To the north, it stretched out along roads which drew into the town migrants from Scots-settled hinterland of County Antrim. In 1997, unionists lost overall control of Belfast City Council for the first time in its history. Beginning in 1970 with the Falls curfew, and followed in 1971 by internment, this included counterinsurgency measures directed chiefly at the Provisional Irish Republican Army. At the end of the Second World War, the Unionist government undertook programmes of "slum clearance" (the Blitz had exposed the "uninhabitable" condition of much of the city’s housing) which involved decanting populations out of mill and factory built red-brick terraces and into new peripheral housing estates. In the greatest loss of life in any air raid outside of London, more than a thousand people were killed.

Tour Belfast’s architectural centerpiece, City Hall

On the other hand, Belfast has a high rate of people economically inactive (close to 30%). From the mid to late 19th century, there was a community of central European Jews (among its distinguished members, two-time Lord Mayor Otto Jaffe) and of Italians in Belfast. 7.17% (21,025) of people in the city claimed to have some knowledge of Ulster Scots, whilst 0.75% (2,207) claimed to be able to speak, read, write and understand spoken Ulster Scots. As with many cities, Belfast’s inner city is currently characterised by the elderly, students and single young people, while families tend to live on the periphery.

Celebrate local life with a lively year-round calendar of events Discover a wilder, greener side to Belfast with walks, cycles and fabulous local food. Centuries of history combined with memorable experiences – what will you discover first?

North Belfast and Shankill

Two unique cities just two hours apart by train – discover Ireland’s ultimate city break. Spend 48 hours immersed in Belfast’s maritime history as you follow this Titanic trail. The friendliness of the people is what’s most appealing in this small and very walkable city The New York Times Welcome to Belfast’s oldest library, a historic landmark famous for its exhibitions, classes and events. This historic Victorian market sits at the heart of Belfast’s buzzing contemporary food scene.

Here’s the Belfast to-do list we recommend to visiting friends and family!

East Belfast developed from the Queens Bridge (1843), through Ballymacarrett, east along the Newtownards Road and north (along the east shore of the Lough) up the Holywood Road; and from the Albert Bridge (1890) south east out the Cregagh and Castlereagh roads. Home to around 2,500 people, it is the only distinctly nationalist area in the east of the river. From "leafy" avenues of increasingly substantial (and in the course of time "mixed") housing, the Upper Malone broadened out into areas of parkland and villas.

The city has a number of community arts, and arts education, centres, among them the Crescent Arts Centre in south Belfast, the Irish-language Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in west Belfast, The Duncairn in north Belfast and, in the east of the city, EastSide Arts. Inspired by the tradition of military tattoos, it features performances from pipe bands, military and civilian musicians, dancers, and cultural groups from Northern Ireland and around the world. It is generally understood as an area around the Falls Road in west Belfast served by the Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich cultural centre.

Catch a ride on a hop-on hop off  bus tour

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’re feeling flush). If hills aren’t 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.

We respect your time – no spam, just the good stuff. This one time seed warehouse is one of Belfast’s landmark buildings, belfast taxi numbers just a short walk to Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Victoria Square… On the 31st March 1996 Crumlin Road Gaol slammed shut its doors for what many thought would be the final time, but, on the… Belfast is a compact city with an amazing array of activities and attractions for you to enjoy.

• Sunday includes the lot and even throws in music from local bands.
• This historic Victorian market sits at the heart of Belfast’s buzzing contemporary food scene.
• As with many cities, Belfast’s inner city is currently characterised by the elderly, students and single young people, while families tend to live on the periphery.
• Titanic Quarter has historic and state-of-the-art Titanic and maritime visitor attractions, hotels, sporting activities and tours for the whole family to enjoy.
• Sadly this local hero met an untimely death after being hit by a lorry but he is now immortalised in this lovely piece of street art.

In addition to the shipyards and the Short & Harland aircraft factory, the Belfast Blitz severely damaged or destroyed more than half the city’s housing stock, and devastated the old town centre around High Street. Until "troubles" returned at the end of the 1960s, it was not uncommon in Belfast for the Ulster Unionist Party to have its council and parliamentary candidates returned unopposed. Industry drew in a new Catholic population settling largely in the west of the town—refugees from a rural poverty intensified by Belfast’s mechanisation of spinning and weaving and, in the 1840s, by famine. While other Irish towns experienced a loss of manufacturing, from the 1820s Belfast underwent rapid industrial expansion.