About Belfast

The name Belfast comes from the Irish Béal Feiriste  - the mouth of the Farset, a river that flows through Belfast. The capital of Northern Ireland, it has grown over the years from a tiny village to a bustling city that is fast becoming established as a one of the most desirable European destinations for visitors from all over the world.

Belfast was the only city in Ireland to experience the Industrial Revolution. The waterfront area was the engine behind this Revolution that saw Belfast transformed to a mighty city of over 450,000 people by the beginning of the 20th century. At Queens Island (now being developed as the £1 billion Titanic Quarter), the Harland and Wolff shipyard built a succession of ever more luxurious and larger ships. By the time of the launch of RMS Titanic in 1912, it had become the greatest shipbuilder in the world and Belfast one of the most important ports. In the past, Belfast could claim not only the largest shipyard in the world, but the largest linen mill, the largest tobacco factory and the largest rope works. This truly was a powerhouse of the Industrial Age and the legacy can be seen all over town. Nowhere is this more on show than by the huge imposing yellow cranes of the Harland and Wolff shipyard. “Samson and Goliath” as they are known locally, these gargantuan towers of steel can be seen from miles away and are 100 metres high. With a combined lifting weight of 1600 tonnes and standing guard over the World’s largest dry dock, they are now preserved for the future and have scheduled monument status. They look pretty big up close, too!

For over 120 years Belfast Castle has been a familiar landmark in the city of Belfast. It is situated on the prominent Cave Hill, 400ft above sea level and offers one of the most panoramic views of Belfast Lough and the greater Belfast area. A great location for an adventure challenge maybe? Who knows – maybe you will soon!

But Belfast’s greatest and most unique attraction is its people, whose enduring warmth and friendliness remain a welcoming truth; their distinct character and culture evolving with the new city as it merges with the old. From often turbulent times in recent years, a 21st century city has emerged where history is all around you, whose legacy and tradition lives on in the stories, humour and vibrant culture of its people and where a truly great adventure awaits. Welcome to Belfast. Welcome to the Rat Race.