Belfast

 By

Andrew Maxwell

     Living in the states, you often hear people talking about how beautiful Ireland is and they talk of cities such as Cork, Dublin, Shannon and Galway. However, Belfast is the forgotten city.  Mention Belfast to people and they remind you of the past with memories of the troubles; but Belfast is a city in transition and is now one of the most beautiful places in Ireland to visit.

      Getting to Belfast has never been easier!   It has two main airports which services many international countries, there are direct sea crossings from England and Scotland, and, of course, the rail infrastructure within Ireland is first class. If you are travelling around Ireland, Belfast certainly has to be in your plans. 

       Every great city has a City Hall and Belfast is no different!   It is the central hub for all the surrounding activities. The gardens around the building are used in the wintertime for the famous Christmas market, which runs from December 1^st to December 19^th. Vendors from around the world come together to create the most amazing festive gathering; it is a great opportunity to sample a lot of different cultures from Europe in one location.  In the Summer time, if you are lucky with the weather, you will find masses of people lying on the lawn during their lunch break soaking up the rare rays of sunshine. 

      I always find that when you arrive in a city, you never know what to do first.  The best option in Belfast is to take one of the open top bus tours. They are very informative and it will not only show you the hot spots, but they will educate you on the history of Northern Ireland.  Multiple tours can be found at http://www.belfastcitysightseeing.com/citytour.htm

      For keen shoppers, the choice is endless – big name stores, boutique designers, innovative arts and crafts, shopping centres and rejuvenated markets such as the restored St George’s Market, open every Friday and Saturday morning and every Sunday from July to September. If you are looking for the designer wear, you should go to South Belfast’s trendy Lisburn Road or the exciting new Victoria Square in the heart of the city. Those looking for high street stores should go to the main shopping area that runs from Donegal Place to Castle Court, Royal Avenue.

     The hotels and restaurant industry has really taken off in the last number of years in Belfast.  The Europa is Belfast’s most famous hotel!  It claims to be the most bombed hotel in Europe, but trust me, it is safe to stay in and it is absolutely beautiful.  My choice for a hotel is La Mon Country Club. Set in the Castlereagh Hills just 10 minutes outside of the city, it gives you the impression that you are staying in rural Northern Ireland yet you are so close to all the amenities.

      The most famous bar/restaurant in Belfast is the Crown Bar (www.crownbar.com),   set in the heart of the city.  It claims to be the oldest bar.  Often frequented by patrons on their way home from work, it doubles up as a restaurant, too. They serve traditional Irish food and it is well worth a try.  There is a strip of bars and restaurants that runs from Great Victoria Street to Shaftsbury Square and this is known as the “Golden Mile.” If you are lucky enough to end up on the strip, you will have a vast selection of bustling nightlife to choose from.

http://www.crownbar.com/main_bar_webcam   Have a look for yourself!!

If Ireland is on your to-do list make sure you visit Belfast; you will not be disappointed.