Interesting Facts

Belfast is often referred to as the "Hibernian Rio" because of its location. It is nestled beside the River Lagan and Belfast Lough. The city is surrounded by gentle rolling hills and boasts a delightful setting.
Donegall Square is the focal point of the city. The area is home to city hall and the point from which all roads radiate.
Belfast, an industrialized port city, is home to one-half a million people. A third of all of Northern Ireland's population lives within the city limits of Belfast.
Belfast is home to major industrial companies. Production lines handle everything from rope to ships. Belfast port was the headquarters for the building of the Titanic, and today, the city the largest dry dock in the world can be found here.
Queen University enrolls some 12,000 students. It is named for Queen Victoria, who visited Belfast in 1849. The university hosts the city's major annual arts event, the Belfast Festival at Queens.
Cave Hill Country Park sits perched atop a 1,200-foot basalt cliff, which is said to resemble the profile of Napoleon. It's the perfect vantage point for getting a fantastic view of the area. In addition, the park offers walking trails and a variety of interesting archaeological and historical sights.
In 1886, the bell of St. Malachy's Church on Alfred Street was removed. Why? The adjacent distillery in Dunville complained that the tolling of the bells interfered with the maturing of the whisky!
Van Morrison, of "Brown-Eyed Girl" fame, was born in Belfast and are often seen performing in the city. If their type of music isn't really your style then you can try the many other avenues for nightlife and entertainment.
The architectural variety in Belfast reflects the many influences that have helped shape this volatile city. Victorian designs often include the large sculptures, while the Edwardian buildings feature a more streamlined construction. Though it may not seem very Irish, there are also many Art Deco-inspired buildings in the city.
While in Belfast, you must eat like a champ! Champ is nothing more than mashed potatoes. But, when they're paired with a good pint and some local oysters, you can bet that you're in for a treat that's truly Irish and enjoyable.