Belfast Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

10-night Wild Lands Of Scotland, The Faroe Islands And Iceland Cruise

Price: Please call for rates - # of Days: 10 days

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14-night British Isles Explorer Cruise

Price: $7,999 - # of Days: 14 days

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28-night Scandinavia & The British Isles Criuse

Price: $16,298 - # of Days: 28 days

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18-night Star Collector Cruise: Luck And Legends - Ireland And Scotland

Price: $7,566 - # of Days: 18 days

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10-night Circumnavigating Ireland Cruise

Price: $5,030 - # of Days: 10 days

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Overview

Introduction

The capital of Northern Ireland is an industrial city that was once synonymous with sectarian violence, but that has changed and Belfast has emerged as a growing cultural center. The city center is compact, and many areas are off-limits to automobiles, so it's a pleasant city to walk through. Belfast has charming architecture—as you walk, be sure to look up at the buildings, where you'll see ornate carvings ranging from faces to figurines.

Allow a minimum of three nights for visiting Belfast and the surrounding region.

History

Belfast has been a recognized city since 1888, although people have been settled in the area since at least the Bronze Age. When the northern part of Ireland was colonized by the English in the 17th century, in what has become known as the Plantation of Ulster, its population increased considerably because of the influx of Scottish and English Protestants. The Protestants attempted to take over the area and implement their own religion and language upon the Gaelic-speaking, predominantly Catholic region.

An antagonism based on the differences between the indigenous Gaels and what became a distinctive Ulster-Scottish culture led to open warfare during a period that became known as the Troubles. It erupted in the 1970s with the Provisional IRA on one side and the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defense Association on the other. Between 1969 and 2001, some 1,600 lives were lost in the struggle.

Although the odd violent death occasionally occurred after the Troubles were officially deemed over, there is no longer any threat. There remain cultural differences between the Catholics and Protestants, but tolerance is practiced.

Belfast was and still is a center of industry. In the past it was famous for the production of Irish linen, as well as for its shipbuilding, producing great liners such as the ill-fated Titanic in what was then the world's largest shipyard, Harland and Wolff. It also had the world's first aircraft manufacturing company, Shorts Brothers, which still operates in the city.

During the Troubles, the city suffered substantial damage. Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, it has been largely rebuilt. Property prices have rocketed, and the influx of tourists contributes in excess of £300 million to the economy yearly. It has been recognized as one of the best places to visit.

Potpourri

The ill-fated Titanic was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyards in Belfast. There is a memorial to the victims at City Hall.

Northern Ireland is about one-third the size of the Republic of Ireland.

Belfast is built over canals, and parts of the city are sinking. The Albert Clock Tower has a more drastic lean than the tower in Pisa, Italy.

Location

Most cruise ships, particularly the larger ones, dock at Stormont Wharf in Belfast Harbour, which is located 2 mi/3 km from the city center. The area around the port is not very interesting, and there are few services for cruise-ship passengers. Free shuttles run every 15 minutes between the port and City Hall, which is located in downtown Belfast beside the visitor information center.

Smaller cruise ships are sometimes able to dock at Pollock Dock, which is about a 5-10 minute drive to the city center. Ferries coming from England, Scotland and France also dock in this area.

Shore Excursions