Welcome to Belfast!
Set on the coast of one of the world’s natural deep water harbors, beneath Cave Hill and Black Mountain, lies Belfast. Proud and confident, this vibrant city which is renowned the world over for the warmth of its people, has been dramatically transformed in the past ten years. Belfast, derived from the Irish Beal Feirste meaning “mouth of the river,” prides itself on its hospitality and its ability to make the visitor feel right at home.
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city, is located on the northeast tip of the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but enjoys a charm and character all its own.
In recent years, a change in the political climate and boost in the economy has turned the country and its capital into one of the most desirable destinations in Europe. Belfast today is playing host to an increasing number of international leisure and business visitors.
Belfast is a very compact city and visitors can enjoy world-class venues and international hotels, all within easy walking distance. Complemented by a unique heritage, cultural vibrancy, cutting edge and Victorian architecture, world-class shopping, restaurants and entertainment, the city is fast becoming a favorite for the business and leisure tourist.
A City of Quarters
Belfast’s changing skyline is testament to the millions of pounds of investment that has taken place over the past few years. These ongoing changes can be seen throughout the city within the various “quarters.”
Titanic Quarter, Europe’s largest and most exciting waterfront development, is dominated by two iconic yellow cranes: Samson and Goliath. These huge symbolic reminders of Belfast’s industrial past stand tall as the surrounding area has developed into a multi-million pound harbor front and leisure space.
Cathedral Quarter is the city’s new social hub with an array of new art galleries, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. Set amongst the Quarter’s cobbled streets, these sympathetic developments add to the cosmopolitan feel of a city that seems able to embrace its future without letting go its historic charm.
Queen’s Quarter, centered around the bustling Queen’s University in the south of the city, is a dynamic and lively area well known for its Belfast Festival at Queen’s, the biggest festival of its kind in Ireland.
Gaeltacht Quarter in West Belfast is home to Ireland’s largest community festival – Feile an Phobail, as well as the world renowned political murals.
Belfast is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s shopping capitals. Its array of designer boutiques and high street stores is complemented by numerous shopping complexes, including Victoria Square, one of the largest shopping centers in Europe.
As the face of Belfast changes, so the city continues to build on its reputation as an industrial leader. Famed for its established trades of shipbuilding and linen making, Belfast is today renowned for its position as a leader in financial services, electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, and telecoms. In addition, the city’s internationally renowned universities, Queen’s University and the University of Ulster, have been key drivers in Northern Ireland’s technology, knowledge, and research and development industries.
Belfast and its people look forward to welcoming each World Forum delegate to the city. The city’s skyline may be changing, but one thing will always remain: a warm welcome and guaranteed ‘craic’ for all.
Traveling to Belfast
Belfast is one of the most accessible destinations in Europe, with many cities just over an hour away. The city is serviced by two airports, with new national and international routes continually opening up. An historic port, the city also benefits from a number of excellent ferry services and boasts an excellent rail and bus service.
George Best Belfast City Airport is situated just three miles from the city; Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove is 30 minutes away. Almost 30 European destinations are linked via the two airports. Recently, routes have opened up between Northern Ireland and North America, including New York, Halifax, Orlando, Toronto, and Vancouver.
What to Do in Belfast
- Enjoy a city tour and take in the political and historical hot spots and their renowned murals
- Participate in a Belfast Historical Pub Tour and experience first hand how the city’s social scene has developed through the years
- Experience a Titanic Treasure Hunt and learn the history of the ill-fated liner, which was built in Belfast
- Choose from an array of water sports on the city’s River Lagan and Belfast Lough
- Experience some well-deserved pampering at one of the country’s new spa resorts, such as the Lough Erne in Fermanagh, Galmorm Resort outside Ballymena, or the Culloden Resort & Spa outside Belfast
- Enjoy an afternoon of world-class golfing at Royal Belfast, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, or the Lough Erne Golf Resort
- Spend the afternoon with the city making the most of the array of traditional and international shops all within walking distance
- Tour the house and gardens of one of Northern Ireland’s well kept historical properties, such as Mount Stewart or Castle Ward