more about the institution and its history. You can buy an assortment of Queen's memorabilia here. As with many universities, the surrounding area is vibrant, with an emphasis as much on having a good time as serious, diligent, rigorous academic study. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: exactfare |
 Photo: Zoe Jackson |
 Photo: David Bolton |
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 Photo: Matt Phillips |
 Photo: Matt Phillips |
 Photo: Derek Blackadder |
 Photo: Bruce Nguyen |
 Photo: Cris García-Moncó |
 Photo: Matthieu de Vivie |
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 Photo: Paul Gilbody |
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 Photo: Jason in Belfast |
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Belfast's trendiest urban village |
Stranmillis Road Belfast, Antrim BT1 4TL United Kingdom +44 28 9024 6609 |
People from other parts of Belfast make fun of Stranmillis but that's because they're jealous. Just have a look at the beautiful Victorian houses and you'll see why. The area is a bit like an island. Slightly uphill, the side streets offer nice views of all the fields and green hills that surround the city. And the wonderful range of facilities on offer here would preclude you from venturing to other neighbourhoods. Nice, trendy cafes with original designs and fabulous restaurants abound. The shops are attractive and eclectically stocked, the university and Botanic Gardens are nearby. At the same time, Stranmillis has the feel and conviviality of a small village so it's definitely well worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: romanisis |
 Photo: romanisis |
 Photo: Simon Sloan |
 Photo: Theobald Gloom |
 Photo: Mick Fealty |
 Photo: Chris Jones |
 Photo: Faye McKnight |
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Jewel of Laganside Redevelopment |
2 Lanyon Place Belfast BT1 3WH United Kingdom +44 28 9033 4400 http://www.waterfront.co.uk |
This dazzling building on the banks of the Lagan is the original signature building of the Laganside redevelopment and one of the architectural stars of the city. The superb auditorium, which has a capacity of 2,235, has witnessed concerts from all walks of life: from Jesus Christ Superstar to Robbie Williams (superstar), from opera, ballet and classical music through to pantomime and stand-up comedy. This thoroughly modern complex features handsome bars and restaurants with fine views of the surrounding area, as well as the NTL Studio, a smaller auditorium with a capacity of 400. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Matchett |
 Photo: Phil Woodbridge |
 Photo: Dave Mitchell |
 Photo: John Self |
 Photo: Phil Woodbridge |
 Photo: Felix Haslimeier |
 Photo: Heather Little |
 Photo: LondonSLR |
 Photo: kevin |
 Photo: Russell Matbouli |
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 Photo: Fintan Hurl |
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 Photo: Colleen Robinson |
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