Things To Do in Belfast

A significant part of Belfast's recent history is "the Troubles," a period of ethnic and political conflict in Northern Ireland lasting from the late 1960s to the late 1990s that often centred in Belfast. At stake were the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and the relationship between its Protestants and Catholics communities, and it often spilled over into horrible violence throughout Ireland and the UK.

Since 1998, when the Belfast Good Friday Agreement ended the Troubles, Belfast has fortunately been allowed to flourish both economically and culturally. One of the consequences of this period of peace has been the expansion of tourism in Ireland, and especially of Belfast. In the past, tourists did not feel welcomed or safe in the city, but that has changed considerably in the last decade.

Belfast now has a vibrant and revitalised cultural life. The city's cultural and artistic sectors are growing. It hosts eight major annual festivals, key concert and performance venues, and award-winning theatres. The city offers a wide variety of cultural activities, including classical and contemporary music concerts, drama performances, literature and visual arts tributes, world-renowned international festivals, and historic events.
This city is rich in culture and history with a vibrant city like many others such as Liverpool city centre where you will also find a lot of history and eye catching landmarks.

Its many iconic buildings, such as the Belfast Waterfront, the Odyssey Arena, the Grand Opera House, and Ulster Hall, hosts a series of international entertainment, performances, and events. The opportunities for leisure activities in Belfast are legendary. There are eleven recreational centres in the city, offering swimming, five-a-side football, squash, and exercise classes.

New visitor attractions like the Titanic Quarter have been built, along with scores of hotels, restaurants, and bars. A new "café culture" is emerging in Belfast, with many cafes and restaurants opening up spaces outside their establishments, which has added to the vibrancy and excitement of the city centre.

Belfast is proud of his rich heritage and history, and this is demonstrated with its eight museum and cultural centres located across the city. The architecture is beautiful, charming, and historic. The city is being extensively renovated and revitalized, as the Cathedral Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter, and the Titanic Quarter can attest.

One of the most important events Belfast is gearing up for is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The city would like to be more well-known for its part in the event that has captured the minds and hearts of so many. It is currently in the midst of an extensive, £100 million renovation and revitalization project of the Titanic Quarter, situated in the docks and shipyards of Belfast.
Titanic Quarter is a high profile European waterfront development firmly rooted in the history and character of Belfast, acting as a driver for high quality investment and development in the city."

Titanic Quarter, one of Europe's largest and most exciting waterfront development, is transforming a 185-acre site on the banks of Belfast's river Lagan into a new mixed use maritime quarter with a mile of water frontage and a range of investment opportunities including: over 7,500 apartments, 900,000 sq. m. of business, education, office and research and development floor space together with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and other leisure uses.

Festivals, which offer many opportunities to celebrate Belfast's rich and diverse cultural heritage, are one of the biggest tourist draws for the city. Over half-a-million people have participated in the fifty-five festivals all over Belfast, including Queen University's annual Belfast Festival, the Belfast Film Festival, and the Titanic Festival. Each year, the city holds a St. Patrick's Day Festival in March, as well as its "Orange Parade" each July. Both events celebrate the cultures of Northern Ireland, and attract tens of thousands of participants and spectators.