Sights

Malones House

This Georgian mansion, built during the 1820’s has views over one of the most attractive landscapes in Belfast, the Lagan Valley. The last resident of the house, William Barnett presented it to Belfast in 1946.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Barnett Demesne
tel:	(028) 9068 1246

The Spires Conference Centre

One of Belfast’s most attractive buildings, the centre which was built in 1905, and refurbished in 1992, boasts magnificent stain glass windows and excellent conference facilities. It also has a designer shopping area and cafes, well worth a visit.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Wellington Street
tel:	(028) 9032 2284

Knockbreda Parish Church

Desigend by Richard Castle, the leading Irish architect of the day and consecrated in 1737. The chancel by Sir Thomas Drew was added in 1883. Interesting monuments in the graveyard include a unique group of large 18th century mausolea.

type:	Churches
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Church Road, Newtownbreda

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

The Ulster Folk and Transport museum illustrates the past lives of the people of Northern Ireland. You get the opportunity to visit a typical Ulster town from the early 1900’s. The museum is well worth a visit to experience by-gone lifestyles and taste the history of the province.

type:	Museums
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	7 miles East of Belfast
tel:	(028) 9042 8428

Belfast Castle

On the slopes of Cave Hill , is a great place to sample excellent cuisine, historical atmosphere and beautiful gardens. It's the start of some superb scenic walks. Belfast Castle is a beautiful Scottish Baronial castle, which is set on the side of Belfasts Cave Hill, 40 ft above sea level. Beautiful theme gardens, way marked walks and Heritage Centre. Open daily with free admission, the castle sits on the well known site of Cave Hill, overlooking Belfast Lough.Tours will take place only when there is not a function being held in the castle and groups should be of twenty to fifty more..

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Cave Hill
tel:	(028) 90776925

Harland and Wolff

Harland and Wolff, once formed the backbone of Belfasts' Industrial Base, employing up to tens of thousands of people. Perhaps the most famous ship built there was the Titanic. Samson and Goliath - the shipyards most famous cranes can be seen from points all over Belfast, each has a capacity of 840 tonnes and would dwarf London Bridge. The shipyard is not open to the public but the major points can bee seen clearly from Victoria Park (off the Sydenham Bypass).

type:	Graves and Cemeteries
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Queen's Road
url:	www.harland-wolff.com

Belfast City Hall

From all over the city you can see the dome of this neoclassical building. Finished in 1906 to commemorate Belfast getting the status of City in 1888 assigned by Queen Victoria. The hall, which is an Edwardian masterpiece, was made of Portland Stone, and is not just the home of the City Council but also the front lawn is a haven for sun worshippers during the summer months.

The Dome is 173 feet high, covered with copper and crowned with stone lantern.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Donegall Square
tel:	(028) 90270456

St Anne's Cathedral

Belfast Cathedral is an imposing Hiberno-Romanesque monument to persistence - it was partly completed and opened in the 1890's and finished nearly a century later! The awe-inspiring baptistry is by local architect WH Lynn, the angel heads of the front by Rosamund Praeger and the mosaics by Gertrude Stein. Don't miss the very welcoming atmosphere of the place, especially during a choral service.

The Cathedral has impressive stained glass windows, and figures of Courage, Agriculture, and Justice. Look out for the four Archangels around the nave, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and more..

type:	Churches
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Donegall Street
tel:	(028) 90328332

Sir Thomas and Lady Dickson Park

This park is one of Belfast's most popular places for quiet relaxation and recreation. It has fine expanses of rolling lawns and meadows, mature specimen trees, copse and woodland, horticultural features and roses in season. Situated on the southern outskirts of the city, it covers 128 acres. Other attractions include the Japanese Garden, a walled garden and ornamental trees.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Upper Malone Road

Crown Liquor Saloon

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous pubs, the Crown is extravagantly decorated with a Victorian exterior and ‘intoxicating’ interior, making it one of the National Trust’s most valued treasures.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Great Victoria Street
tel:	(028) 9024 9476

Cave Hill

Cave Hill dominates the skyline looking north-west out of Belfast. It is the largest area of continuous open space in Belfast. The grounds enclose the magnificent Belfast Castle with the Zoological Gardens nearby. Parts of the Park have been designated as nature reserves and there are many marked foot-paths throughout the area. Spectacular views of Belfast can be seen from this high point. The caves that give the hill its name are probably man-made, there are five in total but most are inaccessible. They may have been early iron mines. There is ample car parking at the park and more..

type:	Parks and Gardens
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Off Antrim Road

Botanic Gardens

Well-tended gardens (dated 1827), just a short distance from the Queen's University and the Golden Mile area. The centrepiece is the beautiful Palm House with its curvilinear glass construction, built between 1839 and 1852. Also situated here is the Tropical Ravine.

type:	Parks and Gardens
World66 rating:	[rate it]

Ulster Museum

Statue of Lord Kelvin - Botanic Gardens, near Ulster Museum
photo by: Maree Conway

Address: Stranmillis Road. This national museum is noted for its collections of Irish art, history, natural sciences and archaeology. Early Ireland gallery (10,000 BC-1,500 BC). Treasures from the Spanish Armada. Shop, cafe, wheelchair access. Parking on request. Galleries start to close at 4.50 pm. The Museum's remarkable permanent collection of Irish, British, European and American art is complemented by major exhibitions in the newly-refurbished premier temporary exhibitions gallery and other spaces. Running through most of 2000 are.

Don't miss the work of more..

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	(028) 90383000

Queen’s University

Northern Ireland's most prestigious university built in 1845 - 1849 and designed by Charles Lanyon. The Main building leads to a fantastic quadrangle area.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	University Road
tel:	(028) 9033 5252

Belfast Zoo

Belfast zoo is set in a fifty acre site on the slopes of Cave Hill overlooking spectacular views of Belfast Lough and County Down. More than 100 species of rare and endangered animals are housed in modern enclosures, which replicate their natural habitat. The zoo houses a huge collection of exotic and endangered species including Lions, Tigers, Elephant, Giraffe, Spectacled bears, monkeys, gorillas, underwater viewing of Sealions and Penguins and many more. 

Restaurant, souvenir shop, free disabled access and hire of mobility scooters.

type:	Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Antrim Road, Newtownabbey
tel:	(028) 90776277

Parliament Buildings

Parliment Buiding in Belfast
photo by: Genevieve Price

The former Parliament buildings of Northern Ireland have an impressive hilltop location. A statue to Lord Carson stands at the bottom of the mile long avenue. Stormont is now home to the new Northern Ireland Assembly. Adjacent to Parliment Buildings is Stormont Castle which now serves as the Belfast Headquarters of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Neither of these buildings is open to the public, but the surrounding park areas are an excellent family attraction and include a newly designed childrens' play area.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Stormont

Castlereagh Presbyterian Church

This Greek Revival church was designed by John Millar and built in 1834-5. " Ionic portico in antis adapted from the internal colonnade of the temple of Bassae, surmounted by an elongated version of the monument to Lysicrates " ( Williams).

type:	Churches
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	79 Church Road

Royal Ulster Constabulary Museum

This museum includes displays of uniforms and equipment, photographs and memorabilia relating to the Irish Constabulary since its formation in 1822. The 'Royal' prefix was added in 1867 and in 1922 the Royal Ulster Constabulary was created. Open 10am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

type:	Museums
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Knock Road
tel:	(028) 90650222

Linenhall Library

The Linenhall library in Belfast is one of the oldest subscription libraries in the UK. It is accessible to all members of the public. It has a rich history dating back to 1788 when it was known as the White Linen Hall. It specialises in Irish and Local studies and is popular with scholars and genealogy enthusiasts.

Albert Memorial Clock

The clock leans 1.25metres off the vertical as it was built on reclaimed land*, but work is underway to correct this. The tower is 35 metres tall and centres around Prince Albert, Victoria's consort. Crowned lions holding shields and floral decoration surround the clock itself.

*That is the truth of it, but the tour guides like to tell you that the tilt was induced by the local ladies of the night leaning on the tower while waiting for customers.