Sightseeing in Belfast - what to see. Complete travel guide

Belfast is the administrative center and the largest port city of Northern Ireland. In terms of the number of population, Belfast is inferior to Dublin only out of all cities of the island. Belfast is home to a great number of gorgeous historic landmarks, cultural and educational centers. According to scientists, first settlements in the territory of the modern city appeared yet during the Bronze Age. Numerous findings of archeologists only prove that. Without a doubt, Giants Ring is one of the most striking discoveries in the Belfast area. It’s a henge monument, the age of which is more than 5,000 years.

John de Courcy is usually referred to as the founder of the modern city. In 1177, he built a castle on one of the hills. The year of 1609 is the official foundation of Belfast – it was not until the 17th century when Scottish and English settlers appeared on the grateful lands of the region. The ancient castle was restored and expanded significantly at the beginning of the 17th century, and first villages appeared around it.

Fertile land was the main reason for the popularity of Belfast among settlers. This region is still famous for it. For many years, the city provided neighbor countries with premium oil, grain, leather, and wool. At the beginning of the 18th century, the population of Belfast was nearly 20,000 people. It was the time when first banks, post offices, culture and entertainment venues appeared in the city. Modern Belfast is an incredibly attractive place from a historical point of view. It’s an ideal place for walking and observing numerous historic landmarks. Despite the fact that Belfast suffered much damage during the World War II years, many historic monuments and sights of different epochs have survived till our days. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The historical district of High St, which is open in the northern part of the city, is the oldest area in Belfast, so no wonder why it’s possible to see interesting architectural landmarks here and there. Many historical buildings were transformed into restaurants and pubs, and this fact makes walking in the city even more exciting. Fans of shopping will also be not disappointed as Belfast is home to the largest market in Northern Ireland - George’s Market. To buy memorable gifts, many travelers head to such vibrant streets as Dublin Road and College Street because there are many interesting shops there.

While exploring silent and charming streets of the city, it’s really hard to imagine its active industrial past. Modern travellers know Belfast as a city of fantastic pubs and golf centers. It’s also the motherland of Titanic – the internationally famous ship was constructed there. Beer fans will find Belfast exceptionally attractive. It’s believed that one can try the best Guinness beer in the world only in local pubs. To find a suitable pub for that is an easy task. Simply head to the picturesque Golden Mile district and you will find many attractive pubs and cafes. Golf is another important national symbol of the city. Belfast is the motherland of many internationally famous sportsmen, and many outstanding sports centers are open there.

Visiting local pubs has always been one of the most favorite pastimes for tourists in Belfast. Local pubs are the best destination not only to try the most delicious local beer but also to enjoy the best national food. The Golden Mile is the right place to search for a suitable pub. Some venues in this part of Belfast have been open there for more than a century. These pubs have an inimitable historical atmosphere. Just like many years ago, they feature traditional design and massive wooden furniture.

Local pubs offer a selection of meat dishes to guests. Most travelers will be excited to try dozens of sausage types. It is important to mention that local food is usually hearty and meal portions are quite big. Without a doubt, local pubs are very popular with fans of Guinness beer. Besides dozen types of the foamy drink, visitors can always try many popular sorts of whiskey.

Fans of more unusual entertainments should participate in an interesting thematic excursion, Belfast Mural Tour. This tour is dedicated to graffiti drawings that decorate the city. During many years, Belfast authorities tried to fight with street painters, but they still failed to clean the city from their works. Nowadays, these colorful artistic drawings have become popular tourist landmarks, and there is even an excursion that takes visitors to the most notable and attractive graffiti. Fans of the tragic Titanic story can also participate in interesting thematic excursions. They can see the dock where the ship was built and then floated out. Nowadays, a thematic museum is open in the city, and its exhibition is dedicated to the tragic history of the famous cruise ship.