Ireland Guide
Belfast
The North's largest city by some distance, Belfast has a pace and bustle you'll find almost nowhere else in the six counties that make up Northern Ireland. For many, however, Belfast will always be remembered as the focus of the Troubles that dominated Northern Ireland's politics for almost three decades from the late 1960s and scarred so many personal lives. Indeed, as the North still continues to come to terms with the aftermath of the peace process, instigated by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the city remains in some ways on a knife's edge, always expecting some new predicament to emerge.
Belfast is a place for getting out and about, and has plenty of attractions to experience. A couple of days are enough to get a feel for the city, although it is a good base from which to visit virtually anywhere else in the North. In the city centre, concentrate on the glories resulting from the Industrial Revolution – grandiose architecture and magnificent Victorian pubs – and the rejuvenated area from Ann Street to Donegall Street now known as the Cathedral quarter.
Highlights
1 Stormont The seat of government in Northern Ireland, set in glorious parkland.
2 Cave Hill The best spot for a panoramic view of the city and Belfast Lough spread out below.
3 West Belfast An essential part of any visit to the city: the murals, Peace Line, cemeteries and fortified bars put everyday life into stark political context.
4 The John Hewitt Both modern and traditional at the same time, this is unquestionably one of the city's finest pubs, with splendid music sessions to boot.
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