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It can be said to include, at the Skainos Centre in unionist east Belfast, Turas, a project that promotes Irish through night classes and cultural events in the belief that "the language belongs to all". After such a busy day of sights, sounds and the finest food, you\u2019ll need the finest place to stay. Spend a lively time in the heart of the city\u2019s vibrant clubbing hotspot and LGBTQIA+ hub. In celebration of the city\u2019s cultural diversity, this festival features parades, concerts, markets and more.<\/p>\n
Belfast has become a food mecca and it\u2019s impossible to walk the city without being lured in by world-class food. Compact, walkable and packed with friendly locals, Belfast delivers history, food, music and bold energy, all within easy reach for a weekend escape. Welcome to Belfast, Northern Ireland\u2019s vibrant capital where rich maritime heritage meets cutting\u2011edge culture. For tips from those in the know head to Visit Belfast and discover a wealth of things to do in Northern Ireland\u2019s capital city. It\u2019s home to the city\u2019s Botanic Gardens and also No Alibis, Northern Ireland\u2019s only independent crime fiction bookshop. Away from the centre, discover Belfast\u2019s quieter, budget-friendly options close to Queen\u2019s University.<\/p>\n
By the 17th century, the town was a busy port with small shipbuilding interests, which became firmly established after William Ritchie founded a shipyard (1791) and a graving (dry) dock (1796). Look out for meat from Hillstown Farm Shop, prebiotic foods from Amberline Preserves and mushrooms from Spore Shore. A bronze statue of Queen Victoria is accompanied by figures representing education and Belfast\u2019s textile and shipbuilding industries, and a memorial to the Titanic lists the names of the more than 1500 people who died when the boat sank in the North Atlantic. Small, idiosyncratic Belfast has long punched above its diminutive weight in terms of cultural impact \u2013 the hometown of George Best and Van Morrison, the RMS Titanic and Harland & Wolff shipyard, and deeply politicized murals enlivening brick gable walls.<\/p>\n
At the same time, a British-funded welfare state "revolutionised access" to education and health care. After a cotton boom and bust, the town emerged as the global leader in the production of linen goods (mill, and finishing, work largely employing women and children), winning the moniker "Linenopolis". When early in the American War of Independence, Belfast Lough was raided by the privateer John Paul Jones, the townspeople assembled their own Volunteer militia. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you\u2019re feeling flush). If hills aren\u2019t really your thing, you can still enjoy Cave Hill Country Park which surrounds the castle and is a popular place for Belfast folk to take a walk. The Belfast landmark, Cave Hill, rises up behind the castle and if you are up for a walk, we highly recommend taking the time to walk to the top of Cave Hill for spectacular views over Belfast Lough and towards the Mournes \u2013 on a clear day.<\/p>\n
If you have more time you can then work your way on down the list but as touristing is such thirsty work, it makes sense if you leap-frog to section 7 \u2013 visit a pub \u2013 at some point during your day. In those days Belfast\u2019s shipyards dominated global shipbuilding, and it is no surprise therefore that Titanic, \u2018the biggest ship in the world\u2019, was built here. You\u2019ll find Belfast just over two hours north of Dublin travelling by car\/train or bus \u2013 see the \u2018Getting to Belfast\u2019 info below \u2014 and an hour and a half from Giant\u2019s Causeway on the North Coast. Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland and while it is famous for the Belfast Titanic museum and \u2018Troubles Tours\u2019 around The Falls Road and Shankill areas, there is quite a bit more to enjoy about the city.<\/p>\n