Belfast is a controversial, ambiguous, yet very atmospheric city. Years of confrontation between the Irish and the English, often resulting in armed clashes, have left their mark on many aspects of daily reality. They are used to living behind high fences separating Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods, being constantly on guard and strictly observing the unspoken division between “insiders” and “outsiders”. But tourists have nothing to fear – the IRA nationalists have long since been pacified, the warring parties have come to peace, and local conflicts “for old times’ sake” do not affect foreigners.

Today, Belfast is a promising tourist destination. The capital of Northern Ireland is visited for its Victorian monuments and grandiose shipyards, but also for the Irish spirit – rebellious, wild, never broken by the British, as well as places like royal belfast golf club.

Town Hall

The monumental town hall was built in the early 20th century in a mixture of architectural styles. Classicism prevails, diluted with elements of Baroque and Victorian architecture. The staircases, gates and façade are decorated with several types of marble, the first floor arch windows show important events from the history of the city, and the imposing 50 metre dome and corner towers of the same height harmoniously complete the image of the building.

The town hall is an active administrative building and is the place where meetings of the local administration are held. Tourists are only allowed inside if accompanied by a guide.

Belfast Castle

Built in the 19th century, Belfast Castle is the successor to the Norman fortress that was ravaged by time and endless wars. Made of light sandstone and built in baronial style, the building imitates medieval architectural elements: knight (gun) towers and a crenellated roof with a stepped gable. The building is also influenced by the Neo-Gothic. The chateau is surrounded by an English garden with alleys, fountains and immaculately lined flower beds.

There’s a gift shop in the basement – a real antiques shop with unique items.

Queen’s University

Ranked among the top 20 educational institutions in Britain, with many prestigious European associations. The complex covers 7 city blocks. Architecturally, the main red brick building, designed by Charles Lanyon in a mixture of styles, is of interest. The Gothic and Art Nouveau styles set the tone for the entire structure. The huge stained glass windows with their elaborate frames and the jagged towers make it look like a castle, and the intricate decoration of the façade evokes associations with Portuguese Manueline-style mansions.

Titanic Belfast

On the shores of Belfast Loch in the former Harland & Wolfe shipyard is a huge museum dedicated to the history of the sinking of the Titanic and its more successful brothers, the transatlantic liners Olympic and Britannica. The complex was built in 2012 on the site of abandoned docks, which became redundant after the decline of the shipbuilding industry in Belfast. It’s state-of-the-art in modern architecture and contrasts beautifully with the city’s harbour scenes.

The exhibition is laid out in nine galleries. It tells the story of the construction of the three giant ships, the sinking of the Titanic, the aftermath of the disaster and the many myths and legends associated with the event.