Belfast Mixes Tradition with Family Based Entertainment

There have truly been difficult times over recent years for Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland,  which also prides itself on being home to the devolved government and the Northern Ireland Assembly. However, it has moved on quite dramatically since the times of “the troubles” and today is a top tourist attraction.

With a history traceable back to the Bronze Age, there was a time of castle building  in the twelfth century which suggests that there was a requirement for strong fortification. As with many important towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom, it was during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that industrialization created the basis of what we see today

The history of industrial Belfast is inseparably intertwined with the Harland and Wolff shipyards where at its peak the best part of 35,000 people were employed. As we have recently passed the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, it is a salutary reminder that this world famous ship was built in these shipyards.

Belfast at night

There have been times in the past when Belfast was a bigger conurbation than Dublin, and it was therefore no surprise when it was declared the capital in Northern Ireland in 1922.  As a city, it has become renown for the spirit and fortitude of its residents, no more so than during the Second World War, when like so many industrialized cities on mainland Britain, it suffered badly from German bombing. Fortunately for us modern tourists, many fine buildings escaped damage during these dangerous times.

Nowadays, despite a chequered recent history, Belfast is a city that exudes optimism along with a strong fighting spirit.

There is much to entertain you when you have a holiday break including one of the most beautiful buildings to be found in the British Isles, namely Stormont, the Parliament buildings. Picking up on the Titanic theme, one of the most impressive exhibitions and attractions in the country is the Titanic Centre that can be found in Queens Road. It is a top notch attraction that really portrays how the city was at the time that the ship was built.

The Pumphouse is an Interperative and Visitor Centre forming part of the old dockyards, and the Belfast City Hall is worth a visit.

Families are important too, so look out for the Exploris Aquarium at Portaferry, which with the seal sanctuary is the only such attraction in Northern Ireland. Also Belfast Zoological Gardens is in the north of the city, with its ninety collaborative breeding programmes, and many user friendly awards.

Let the kids get rid of some of their excess energy at the Dundonald International Ice Bowl at Dundonald. There is ten pin bowling, Xtreme sessions, and Indiana Land, not just for the Jones family! The rink itself is of Olympic proportions. Slow things down a little with a visit to the Grand Opera House, Clonard Monastry, the Botanic Gardens and the Belfast Castle Estate.

Top quality dining, buzzing night life, and typical Belfast pubs. What more could you want ?  Visit Belfast and come away with wonderful memories and an undying sense of optimism for the future.

http://www.gotobelfast.com/

http://www.titanicbelfast.com/

http://www.theicebowl.com/home.asp

http://www.exploris.org.uk/