Good Craic in Belfast

Situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on Belfast Lough, Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, a city surrounded by low hills and with a fascinating albeit complex history which still can be seen leaving its mark down every street.

Belfast became known around the world in the three decades of The Troubles, as Irish republican terrorists targeted the city with gun and bomb attacks. In the long-running conflict between Protestants loyal to British rule in the remaining London-governed Irish counties and Catholics who wanted an independent and united Ireland, parts of Belfast became lawless, no-go areas. To this day, the city bears the scars of this complex history, and so the place has a raw character which endures and offers a unique experience for visitors.

The city centre of Belfast is focused on Donegall Square with the City Hall in its centre. This is where the bus routes throughout the city converge and where shoppers and office workers gather on their breaks.

The City Hall, dating back to 1906, is modelled on its counterpart all the way out in Durban in South Africa, a fine example of early twentieth century architecture from the heart of the British Empire. Today the City Hall houses the council chambers and administrative offices, however around the grounds you''ll also find a statue of Queen Victoria and a memorial to the victims of the Titanic sinking. Excellent guided tours around the City Hall are available for visitors too.

Heading north from Donegall Square you can travel along the important shopping street Donegall Place. Follow this path and you will work your way towards the Cathedral Quarter containing Saint Anne''s Cathedral as well as the Arts School. To the east however you''ll find the course of the River Lagan which borders the city centre. Meanwhile if you travel to the south you''ll get to look around the area of Donegall Pass.

Belfast has a rich culture, and this is on offer in the galleries and workshop spaces around the city. Place, for instance, is a gallery space designed to promote the Northern Irish built environment, and regularly hosts exhibitions and workshops. Visitors flock to the Ormeau Baths Gallery too.

To explore the work of local photographers, head to Belfast Exposed. There you''ll find exhibitions as well as an excellent library and even a dark room available for local photographers. The Print Workshop and Gallery meanwhile is another excellent place to visit to look at a good selection of work.

The city of Belfast is a historically important place where every street seems to tell its own story. You can learn so much about the previous history and the present culture of the entire British Isles by visiting Belfast. So if you head there on a visit, you too will be able to see what you can discover for yourself.

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

Caron Kristan is a freelance writer and travel enthusiast. They recommend Octopus Travel for Belfast hotels.

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