BELFAST TITANIC BELFAST EXPERIENCE INFORMATION ENGLAND Sergi Reboredo access to Belfast
The Lagan Boat Company run two different tours, each travelling in different directions on the Lagan River. Tickets for both tours can be bought from the small kiosk near the Big Fish, by the Lagan Lookout and weir (see picture/map). The Titanic Tour operates from the jetty next to the Big Fish, by the Lagan Lookout and weir (see picture/map). The Lagan Tour operates from the jetty on the other side of the weir from the Big Fish (see picture/map). The tour operating depends on the day, as the tours operate on different days. The advertised days may change though, so check the board at the kiosk to find out which tour is operating. We went on the Titanic Tour, which was very interesting and informative. I learnt many things that I did not know about the Titanic and Belfast. The tour guide was friendly and had a great sense of humour. The Big Fish also called the Bigfish is a printed ceramic mosaic sculpture by John Kindness 10 metres long constructed in 1999 in Donegall Quay in Belfast, near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House. The Big Fish's image appears on Belfast and Northern Ireland related tourism material. The outer skin of the fish is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast. Material from Tudor times to present day newspaper headlines are included along with contributions from Belfast school children (including a soldier and an Ulster Fry). The Ulster Museum provided the primary source of historic images, while local schools/day centres located along the line of the River Farset were approached to provide drawings for the fish. Images were provided by Glenwood Primary School, St Comgalls and Everton Day Centres. The Big Fish also contains a time capsule storing information/images/poetry on the City. Titanic Boat Tours. The World's only provider of boat tours around Belfast Harbour where Titanic was designed, built and launched. We have over 10 years experience in providing guided tours with expert commentary around Belfast harbour. Enjoy a unique perspective of the changing face of Belfast's Historic harbour which built well over 10,000 ships in it's history. Explore all the sites in the Titanic Quarter on the Hop On Hop Off water taxi service. The World's only provider of boat tours around Belfast Harbour where Titanic was designed, built and launched. We have over 10 years experience in providing guided tours with expert commentary around Belfast harbour. Enjoy a unique perspective of the changing face of Belfast's Historic harbour which built well over 10,000 ships in it's history. Explore all the sites in the Titanic Quarter on the Hop On Hop Off water taxi service.
     
Belfast Sea Safari Trips. Jump aboard one of our boats and we will take you around Titanic Quarter in style as we get you right 'up close' to slipway No.3 were RMS Titanic first went afloat.  Travel at Titanic's maximum speed of 24 knots as we track the route Titanic took through Victoria Channel when she left Belfast for the last time. Our Titanic boat tours Belfast are guided by our specialist local guides to ensure you have a safe, informative and entertaining trip. Suitable for all ages and abilities 3 years to 103! All sizes of life jackets plus cosy outer jackets are provided.  Don't forget your camera! Want to know what to do in Belfast? Titanic boat tours has been voted in top 5 things to do in Belfast Titanic tour Belfast | Titanic boat tours Belfast | what to do in belfast| Belfast sightseeing tour | Titanic Belfast | things to do in Belfast | boat trips Northern Ireland | splash tours Belfast | days out belfast | duck tour belfast | lagan boat company Titanic Boat tours. The World's Only Titanic Boat Tour It's amazing how many visitors from abroad don't realise that the Titanic was actually built in Belfast! Because she bore the name of the port of Liverpool on her stern, people assume that this was where she was built. In fact, Liverpool was simply the home port of the White Star Line fleet of which Titanic was the ultimate flagship. Titanic was conceived, designed, built and launched in Belfast and... as they proudly say locally "She was alright when she left here®!!!" Scheduled, guided Titanic tours take in the historic Harland & Wolff shipyards and the famous Titanic sites around Belfast Harbour. Although many of the riverside Harland & Wolff sheds were demolished in early 2002 and those sites/sights are now gone, their demolition has actually provided a much better view of the Titanic slipways which were previously hidden by these same sheds.  The harbour area itself has always been a romantic and mysterious place, full of interesting sights, sounds and history, an exciting place which reeks of adventure and far off places! As a busy working port, most of it has been inaccessible to the public for many years unless you were employed in the shipping or shipbuilding industries, or were a passenger aboard an incoming or outgoing ferry or liner. This tour is a unique opportunity to experience all those exciting travel urges that seem to grip your senses in such a place! Titanic Bike "N" Boat Tour Time: 3.5 hours Price £25pp Includes Bike and Boat Tour, entrance to Thompson Pumphouse + Drydock Availability: Saturdays and Sundays at 10am TO BOOK Contact Belfast Bike Tours on +44 (0) 7592 208 716 www.belfastcitybiketours.com On the world's only Titanic Bike and Boat Tour go where other tours can't and celebrate the centenary of this iconic vessel in an eco friendly way! The Titanic Bike-n-Boat tour will take you to Belfast's most fascinating locations - by bike and boat! Starting from the Linen House Hostel in the Cathedral Quarter, enjoy a leisurely cycle through the buzzing heart of the city. This easy paced tour will take you to over 20 points of historic interest including Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, the Albert Clock, Custom House Square and the Big Fish sculpture. At the River Lagan you'll join the lagan Boat Company for the Titanic Boat Tour. An authentic perspective of the birthplace of Titanic, you'll see the many historical sites around Belfast Lough, Queen's Island and the Harland & Wolff shipyards where RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched. Returning to dry land, you will disembark with bikes and cycle back through the city, stopping at the Thompson Dock and Pumphouse and Samson and Goliath Cranes as well as other points of interest en route. The bikes used by Belfast City Bike Tours are extremely comfy and easy to pedal for people comfortable with cycling. Be prepared for all conditions - bring your wet weather gear and your sunglasses
     
Belfast is celebrating the centenary of the building, maiden voyage and fateful end of the great ship Titanic - the most famous ship in the world. This trip takes you to areas that other trips cannot get to! To get the real experience we will cycle through the Cathedral quarter the oldest and most vibrant part of Belfast, then onto the quays where we board with Lagan Boat Company and take a trip along the river to see exactly where Titanic was designed and built. Once at the far end of the Titanic quarter we take ourselves and the bikes off the boat and cycle past the Thompson dock and the drawing rooms taking in all the major Titanic attractions. Titanic Boat Tours. The Titanic boat tour is run by the Lagan Boat Company.  Scheduled guided Titanic tours take in the historic Harland & Wolff shipyards and the famous Titanic sites around Belfast Harbour. Although many of the riverside Harland & Wolff sheds were demolished in early 2002 and those sites/sights are now gone, their demolition has actually provided a much better view of the Titanic slipways which were previously hidden by these same sheds. Titanic Boat Tours. Scheduled, guided Titanic tours take in the historic Harland & Wolff shipyards and the famous Titanic sites around Belfast Harbour. Although many of the riverside Harland & Wolff sheds were demolished in early 2002 and those sites/sights are now gone, their demolition has actually provided a much better view of the Titanic slipways which were previously hidden by these same sheds. The harbour area itself has always been a romantic and mysterious place, full of interesting sights, sounds and history, an exciting place which reeks of adventure and far off places! As a busy working port, most of it has been inaccessible to the public for many years unless you were employed in the shipping or shipbuilding industries, or were a passenger aboard an incoming or outgoing ferry or liner. This tour is a unique opportunity to experience all those exciting travel urges that seem to grip your senses in such a place!
     
Thompson Graving Dock. Construction of the Thompson Graving Dock began in 1904 beside the pump-house that served the Alexandra Graving Dock. It was completed in time for the dry dock work on the RMS Olympic, which was completed and ready duty on 31st May 1911 – the same day that the hull of the Titanic was launched. The Thompson Graving Dock was, at the time of its construction, the largest dry dock in the world. The dock is 268m in length and 13.4m deep, but despite its scale the imagination still has to employed to envision the massive bulk of the Titanic towering out of it. At the seaward end of the dock is a massive set of gates that were closed behind the ship as it entered, before the water was pumped from the dock. The pumphouse had been upgraded to serve the new dock and was capable of draining the 105 million litres (23 million gallons) of water that it contained in just just 2 hours. The Thompson Graving Dock & Pumphouse are situated within (and owned and operated by) the Northern Ireland Science Park on the Queen’s Road, near the Oddysey. Access to the site seems to be best done by bike, on foot or by bus. Access by car is possible but the parking at the science park does not seem to be open to the public (if you know differently then leave a comment below!). The café and visitor centre in the pumphouse is open from 10am to 4pm daily and there are two tours of the pumphouse each day. More information and contact details for the visitor centre can be found at the Titanic Dock website. Thompson Graving Dock. The RMS Titanic, everyone has heard of it. The ship that the White Star Line said couldn’t sink, but which struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage and sank with the loss of more than 1500 lives. The hull of the Titanic was constructed next to its sister ship, the Olympic, in yard number 401 of the Harland & Wolff shipyards in Belfast and the massive Arrol Gantry supported the two ships as they grew upwards from their keels. The Titanic’s keel was laid down on 31st March 1909 and just over two years later it was launched – on 31st May 1911, it slid down Slipway number 3 to float for the first time. Despite the sheer scale of the gantry that supported the ship during the construction of the hull, there was still much work to be done to complete the ship and make it both seaworthy and suitable for carrying passengers – much of the superstructure such as the funnels, its engines and machinery and of course the luxurious furnishing and fixtures all needed to be fitted. Within an hour of its launch the Titanic was towed to the deepwater fitting wharf where much of this work was to be done, but some of the work required a dry dock – the Thompson Graving Dock had been constructed for just this purpose. After the fitting out process was completed the Titanic sailed for the first time under its own power on 2nd April 1912. Twelve days later it struck an iceberg. A guide shows the history of the Thompson Graving Dock. An iconic part of Northern Ireland's industrial history and the largest authentic Titanic landmark in the world is being given a new lease of life after receiving £1.5m to secure its preservation. The Thompson Graving Dock, which has divided the dry dock from the sea for over a century, has been falling into disrepair in recent years. Flooding is also a major threat which could result in the area being significantly damaged Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the significant investment on Thursday - the largest single investment ever by the DOE in support of a scheduled historic monument. Work has now begun to protect the 880ft long Thompson Graving Dock which is a key part of the historic infrastructure of the Belfast Shipyards, and is scheduled for protection under Article 3 of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. The work involves the creation of a permanent structure in the style of a gate outside the original dock gate. Currently under construction is a temporary coffer dam which will provide a dry working area around the original gate and Titanic slot. This will allow the construction of the permanent structure to safeguard the dock. The project is a joint venture by the DOE's Northern Ireland Environment Agency, which is funding the scheme, and the Northern Ireland Science Park, who are in charge of the dock's maintenance. Mr Attwood said: "The importance of the Thompson Graving Dock should be acknowledged; when it was completed in 1911 it was the largest dry dock in the world and without it the Titanic and its sister ships Olympic and Britannic, could not have been completed. "The dock is now over 100 years old and it is important that we take action to ensure its long term viability. The work will not only preserve the original dock gate but will also allow better public access to the dock and the working dock floor." Who would know better than the Titanic was built by the city? Let Belfast share what you know. A tour of the ship is out of our reach, but the Titanic Boat Tour, yes you browse the most representative of the Titanic in the city, including the shipyard, the stands and the port. A guided tour conducted by an engineer familiar Titanic which sank with his ship is another experience that will surely make you relive history as it was.
     
Belfast's most famous creation, Titanic, was commemorated in an extended annual festival from 31 March - 22 April 2012. The story of the Titanic is etched, hammered and carved into the city, and in 2012 Belfast commemorated and celebrated the simultaneously breathtaking and mournful history of its most famous maritime creation. Events included: films, exhibitions, commemoration events, talks and lectures, playd and sports. Titanic Memorial Garden. A memorial garden has been unveiled in Belfast to commemorate those who died when the Titanic sank 100 years ago. Wreaths were laid by Lord Mayor Niall O Donnghaile; by Jack Martin, great nephew of John Simpson and a third wreath by David McVeigh on behalf of shipbuilders Harland and Wolff. The garden, situated in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, features the only monument in the world to list the names of all those who died. Titanic Belfast extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre. 
     
A giant steel name plate marks the entrance to the Titanic Belfast Experience on March 27, 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Titanic Belfast Experience is a new £90 million visitor attraction opening on March 31, 2012. One hundred years ago the maiden voyage of the ill-fated passenger liner Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on the night of April 14, 1911 with the loss of 1517 lives. Belfast has been slow to tell the story of the Titanic from their point of view . It has taken almost a hundred years for the fate of the ' ship inhundible'pudiera be reconciled in the minds of the city that such pride construyó.Fue saw that from and yet , in less than two weeks leaving home , was over the bottom of the Atlantic. Although other cities related to a greater or lesser way - with the Titanic had managed to build tourist attractions, Belfast has been left behind , as if not sure what to do with the history.In a 2011 and 2012, the city has become scenario where you can celebrate the achievements of engineering that represents the Titanic and which tell the stories of those who built and traveled on it. A sculpture entitled 'Titancia' marks the entrance to the Titanic Belfast Experience on March 27, 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Titanic Belfast Experience is a new £90 million visitor attraction opening on March 31, 2012. One hundred years ago the maiden voyage of the ill-fated passenger liner Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on the night of April 14, 1911 with the loss of 1517 lives. The recently completed Titanic Belfast Experience building is prepared for opening on March 27, 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Titanic Belfast Experience is a new £90 million visitor attraction opening on March 31, 2012. One hundred years ago the maiden voyage of the ill-fated passenger liner Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on the night of April 14, 1911 with the loss of 1517 lives. Its creators describe Titanic Belfast® as a "must see" visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Already, tour operators are programming it in to their 2012 schedules. In November 2011 National Geographic identified Titanic Belfast as the main attraction for visitors to look forward to in 2012, after naming Belfast among the world's top 20 travel destinations for the year, describing it as 'a capital city of Titanic ambition that is redefining itself in the eyes of the world.' It is no accident that the time it will take to construct is a mirror of RMS Titanic’s build. Nor is it coincidental that the shape of architect, Eric Kuhne’s ultra-modern building resembles the hulls of four ships. The height and position of the building are also a nod to slipway number 2 where Titanic was constructed and the towering presence it exerted over Queen’s Island.
     
A sculpture entitled 'Titancia' marks the entrance to the Titanic Belfast Experience on March 27, 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Titanic Belfast Experience is a new £90 million visitor attraction opening on March 31, 2012. One hundred years ago the maiden voyage of the ill-fated passenger liner Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on the night of April 14, 1911 with the loss of 1517 lives. Titanic Belfast Experience. The building is clad in metal shards and when the light plays on them it looks like the movement of water. From above, the building resembles a white star, the symbol of Titanic’s operators. When finished, the visitor attraction will be surrounded by public realm, including reflecting pools and a trail which will take the visitor on a journey through Belfast’s industrial past. Housed in an iconic, 6-floor building, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic. The visitor begins in turn of the century Belfast, to learn why this city which was once the third largest in the Empire, was so industrialised. From there, the story of Titanic’s conception is told followed by its early construction, launch, fit out and tragic maiden voyage. The story is brought up to the present with the discovery of the wreck and into the future with live links to contemporary undersea exploration. Across ten galleries, with an equal number of interactive exhibits, Titanic Belfast will convey the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the shipyard The building is clad in metal shards and when the light plays on them it looks like the movement of water. From above, the building resembles a white star, the symbol of Titanic’s operators. When finished, the visitor attraction will be surrounded by public realm, including reflecting pools and a trail which will take the visitor on a journey through Belfast’s industrial past. Belfast has been slow to tell Titanic’s story from its point of view. It has taken nearly one hundred years for the fate of the “practically unsinkable” ship to be reconciled in the minds of the city which built her. She was sent out with such pride and yet less than two weeks after leaving her home, she was at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. While other cities around the world, some with strong Titanic connections and some with no connection at all, have built attractions, Belfast has lagged behind, almost uncertain of what to do with the story. In 2011 and 2012, the city is at a stage where it can celebrate the achievement of engineering which Titanic represents as well as telling some of the unknown stories of the men who built her and sailed on her. 016-CH0381: A giant steel name plate marks the entrance to the Titanic Belfast Experience on March 27, 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Titanic Belfast Experience is a new £90 million visitor attraction opening on March 31, 2012. One hundred years ago the maiden voyage of the ill-fated passenger liner Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on the night of April 14, 1911 with the loss of 1517 lives.
     
Ulster folk & transport museum. On display in the Transport galleries at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Holywood, Co Down. Discover more than 500 original artefacts, including RMS Titanic objects recovered from the icy Atlantic. See one of the original plans of the ship with last minute design changes as well as a porthole and a soup tureen from the seabed.  You can also see the trains and trams shipyard workers would have travelled on to the Harland and Wolff Shipyard and the more exclusive Minerva car - popular with first class passengers of the time. Ulster folk & transport museum. A living history experience in the outdoor Folk Museum, Holywood, Co Down. Titanic Exibition. Walk the historic streets and meet the people who built the ship and lived in her time.  Chat to the shipyard Riveter in his house, visit Baird's Print Shop to get your own Titanic launch ticket or dress up in costume of the time for a family photo with a difference.  An extra big bag of sweets will be needed from the old style Corner Shop before heading to the Picture House to enjoy Titanic related films. Ulster folk & transport museum. A living history experience in the outdoor Folk Museum, Holywood, Co Down. Titanic Exibition. Take a peek at one of Titanic’s actual portholes recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic. By looking at the way the sides of the frame are clipped vertically to fit properly, we know that this is likely a porthole from the Third Class section of the ship. The size and construction of the 9 different kinds of portholes on Titanic were strictly regulated by the Board of Trade to make sure everyone on board had plenty of light and air on their journey. Artefact on loan from RMS Titanic. Looking at this fascinating plan you will discover why the damage to Titanic’s hull led to the ship sinking. Bulkheads are steel walls in a ship that divided the hull into watertight compartments. Both Olympic and Titanic were built with fifteen bulkheads each but these did not reach the top of the hull. If more than two compartments flooded, water could flow over the top of one bulkhead and flood the next compartment.
     
Ulster folk & transport museum. Porthole recovered from the seabed of Titanic. As part of your Titanic visit to the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum you can experience life as it was in the time of Titanic by visiting the outdoor Folk Museum. TITANICa: The People’s Story. Step back in time and uncover life in Belfast from 100 years ago. Our innovative Titanic trail links the world-class Titanic exhibition in the Transport Museum to the outdoor Folk Museum recreating people’s daily routines, activities and stories in the age of Titanic. Stroll through Ballycultra Town and experience the adventure that takes you from the shipyard worker’s home, to the carpenters workshop, to Kelly’s Coal Yard at Belfast Lough. Visit the Post Office to buy souvenir telegrams or pop into the printers for a Titanic ticket and newspaper of the time. Watch Titanic movies in the Silent Cinema or dress up in period costume as you get your picture taken in the surroundings of Titanic. The World's Largest Titanic Visitor Attraction The total floor area of the main exhibition and suites is 11,000 sq.m (118,403 sq.ft) which excludes the underground car park of 500 spaces. The entire building is 14,000 sq.m (150,700 sq.ft). The external façade is clad in several thousand three-dimensional aluminium plates, creating an awe-inspiring visual appearance, which is further enhanced by reflective pools of water surrounding the base of the structure. The facades lean out at angles of up to 25 degrees, with complicated geometries that rely heavily on advanced computer aided analysis. The façade has been designed to have a crystalline or shard like appearance which has been created from three thousand different shaped panels each folded from silver anodized aluminium sheets into complicated asymmetrical geometries. Of the three thousand panels, two thousand are completely unique in form while none of the ‘typical’ panels repeat more than twenty times – creating a startlingly random effect, which always manages to catch the light, a bit like a cut diamond. From the central atrium, a series of glass escalators, each in excess of 20 metres long, stretch up through a jagged central void. At first floor height a wide bridge gives access to the start of the Titanic story. The proximity of the Titanic and Olympic Slipways, the Harland and Wolff drawing offices and Hamilton Graving Dock, where the SS Nomadic is now berthed, have all been central considerations during the design, planning and construction of the project. These heritage elements are more than just scheduled monuments and listed buildings – they represent a cornerstone of Belfast’s folk memory and identity. The Samson and Goliath gantry cranes have become city landmarks. Harland & Wolff is now a leading offshore fabrication and ship repair yard like the built of Titanic in 1912. Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries is a Northern Irish heavy industrial company, specialising in shipbuilding and offshore construction, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The shipyard has built many ships; among the more famous are the White Star trio Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, the Royal Navy's HMS Belfast, Royal Mail's Andes, Shaw Savill's Southern Cross and P&O's Canberra. The company's official history, "Shipbuilders to the World" was published in 1986. As of 2011, the expanding offshore wind power industry has taken centre stage and 75% of the company's work is based on offshore renewable energy. Faced with competitive pressures (especially as regards shipbuilding), Harland and Wolff sought to shift and broaden their portfolio, focusing less on shipbuilding and more on design and structural engineering, as well as ship repair, offshore construction projects and competing for other projects to do with metal engineering and construction. This led to Harland and Wolff constructing a series of bridges in Britain and also in the Republic of Ireland, such as the James Joyce Bridge and the restoration of Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge, building on the success of its first foray into the civil engineering sector with the construction of the Foyle Bridge in the 1980s. Harland and Wolff's last shipbuilding project (to date) was the MV Anvil Point, one of six near identical Point class sealift ships built for use by the Ministry of Defence. The ship, built under licence from German shipbuilders Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, was launched in 2003.
     
Robinson and Cleaver’s store from the Donegall Square. Robinson and Cleaver prided itself for being the most famous store in the world for Irish Linens. In 1921, it also advertised: We are making a Special Show of our New Season’s Models in all the latest shapes in Fur Coats, Wraps, Stoles and Collars in Skunk, Skunk Oppossum, Beaver, Beaver Coney and Real Moleskin. Animal Ties in White, Black, Grey, and Blue Foxes; also in Mongolian Fox and Blue Wolf. Only the most reliable quality of Furs are stocked. In 1962, Robinson and Cleaver participated in the Belfast Chamber of Trade’s ‘Buy Ulster’ week, running an exhibition of Ulster goods. Despite extensive renovations in 1963, Robinson and Cleaver closed down in 1984 and its famous staircase was auctioned. Two years later, Next and Principles opened their first shops in Northern Ireland in Cleaver House. The rest of the building was let out for office space. The exterior was cleaned and renovated, and it remains a striking and well loved Belfast landmark.  A woman lies on Donegall Square. Donegall Square is a square in the centre of Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. In the centre is Belfast City Hall, the headquarters of Belfast City Council. Each side of the square is named according to its geographical location, i.e. Donegall Square North, South, East and West. It is named after the Donegall family. Other streets to bear their name in Belfast are Donegall Road, Donegall Pass and Donegall Street. Donegall Place, the city's main shopping street, runs from the north side of the square. There’s a stop off at Bobby Sands’ mural on the side of Sinn Fein offices and the republican gift shop to hear about the hunger strike, and then down to the nearby International Wall that pictorially relates to “other civil wars” across the world. It’s obvious that across Belfast the murals are constantly being touched up and updated. Fascinating to see how every panel on the wall has been adapted to call for Marion Price’s freedom. The final stop on the political tour is the Crown Bar Robinson and Cleaver’s store opened at Castle Place in 1874, before moving to High Street a few years later. After another seven years, Robinson and Cleaver had established the largest postal trade in the city.    Young and MacKenzie built their new store at the corner of Donegall Place and Donegall Square North, making ‘dramatic use of its advantageous corner site’. Originally a linen warehouse, the building had six storeys, a clock tower, ogee copper domes, and a flock of Donatello cherubs carved by Harry Helms of Exeter. Also featured were the 50 stone heads of the firm’s supposed patrons, including Queen Victoria, the Emperor and Empress of Germany, Lady Dufferin, and General Washington, plus symbolic references to distant marketplaces. The Victorian building was finished in 1888. The high-class store was very choosy in the selection of its staff. Staff knew their clientele, and stressed personal service, with customers regularly notified of new items. Known as ‘the old lady,’ the store was noted for its attractive window displays and outstanding seasonal decorations. It also contained a magnificent marble staircase. 
     
The Albert Memorial Clock is a tall clock tower situated at Queen's Square in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was completed in 1869 and is one of the best known landmarks of Belfast. In 1865 a competition for the design of a memorial to Queen Victoria's late Prince Consort, Prince Albert, was won by W. J. Barre, who had earlier designed Belfast's Ulster Hall. Initially Barre was not awarded his prize and the contract was secretly given to Lanyon, Lynn, and Lanyon, who had come second. Following public outcry the contract was eventually awarded to Barre. The construction cost of £2,500 (2011: £181,000) was raised by public subscription. The sandstone memorial was constructed between 1865 and 1869 by Fitzpatrick Brothers builders and stands 113 feet tall in a mix of French and Italian Gothic styles. The base of the tower features flying buttresses with heraldic lions. A statue of the Prince in the robes of a Knight of the Garter stands on the western side of the tower and was sculpted by SF Lynn. A two tonne bell is housed in the tower and the clock was made by Francis Moore of High Street, Belfast. As a result of being built on wooden piles on marshy, reclaimed land around the River Farset, the top of the tower leans four feet off the perpendicular. Due to this movement, some ornamental work on the belfry was removed in 1924 along with a stone canopy over the statue of the Prince. Being situated close to the docks, the tower was once infamous for being frequented by prostitutes plying their trade with visiting sailors. However, in recent years regeneration has turned the surrounding Queen's Square and Custom's House Square into attractive, modern public spaces with trees, fountains and sculptures. In 1947, the film Odd Man Out was filmed partly in Belfast, with the Albert Clock as a central location, although neither the town nor the clock is explicitly identified. The clock was damaged in a Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb explosion outside nearby River House in High Street on 6 January 1992. The Titanic Memorial in Belfast was erected to commemorate the lives lost in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on 15 April 1912. It was funded by contributions from the public, shipyard workers and victims' families, and was dedicated in June 1920. It is located on Donegall Square in central Belfast in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. The memorial presents an allegorical representation of the disaster in the form of a female personification of Death or Fate holding a laurel wreath over the head of a drowned sailor raised above the waves by a pair of mermaids. It has been used as the site of annual commemorations of the Titanic disaster. For a while it was obscured by the Belfast Wheel that was removed in April 2010. It is now the centrepiece of a small Titanic memorial garden that was opened on 15 April 2012, the centenary of the disaster. Together with the garden, it is the only memorial in the world to commemorate all of the victims of the Titanic, passengers and crew alike. Statue Of Edward Carson In Front Of The Parliament Buildings, Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Parliament Buildings, known as Stormont because of its location in the Stormont area of Belfast is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Northern Ireland Executive. It previously housed the old Parliament of Northern Ireland. The building was used for the Parliament of Northern Ireland until it was prorogued in 1972. The Senate chamber was used by the Royal Air Force as an operations room during World War II. The building was used for the short-lived Sunningdale power-sharing executive in 1974. Between 1973 and 1998 it served as the headquarters of the Northern Ireland civil service. Between 1982 and 1986 it served as the seat of the rolling-devolution assembly. It is now the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly. In the 1990s, Sinn Féin suggested that a new parliament building for Northern Ireland should be erected, saying that the building at Stormont was too controversial and too associated with unionist rule to be used by a power-sharing assembly. However, no-one else supported the demand and the new assembly and executive was installed there as its permanent home. On 3 December 2005, the Great Hall was used for the funeral service of former Northern Ireland and Manchester United footballer George Best. The building was selected for the funeral as it is in the only grounds in Belfast suitable to accommodate the large number of members of the public who wished to attend the funeral. Approximately 25,000 people gathered in the grounds, with thousands more lining the cortege route. It was the first time since World War II that the building has been used for a non-governmental or non-political purpose. In springtime in 2006 however the building was reopened for political talks between the MLA's from the various political parties in Northern Ireland.
     
This taxi tour will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a journey around the city's most famous buildings, and around the hot spots that have made Belfast one of Europe's most popular cities. See the murals which reflect Belfast's sectarian divisions, and the peace line: Belfast's own version of the Berlin Wall. These images don't normally feature in the tourist brochures but still hold a macabre fascination for visitors. The Black Taxi Tours also visits chapels, the courts, Crumlin Road Jail and the shipyard where the Titanic was built. Shops around the Donegall Square. On the square are many banks or building society branches, including HSBC, Nationwide, Irish Nationwide, Santander, Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Co-operative Bank, First Trust Bank, Bank of Ireland, Northern Bank and Ulster Bank. Many of the above have their Northern Ireland headquarters on the square. The Northern Bank robbery occurred at the bank's headquarters on Donegall Square. In addition, it is the home to many leading Law Firms including; Millar McCall & Wylie, Sullivans, Rice & Company, McGriggors LLP, and Ferguson Solicitors. Notable buildings on the square include the Linen Hall Library and the Scottish Provident Building, now a five-star serviced office business centre. The Ten Square Hotel on Donegall Square South was originally a Victorian linen warehouse. Its exterior features carved portholes, with the faces of George Washington, Isaac Newton, Michelangelo and William Shakespeare protruding. Bittle’s Bar or Belfast's Flatiron. This building was built in 1826, 77 years before the Flatiron in NY. This flatiron-shaped building on an odd corner lot caught my eye as I walked along the east side of the City Centre. Unfortunately, it sits on the far edge of the pedestrianized area of the town center and along a multi-lane street and underground parking exit, which limits activity around it. I think the turret-like end, coned roof, and cream city brick arches above the windows give the building a lot of character. Bittle's is a 19th-century triangular red-brick building decorated with gilded shamrocks. The wedge-shaped interior is covered in paintings of Ireland's literary heroes by local artist Joe O'Kane. Pride of place on the back wall is a large canvas depicting Yeats, Joyce, Behan and Beckett at the bar with glasses of Guinness, and Wilde pulling the pints on the other side.
     
The Spirit of Belfast is a public art sculpture by Dan George in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The sculture was unveiled on 25 September 2009 after a series of delays and is located on Arthur Square, close to the main point of access to Victoria Square. The sculpture is constructed of steel and cost £200,000. As with other public works of art in Northern Ireland the sculpture has been given a nickname, the "Onion Rings". The coloured lighting is designed to reflect the texture and lightness of linen, while the metal reflects the strength and beauty of shipbuilding, two important aspects of Belfast's history. Spirit of Belfast is part of a £16m Belfast: Streets Ahead streetscape improvement project which aims to improve the city centre.[6] Spirit of Belfast completes the refurbishment of Arthur Square. The sculpture was scheduled to be in place by June 2008. However after several delays it was not put in place until September 2009. A juggler tries to pass under the fire in Arthur Square. Arthur Square is also known as Cornmarket (It was previously known as The Shambles). This area in the heart of Belfast has been linked to commerce since at least 1604. Sir Arthur Chichester, the Lord Deputy of Ireland in that year, received a grant of this town, which along with the Manor and Castle included permission to hold fairs and Markets. Arthur wasted no time in developing the small settlement into a profitable centre of commerce. The first Belfast Fair was held on 1st August 1604. By encouraged traders and craftsmen to move here with their families, the area developed, and regular markets were held. A Market House was built at the corner of Cornmarket and High Street (it was demolished in 1811, having stood for 200 years). This is also known in local history as the place where, on 17th July 1798, Henry Joy Mc Cracken was tried and found guilty of treason. He was hung in this square the same day. Boys and girls meet in Arthur Square. The centre piece of the square is the steel sculpture 'Spirit of Belfast' This was the peoples choice, in a poll that was narrowed down to 3 choices. Its alternative name (Most Irish statues and monuments seem to have a nick-name!) is Onion Rings. It was created from steel by Dan George, a New York artist, and eventually unveiled on 25th September 2009 -So less than 2 weeks before my visit! The metal is intended to represent the strength and beauty of shipbuilding* while the coloured lights represent the texture and lightness of linen* The sculpture cost £180,000. Apparently public opinion is divided on its installation- many prefer the old bandstand that sat here, where school choirs, the Salvation Army etc performed. The square also attracted protest groups, 'The End is Nigh' soothsayers, and anyone who had something to share! Giving some local colour and character.
     
Victoria Square is a commercial, residential and leisure development in Belfast, Northern Ireland developed and built by Multi Development UK over 6 years. At approx 800,000ft² (75,000m²) and costing £400m it is the biggest and one of the most expensive property developments ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. It opened on 6 March 2008. Its anchor tenant at nearly 200,000ft² (18,581m²) is the largest House of Fraser that the retailer has opened in the UK. Victoria Square Shopping Centre. The dazzling glass dome is also a viewing gallery where you can look across the Belfast rooftops and over at the Belfast Wheel. The quaint, Victorian Jaffe Fountain is a centrepiece at the front door, returned to the same spot where it stood in 1870. Inside Victoria Square, there are two floor levels, with ninety eight shops, Odeon 8 screen cinema and a dozen eateries. With Northern Ireland’s first House of Fraser store, here you will also find the first Northern Ireland openings for prestigious brands Hollister, Pumpkin Patch, All Saints, Firetrap and Hardy Amies. Victoria Square is open seven days a week, with late night shopping until 7pm on Monday-Tuesday and until 9pm Wednesday-Friday. Disabled Facilities: Thanks to the next satellite of Shopmobility Belfast at the Victoria Square, motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs are on hand, free off charge to the customers with mobility difficulties.  The service is available form Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pm.  The Shopmobility Unit is located at the level B2 beside the lift. Victoria Square Shopping Centre. In employment terms, over 3,000 people were involved in the construction phase of Victoria Square, with a further 3,000 people gaining employment in the scheme through jobs in retail, security and the service industries. Environmentally, a large section of the roof has been covered in Sedum in a direct attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of Victoria Square. This material soaks up rainwater allowing it to evaporate naturally over time rather than overload draining systems. Victoria Square is the largest ever retail-led regeneration scheme to open in Northern Ireland, covering 1.8 hectares. Multi Development UK was appointed Department for Social Development’s development partner in 2000. The scheme was granted outline-planning approval in 2002. Multi Corporation sold Victoria Square to Commerz Real in 2004. Today Victoria Square is valued at over £400m. Construction commenced in April 2004 and lasted 46 months to completion and were overseen by local joint venture contractors Farrans and Gilbert Ash. Sedum roof installed by BBS Green Roofing.
     
Victoria Square Shopping Centre. Belfast’s number one shopping destination, anchored by House of Fraser department store. Fantastic shops are split over four levels (including 2 levels of food operators) with covered, pedestrianised streets and topped by an iconic dome, with panoramic views across the city, the river Lagan and even to the Mournes beyond. Also housed within the centre is Odeon Belfast. Victoria Square Shopping Centre. A key element in the development is two covered, multi-level streets linked to the massive glass dome measuring 35 m in diameter. A public square covered entirely by the glass dome serves as the hub of the entire area. The ornate Jaffe Fountain, constructed in the 1870s by former Lord Mayor Otto Jaffe in memory of his father, has been restored to its original location in Victoria Square. Victoria Square is a neighbourhood consisting of 17 contextual different buildings. Pedestrian links to nearby business, nightlife and shopping streets on Laganside, Donegall Place, Royal Avenue and Ann Street. Victoria Square includes a wide variety of shops for males, females and children as well as a wonderful 80ft viewing area. Victoria Square was developed by Multi Development UK Ltd in cooperation with T+T Design. The Architects are Building Design Partnership and T+T Design, the in house architects of Multi Corporation. Victoria Square is home to over 50 stores, cafes and restaurants including House of Fraser, Topshop, Cruise, Reiss and H&M. It forms one of the most luxurious shopping destinations in the UK.
     
Victoria Square Shopping Centre. Belfast's city centre retail experience has received a major shot of glamour with the opening of this shiny new shopping centre. The landmark building spans a substantial strip of Chichester Street, has several pedestrian access points and boasts a House of Fraser signature store and big glass dome with viewing gallery. Over 90 more shops - including Apple, Urban Outfitters, Top Shop and Build-A-Bear - an 8-screen Odeon cinema, restaurants, cafes, bars, salon and basement parking complete your wallet-emptying expedition. A showcase of one of the shops in the center of Belfast. The city centre also has some exclusive gems hidden away from the hustle and bustle; Liberty Blue, just off High Street, is fashion heaven with a refreshing mix of gorgeous dresses which hang from the ceiling. The Fisherwick area plays host to some of the most exclusive designers including style emporium Carter, which keeps the city’s chic girls and hip guys in their cool threads. You will also find Rio/Brazil, Replay, Hilfiger, Miss Sixty and Ltd, a Diesel-lover’s magnet. Out of town, the Lisburn Road is Belfast’s ‘style mile’ with unique boutiques and designer meccas for chic BT9 residents and tourists alike. The shopping strip is also home to cool spas, cafés, galleries, restaurants and even a new fromagerie and chocolate specialists to boot. Guys are spoilt for choice too with grooming parlours or Hugo Thomas bespoke suit services. Likewise in the east of the city, Bloomfield Avenue is full of cool boutiques with a mix of cafés and beauty salons to complement the mix for an indulgent day out. A showcase of one of the shops in the center of Belfast. For unique or designer homeware and the very best of local craft try Utopia, Equinox, The Wicker Man, The Steensons or any one of a plethora of city art galleries. Finally, for some home-grown design talent, look no further than multi-award-winning designer Una Rodden, whose Arthur Street boutique attracts celebrities from far and wide including Mischa Barton and Ruby Wax. Accessories designer Catherine B makes sought-after jewellery pieces which are often seen on the most fastidious fashionistas while perfect dresses are the aim of Mary Rose McGrath, whose experience with Matthew Williamson and Bella Freud have led her back to Belfast and to Hollywood USA where she’s designing a new dress for the red carpet. Lastly, Anita Flavin, local shoe designer to Christine Bleakley, Shirley McLaine and Zöe Salmon among others, has picked up a loyal list of fans from right across the globe.
     
St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. It was built between 1890 and 1896 and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national titles and awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere. It holds a weekly Friday Variety Market as well as the City Food and Craft Market on Saturdays. It also hosts a range of events throughout the year. St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. St George's Market is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is located on May Street, close to the River Lagan and the Waterfront Hall. Belfast Corporation (now Belfast City Council) commissioned the building of St George’s Market, which was built in three phases between 1890 and 1896. Before 1890 St George's Market was an open market and most likely contained a slaughterhouse and a meat market. The original (pre 1890) market was smaller than the new structure. The city surveyor (responsible for the new Albert Bridge following its collapse in the 1880s) JC Bretland designed the building. It was built in red brick with sandstone dressing. Externally it features Roman styled arches with Latin and Irish inscriptions - the City’s Latin motto "Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus", meaning "what shall we give in return for so much?" and the Irish phrase "Lámh Dearg na hÉireann", "Red Hand of Ireland". The main entrance arch displays the Belfast Coat of Arms. This newly covered market opened to the public on 20 June 1890. A couple kissing in front of “El Toro Grill” Restaurant in St George’s Market. The Markets area of Belfast used to have many different markets, including a pig market and a potato market. St Georges still has it's traditional fish, fruit and veg market every Friday (along with an assortment of other household items) and every Saturday there is a Farmer's Market. At the Farmer's Market you can buy locally grown produce, including ostrich and venison, and homebaked goods. There are also plants for sale. In the run up to Christmas, there are several Craft Fairs. Each year these fairs get better and better and are an excellent outlet for buying local and Irish made products for gifts or special treats for yourself. There are people demonstrating their crafts such as ironmongers and woodworkers. There are also beautiful knits and hand sewn items. Admission is sometimes free and sometimes GBP2 which includes a cup of tea. There is even a kiddies table so the youngsters can be occupied. I am always impressed with the quality of the crafts that are on offer.
     
TGI Friday’s Belfast, one of the restaurants in Victoria Square Shopping Centre. Candy-striped décor garnished with an eye-catching collection of pop culture and sporting memorabilia greets diners at this super-sized Victoria Square restaurant. Sizzling steaks, bounteous burgers, flabbergasting fajitas and sensational salads all grace its mammoth menu... and those US-sized portions are large enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite. Speaking of which - the cornucopia of cocktails with 500 (yes, 500!)  intoxicating concoctions should really get the party started. Fabulous for a family treat and perfect for a pals night on the town. Find it on a prominent corner position on Level 2. Hairdressing specialized in Turkish shave and hair cuts in the center of Belfast. Bill Harris is another Hairdressing, and is a leading Belfast hair salon with a highly skilled team, delivering excellent customer service and fashion forward hair styling. Bill Harris Hairdressing can be found on 52 Hill Street in the heart of Belfast’s stylish Cathedral Quarter just across the street from Nicks Warehouse and The Duke of York. Headed by Bill Harris, a professional stylist in Belfast hairdressing with 40 years experience in the hairdressing industry, the salon is a haven for those looking for bespoke tailor made quality hairstyles to suit the individual. Bill still has the same passion and enthusiasm for hairdressing as ever which has kept him at the top of the game through his career. From the first unisex salon opened in Northern Ireland, Mac's, in 1972, Bill has been a part of the industry. He has since gone on to achieve work from Wella, TIGI, Toni and Guy and Expert Hair, providing educational seminars and fashion shows for these top companies. A child with painted face in St George’s Market. There has been a Friday market on the St. George’s site since 1604. The present St. George’s Market, built 1890-1896, is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. As well as being home to some of the finest fresh produce, with customers travelling near and far to sample the delights of Friday and Saturday markets, it has become one of the City's most popular places to visit. Since its £4.5m refurbishment in 1997, this charming Victorian building offers one of the most vibrant and colourful destinations that Belfast has to offer. St. George’s Market has just been voted one of the top 5 UK markets in 2006 by the National Association of British Market Authorities.   The Friday Variety Market opens at 6.00am until 1.00pm. This is a hugely vibrant retail experience of 248 market stalls selling diverse wares from Atlantic Shark to zips, antiques to fresh fruit. The fish section alone contains 23 fish stalls and holds the reputation for being the leading retail fish market in Ireland. It is this eclectic mix that attracts thousands of people along each week to probably the best market in Northern Ireland. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement as you barter with the friendly local stall holders for a bargain. The City Food & Garden Market takes place in St George’s every Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Enjoy the best food tastes and smells brought by local producers, including beef from Armagh, award winning Irish Farmhouse Cheeses, free range eggs from Limavady, venison, pheasant in season and local organic vegetables from Culdrum Farm and Millbrook Farm.
     
Pandora, one of the shops in Victoria Shopping Centre. Pandora Jewellers. Victoria Square Entrance, 11 William Street South, Town Centre, Belfast, BT1 4AR. Pandora stock a wide range of jewellery, from earrings to necklaces, and with a selection of charms and 'love pods' that can be customised. Features: Bracelets & Bangles, Earrings, Necklaces & Pendants, Rings. Nearest transport: Stranraer Harbour Reflections in a window of one of the shops in the center of Belfast. With award-winning designers, an array of shops to rival any European city and world class events such as FASHIONWEEK, Fall for Fashion or the Merchant Hotel’s decadent Fashion Teas, Belfast is a shopper’s paradise. Our compact city means that most shopping areas are within walking distance and for serious shoppers or those on a prescription of retail therapy, that means a lot! So whether it’s high street or budget shopping, designer or couture, the city offers a wealth of choice for every taste and pocket. Leading in the style stakes is Donegall Place with a score of high street stores including Karen Millen and Zara and further down Royal Avenue CastleCourt hosts Warehouse, Gap, and Debenhams to name a few. Victoria Square, Belfast’s newest and most exciting shopping haven, brought a flurry of firsts to Belfast, including Apple, House of Fraser, CRUISE and Build-a-Bear and continues to surprise with previously unavailable brands and stores.. Reflections in a window of one of the shops in the center of Belfast. All the usual department stores and high-end chains are located on High Street and Royal Avenue, and the smaller streets connecting them. This area is mostly for pedestrians. The Castlecourt Shopping Centre is located on Royal Avenue and is Northern Ireland’s largest shopping mall, with more than 70 different shops. The Lisburn Road shopping centre houses trendy designer boutiques. For more individual, arty shops, explore the Cathedral Quarter, as well as Bedford Street, Dublin Road and Donegall Pass (the latter and interesting mix of biker shops and antique markets) where you will find interesting design stores, antiques, gift shops and many other small Belfast outlets. For arts and crafts, visit the Wicker Man in the Donegall Arcade. At the Workshops Collective (1a Lawrence Street), you can pick up paintings, sculpture, furniture and crafts directly from the artist. Saint George’s Market, access via Oxford Street, is the last surviving covered Victorian market in Belfast and has been newly restored, giving it a new lease of life. On Fridays the food market runs from 07.00-15.00 and sells fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish, as well as some miscellaneous items.
     
Reflections in a window of one of the cafes in the center of Belfast.- Eating out is one of the great pleasures in life. It’s also one of the joys of travel. There’s nothing like a new city, new restaurants and new culinary experiences. For a city the size of Belfast the choice of places to eat is surprising. We offer everything from fine dining, brasseries and bistros to gastro pubs, cafes, coffee shops and some of the best fish & chips around. Reflections in a window of one of the shops in the center of Belfast. Belfast's city centre provides a healthy mix of high street names and one-off outlets. The main shopping areas are Donegall Place and Royal Avenue facing the City Hall, Cornmarket off Royal Avenue and, heading south, the Lisburn Road. Donegall Place, Royal Avenue and Cornmarket are the main streets for familiar names including Marks & Spencer, Boots, Next and WH Smith. Cornmarket and its radial streets have a selection of well-known brands (River Island, French Connection, Habitat:) and low-budget options, especially along Ann Street. Belfast city centre's biggest shopping mall is CastleCourt on Royal Avenue. If you want to explore smaller city centre outlets and craft shops, check out Donegall Arcade, Spires Mall, the Foutain Centre and the Dublin Road. Queen's Arcade houses several fine jewellery shops. Botanic Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter are worth browsing for student-style clothes and accessories. Lisburn Road, also known as Belfast's Bond Street or the Diamond Mile, is where the city's jet set swipe their plastic. It has a great range of designer boutiques, interiors showrooms, art galleries and speciality shops. California Coffee is is one of the numerous restaurants which included a Titanic menú. “Last week, every other customer here was American,” said Ronan Byrne, the owner of California Coffee, a downtown Belfast restaurant. “We’re offering a Titanic menu now and I’m confident we’ll see a lot more tourists than we did last year.” Initial visitor reactions to the center, which charges a 13.50 pounds ($21.50) admission fee, have been mixed. Some were taken aback by the merchandise on sale at the center. “I don’t like how they are cashing in on the disaster by selling memorabilia in the shop,” said John Engels, visiting from the Netherlands. “That makes me uncomfortable. It was a disaster: I’m not sure it’s right to sell key rings about it.”
     
A child with painted face in St George’s Market. In addition to these local delicacies, there is also a fusion of tempting continental and speciality foods from around the world. Included are such delights as wild boar, cured meats, venison, Spanish tapas, Caribbean foods, Mexican and Slavonic foods, continental coffees and teas, Italian olive oils with traditional French Crepes and extraordinary French pastries to mention just a few. Added to this plethora of tempting foods the Saturday market also encompasses flower stalls ensuring this Saturday market is a kaleidoscope of colour.  St. Georges City Food & Garden Market is more than just a shopping experience. Customers can sample the produce, relax with a coffee and a newspaper against a backdrop of live jazz or flamenco music. This market is a real Saturday treat and a great outing for all the family. In a survey published by The Guardian newspaper's travel section in January 2010, St. George's Market came sixth in the UK ‘top ten’.** Transport A free market bus runs every 20 minutes between the City Centre (outside Boots the Chemist, Donegall Place or HMV, Castle Place) and the market. Bus departs 8.00am on Friday and every 20 minutes thereafter. Bus departs 9.00am on Saturday and every 20 minutes thereafter. Nearest customer parking at Hilton car park opposite the market. For more information on trading at St Georges market or hiring St Georges Market please visit http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket/index.asp  Ulster folk & transport museum. Ballycultra town Buildings. Ballycultra town has houses, shops, churches, a bank and a school set in 1900's Ireland. Explore the town area and be transported back in time with visitor guides dressed in 1900's costume to guide your way. One of the single storied houses in this small terrace from the village of Ballinderry, County Antrim, was, for a time, used as a blacksmith's forge. The urban blacksmith was not very different from his rural counterpart. Work with horses still accounted for a major part of his business. As the rail network developed during the 19th century, the number of horses in use increased rather than declined. This was because the increased business generated by the railways needed horses to move goods to and from the stations. Traders also needed horses to deliver goods from their premises. As well as working with horses, the blacksmith would have made all manner of agricultural and domestic wrought iron items for local use. The house side of the Ballinderry Forge is furnished to represent a bachelor blacksmith’s house of the early 1900s. Original location: Ballinderry, County Antrim Ulster folk & transport museum. Ballycultra town Buildings. Ballycultra Tearoom. Teas Coffee Luncheons. These four houses were built in 1870s as the town of Dromore expanded. In 1903, the larger house at the end of the terrace, with two ground floor rooms, was occupied by a cobbler, Joseph Robert Magill. His shoe repair business was carried out in the front room and Robert, his wife and their six children occupied the back room and the bedrooms above.  The enterprising Mr Magill acquired the house next door in 1913 and established a small bicycle repair business. The houses were originally part of a larger terrace on the street which led to Dromore’s Presbyterian meeting-house, or church. The other houses in the terrace are smaller, with a single ground floor room and one bedroom upstairs and their room layout is reminiscent of traditional houses in the surrounding countryside.  Although the houses were small, the occupants between 1901and 1911 were all single families, each of either four or five people. Many of the street’s inhabitants worked in local linen mills. The carpenter's workshop at the end of the terrace is typical of the local craft businesses which catered for the needs of a small town. Original location: Meeting Street, Dromore, County Down
     
Ulster folk & transport museum. Ballycultra town Buildings. Church of Ireland At the time Kilmore Church was built in 1790, the Church of Ireland was still the Established Church in Ireland, and was supported by tithes. This 10 per cent payment of the annual produce of land or labour was made to the church by the entire population, whether they belonged to it or not. This small Anglican (Protestant Episcopalian) church was built to accommodate 160 people, although parish records show the usual attendance was about 100 worshippers. An argument raged throughout the Anglican Communion in the 1840s and 1850s over the nature of worship and the use of rituals introduced by the Anglo-Catholic movement. To heal this rift in the parish, the new rector who was appointed in 1868, built a new church nearby and this building served as a parish hall, a school and a store. In the 1880s it became common for Anglican churches to replace their box pews with rows of open pews. When Kilmore Church was being moved to the Museum, the layout of the original box pews was clearly visible on the floor and it was decided to reinstate the original 18th century interior. Original location: Kilmore, Crossgar, County Down Ulster folk & transport museum. Ballycultra town Buildings. Picture House. In the days long before photocopiers and digital printers, many Ulster towns had a jobbing printer.  Their job was to cater for the printing requirements of local institutions, businesses, politicians, clergy and local government. They printed everything from billheads, dockets and labels for businesses to leaflets and posters for churches and social organisations.  In larger towns, where the volume of printed material was greater, jobbing printers provided printed information notices for the police, and in some towns a weekly newspaper provided regular work for the printer. By the end of the 19th century, printers were also supplying considerable amounts of advertising material for the railways, such as notices of special excursions and timetables (get close by clicking on the images). In an age before radio and television, newspapers provided the only source of news and up-to-date information. So part of the upper floor of the museum print shop is laid out as a Newspaper Reading Room, once a common feature of Ulster towns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By paying an annual subscription, people had access to the main London, Dublin, Belfast and local newspapers. Ulster folk & transport museum. Ballycultra town Buildings. McCusker's Pub. Believe it or not, it is only in recent years that that the consumption of alcohol has become socially acceptable. In the 19th century, there was a degree of shame associated with being seen entering or leaving a public house, such as McCusker’s Pub. Yet ironically, the public house was a centre of social life in many Irish towns. In spite of various temperance movements of the 19th century, the great religious revival of 1859 amongProtestant denominations, the Catholic religious revival of the 1880s and 1890s and the founding of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association in 1901, many public houses continued to trade and to make a living. For many folk, the pub offered a welcome, if temporary, escape from the grind of daily life. It meant relief from long hours working in arduous and often dangerous conditions, or the terrible overcrowding in some inner-city areas and the generally miserable living conditions of working people. Spirits, especially gin and whiskey, were consumed in large quantities. Periodically great concern was expressed at the high level of consump tion by the working classes. Of course, the middle and uppe r classes were by no means teetotal - they could drink in comfort in their clubs or at home, although the quantities they consu med tended to be much smaller. Replica, location of original: Upper Irish Street, Armagh, County Armagh.
     
Titanic Wall Mural, Dee Street, Belfast This wall mural is on the corner of Netwownards Road and Dee Street. Dee Street led into the Harland and Wolff shipyard where RMS Titanic (and many other ships) were built - many of the shipyard workers who lived in this area would have walked up and down Dee Street on their way to and from work. The writing bottom right reads; 'This mural is respectfully dedicated to the men, women and children who lost their lives in the waters of the North Atlantic on the night of April 14th 1912: to those who survived - whose lives from that night on were forever altered and to those who built the Titanic "we forget them not" ' The writing botton laft (below the White Star flag) writes; RMS Titanic Her name is publicly announced April 1908. Designation begins on March 1909 On May 31st 1911, the Titanic was launched here in Belfast April 10th 1912 She left Southampton for New York April 14th 1912 Disaster struck in the North Atlantic ocean, 1523 people lost their lives in the disaster, 705 passengers and crew survived.' Belfast Black Taxi tours. You have reached the World Famous Black Taxi Tours of Belfast. Being the Official Black Taxi Tours gives you the confidence that your tour of our city will be fun, friendly, educational, value-for-money and unpredictable! Our local guides will tailor your tour, giving you the option of where you would like to visit most and of course will supply commentary featuring local stories and wit. Start your tour in the City Centre, then move through the Shipyards and see where HMS Titanic was built and launched from. See the political districts which have bore the brunt of conflict over the last thirty years before seeing the elegant University Quarter and Museum district. Finish your trip with a big bowl of Irish Stew and the ubiquitous pint of Guinness to wash it all down. We are also happy to arrange tours to the North Antrim Coast were you can explore the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge and Bushmills Distillery. Just contact us for further details. HMS "Belfast" mural, Belfast. A mural, at the Newtownards Road end of Tower Street, commemorating the building HMS “Belfast” Link by Harland & Wolff. Loyalist mural of HMS Belfast. Seen in East Belfast. HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast shows you what it was like to live and work on board a warship. Explore nine decks of amazing seafaring history where sailors once hurried up and down the ladders, and hear their battle stories from the Second World War and beyond - the convoys in icy Arctic conditions, the bombardment of German defences on D-Day and the 404 days spent patrolling waters during the Korean War. The Gun Turret Experience immerses you in the midst of a battle during the Second World War while the interactive Operations Room puts you in the Captain's shoes as you control a fleet of ships off North Borneo. You can also find out what it was like to live as part of a ship's community, eating, sleeping and socialising together in cramped messdecks. Down in the bowels of the ship, imagine what it was like to work among the noise and ferocity of the inner workings of the ship.
     
East Belfast Brigade. One of the loyalist murals at the bottom of the Newtownards Road in East Belfast, Northern Ireland. U.F.F. Mural, East Belfast "For as long as one hundred of us remain alive we shall never in anyway consent to submit to the Irish for its not for glory, honor or riches we fight but for freedom alone which no man loses but with his life. U.D.A./U.F.F." Sandy Row is a Protestant working-class community in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. It has a population of about 3,000.[citation needed] It is a staunchly loyalist area of Belfast, being a traditional heartland for affiliation with the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Orange Order. Sandy Row is situated in south Belfast, beginning at the edge of the city centre, close to the Europa Hotel. The road runs south from the Boyne Bridge (formerly the Saltwater Bridge) over the old Dublin railway line into Great Victoria Street station, then crosses the Donegall Road and on to the bottom of the Lisburn Road. At one end of the road was the famous Murray's tobacco factory, which first opened in 1810, while at the other is a large Orange hall. We Demand POW Status Now. "Forced to endure years of brutality, humiliatioon, degradation and torture, the prisoners embarked on hunger-strike, 27th October 1980". Falls Road Belfast, Northern Ireland International Wall, Falls Road, Belfast The subjects change with the exception of Guernica. LIkewise "Free Marian Price" has been added to all the paintings with the exception of Guernica. As one of the so-called "Price sisters", Price was jailed for her part in the IRA London bombing campaign of 1973. She was part of a unit who placed four car bombs in London on 8 March 1973. The Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court and Hillgate House – a Government Building) and Whitehall army recruitment centre were damaged with 200 injured and one man died of a heart attack. The two sisters were apprehended along with Hugh Feeney and seven others as they were boarding a flight to Ireland. They were tried and convicted at the Great Hall in Winchester Castle on 14 November after a two days of deliberation by the jury. Marian Price was sentenced to two life terms. She and her sister Dolours Price, along with Gerry Kelly and Hugh Feeney, immediately went on hunger strike in a campaign to be repatriated to a prison in Northern Ireland. The hunger strike lasted over 200 days, with the hunger strikers being force-fed by prison authorities for 167 of them. In an interview with Suzanne Breen, Marian described being force-fed: Four male prison officers tie you into the chair so tightly with sheets you can't struggle. You clench your teeth to try to keep your mouth closed but they push a metal spring device around your jaw to prise it open. They force a wooden clamp with a hole in the middle into your mouth. Then, they insert a big rubber tube down that. They hold your head back. You can't move. They throw whatever they like into the food mixer – orange juice, soup, or cartons of cream if they want to beef up the calories. They take jugs of this gruel from the food mixer and pour it into a funnel attached to the tube. The force-feeding takes 15 minutes but it feels like forever. You're in control of nothing. You're terrified the food will go down the wrong way and you won't be able to let them know because you can't speak or move. You're frightened you'll choke to death.
     
For £25 you get ninety minutes or more visiting some of the more vivid murals and memorials in the west of the city. You’ll stop off at murals in the Shankill commemorating loyalist antagonists like hitman Stevie ‘Topgun’ McKeag, the memorial wall marking atrocities on the Shankill, and then drive along the “Peace Wall” full of scribbles from peace-longing visitors including Bill Clinton. Oppression breeds resistance; resistance brings freedom. Mural in the Falls Road, a Catholic neighborhood of Belfast. Ulster. Northern Ireland. Falls Curfew July 1970 Dedicated to all those women who faced up to military aggression. Falls Road. Belfast, Northern Ireland. He also took us along Falls Road, in one of the main Catholic neighborhoods which has resisted Protestant rule (and what some at least used to consider occupation by the British army). In the photo to the left you can see an area in which a number of murals have been painted, some in commemoration of local Catholics (some combatants, both men and women, but also a number of bystanders, including children) who lost their lives over the years, including ten who fasted to their death in 1980 while in prison. The mural below gives a sense for the Catholic position: their resistance, including violent resistance, is a response to oppression, foreign control which itself has been ultimately enforced by police and army violence as well. Belfast Black Taxi tours and Belfast Black Taxi Political tours start at just £25 for two people. Each additional passenger costs only £10. The average duration of each tour is around 1 hour 30 minutes, but can be tailored to suit. We can also cater for large groups. Few local people take a taxi tour. Some accompany guests who are visiting Ireland and staying with them. Some folk come up from Dublin. But mostly, its tourists, usually Americans. In terms of being better able to place events in a broad context, I’d recommend it as a first step in the process of engaging with history.
     
The big fish sculpture is located in Belfast since 1999, at the Donegall Quay.It was commissioned by the laganside corporation to celebrate the regeneration of the river lagan in Belfast.It is postioned at a place were the farset and lagan rivers join (an important location in the history of Belfast. Some interesting facts about this sculpture. It is 10m long. The outer layer is constructed of printed ceramic tiles.These tiles are printed with details of Belfast's history from the 1600s to the present day. The artists' name who created the sculpture was a local man called John Kindness. A time capsule with information about Belfast is placed inside for future generations to discover! It is a popular spot for tourist photographs, so visit it when you come to Belfast so you can say "I was there". It is just a 10 minute stroll from the city centre and close to the Belfast Odyssey Entertainment Centre and the lagan weir. The harbour area itself has always been a romantic and mysterious place, full of interesting sights, sounds and history, an exciting place which reeks of adventure and far off places! As a busy working port, most of it has been inaccessible to the public for many years unless you were employed in the shipping or shipbuilding industries, or were a passenger aboard an incoming or outgoing ferry or liner. This tour is a unique opportunity to experience all those exciting travel urges that seem to grip your senses in such a place! Hilton Hotel located on the River Lagan. Relax at the Hilton Belfast hotel with an idyllic location on the banks of the Lagan River, two minutes’ walk from the city center and only ten minutes’ drive from Belfast City Airport. The generous facilities and great location make this Belfast hotel the perfect accommodation for visiting the capital city. Take advantage of the 24-hour business center and WiFi in public areas. Host a meeting for up to 450 attendees in one of nine meeting rooms. To facilitate meetings, the hotel is equipped with Audio/Visual equipment rental, printer and a secretarial service amongst other amenities. Work out in the LivingWell Fitness Center equipped with high quality cardiovascular equipment, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Listen to soft jazz while sipping on a tempting cocktail and be enticed by the All Day Grazing menu at Cables Bar. Enjoy river views while dining on classic Irish and British cuisine at Sonoma Restaurant. Wind down in one of 198 contemporary guest rooms with high-speed internet access, work space and modern amenities. Recuperate in a modern executive room with stunning views of the city and the countryside or choose a corner suite overlooking the historical Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built, for more space and upgraded amenities. Guests staying in suites, executive and deluxe rooms enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, WiFi and a private check-in/out area.
     
An alley full of pubs called Commercial court, located between Hill St and Donegall like The Dark Horse. The Dark Horse, really is a dark horse in that it doesn't look like much from the outside, but on the inside, it's great! I love the way Belfast has so many quirky independent little businesses and this place is definitely another cool one to add to the list. It's an unassuming place just across from The Duke of York, down the alley. You know the one! I've walked past this place loads of times and just assumed it was a pub but it is actually a coffee house. And it's a really soothing one at that. It's got heaps of old fashioned charm and a real chilled out atmosphere. The kinda place you could read the paper in from start to finish in peace, lovely! Not like most of the chainstore coffee shops where you struggle to hear your own thoughts over the music and screaming children. Have a time out here, I recommend it. Most Historical Pubs in Belfast. No trip to Belfast would be complete without sussing out one or two of its pubs. Check out our guide to the 10 most historical pubs where you can soak up the atmosphere, be entertained with traditional music, meet the locals, have a bite to eat, and of course sample a pint of the black stuff! McHugh’s Bar: McHugh’s is one of the oldest bars and buildings in Belfast. Established in 1711, it’s now a Grade A Listed Building. It’s located right in the centre of Belfast on Queen’s Square, just off Donegall Quay. McHugh’s, as you can imagine, is steeped in history and in its time enjoyed a colourful reputation. During the 2nd World War it was a popular haunt for American service men and was also frequented by women of dubious reputation! Today McHugh’s Bar boasts a 100-seated restaurant catering for the very best in traditional cuisine. It has been tastefully restored and maintains its original charm in contemporary surroundings. The main bar is a popular meeting place to enjoy drinks and a great atmosphere. The Basement Bar showcases live bands and DJ’s Thursday to Saturday, and The Lord Lucan Room is a popular venue for private parties catering for up to 30 guests. Robinson’s Bar: Robinson’s Bar is one of Belfast’s oldest establishments dating back to 1895 and offers something to suit all tastes. It’s located in the heart of Belfast on Great Victoria Street, just opposite the bus and rail station. Inside the one building you’ll actually find 5 different venues. Robinsons Saloon Fibber Magees Robinsons Bistro BT1 Bar Whites Tavern: Whites Tavern is truly one of Belfast’s hidden gems. It’s one of the oldest pubs in Belfast, dating back to 1630. Here you’ll find two very different venues under the one roof. Downstairs a traditional bar packed with old artefacts, seating and a welcoming peat-burning fire, an upstairs is a small venue that can cater for private functions and parties but also plays host to traditional sessions and funky house nights! Here you can also avail of tasty traditional Irish dishes. Whites Tavern is located at Winecellar Entry. It’s pretty difficult to find – directions are as follows: head east on Donegal Square towards Donegal Place, turn left at Donegal Place, turn right at Castle Place, continue on High Street, left onto Bridge Street taking you onto Winecellar Entry. The Crown Bar: The Crown Bar was originally opened by Felix O’Hanlon and was called ‘The Railway Tavern’. In later years the pub was bought by Michael Flanagan and it was Michael’s son Patrick who renamed and renovated the pub in 1885. The Crown Bar is most definitely one of the most popular bars in Belfast City. Everywhere you look you’ll be amazed – features include mosaic tiles, beautiful wood carvings, stunning red, yellow and gold ceiling, and stain-glass windows, these are all thanks to Italian craftsmen! In 1885 there was a large increase in the building of Catholic churches and as a result many skilled craftsmen from Italy were brought into Northern Ireland. Flanagan persuaded many of them to work after hours on his bar and with skilled hands they made it what it is today. The Crown Bar is located at Great Victoria Street and a visit comes highly recommended. The Deer’s Head: The Deer’s Head was opened by John Donnell in 1885 and today his monogram still remains above the door in sandstone cover plate. This is a lovely traditional pub that has retained its Victorian feel despite a few modern touches. You’ll find it on Lower Garfield Street in the city centre. The Duke of York: The Duke of York has an appearance of an old fashioned property and dates back to 1710. When the pub was bombed in 1973 it was rebuilt just three years later. Features include a stone and tiled floor as well as lots of mirrors and posters from the printing presses that used to be located close by. The Duke of York is a popular venue where many gigs take place and it is where Snow Patrol played their first gigs. The Duke of York is located at 3-11 Commercial Court which runs between Lower Donegall Street and Hill Street, in what is now known as The Cathedral Quarter of the city. Hercules Bar: Hercules Bar is a popular venue for those who enjoy a creamy pint, toe-tapping music and fancy a flutter! Located next door to a bookmakers this is a popular location for those who like to nurse their pint while they study the racing forms. On Saturday night you can bet on wonderful traditional music sessions, this is a popular venue with locals and people who enjoy a good traditional session. Hercules Bar is located at Castle Street and could not be more central. Hatfield House: Hatfield House is a popular traditional Irish bar located on Ormeau Road in Belfast. It dates back over 138 years and continues to retain its old charm and popularity. It’s one of very few pubs that have escaped modernisation but was recently restored to its former glory. There’s music every night, food, sports screens and much more. Lavery’s Bar & Gin Palace: In 1918 the Lavery Family bought what was formally known as ‘Kinahan’s Bar. For generations it was passed on and refurbished throughout the years. In 1972 Lavery’s Bar was hit by the troubles and was burnt out. Then in 1973 it was rebuilt and over the years the attic was converted, businesses next door were purchased and Lavery’s was extended. Today Lavery’s continues to thrive and is a popular venue for locals and visitors. Magennis’s Bar: This is a traditional Irish bar located on May Street, adjacent to Saint Georges Market and close to the central station. Magennis’s Bar is one of Belfast’s oldest pubs and is steeped in history. It has been serving the nearby markets for generations and today is a popular venue with the nearby business community. At Magennis’s Bar you are assured of a great pint and good food, and there’s traditional Irish music here every night too. The hostess of "The Dark Hourse" shows a Guinness. Belfast Brew The food and drink ethos can be summed up in three words – simplicity, quality and value. They coffee they source from Johnson Brothers of Lisburn is a high quality Italian roast called Café Lusso. Tea is supplied by Belfast’s own Suku, specialists in loose leaf teas. “Despite the quality, we keep our prices down to be affordable,’ Mark says, “with a cup of tea at just £1.90. Our most popular tea is Suki’s famous ‘Belfast Brew’ but their lemongrass and ginger is also a big seller.” Soups and Salads The food too is simple but delicious. The Dark Horse’s chefs make a variety of fresh soups (which sell for £2.60) like colcannon, roast red pepper and tomato and potato and leek, as well as toasties and ciabatta sandwiches, with meat supplied by the Duke of York’s own catering company. Fresh salads and pastries are delivered from a Slice of Heaven in Newtownards and fresh bread and scones are supplied by Knotts Bakery, also from Newtownards (they also have a branch on the Lisburn Road). Cultural Venue According to Mark they also play an increasing role in the Cathedral Quarter’s cultural offering. “We are part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and will be taken over for a week with comedy and music during the festival”, he says. “That’s something we would like to do more of in the future.” The Dark Horse stays open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, when they serve olives and nuts and allow customers to bring wine or beer over from the Duke of York across Commercial Court, just like they used to do in the original coffee houses. Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri - Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 am.
     
A waitress inside the Dark Horse. Take a stroll along the atmospheric cobble stoned streets of the Cathedral Quarter, around to Commercial Court, and you’ll come across a piece of Belfast history. Bringing back the long lost tradition of the coffee house to the city, walking into the Dark Horse is like stepping back in time. Traditional Coffee House The little sister of the Duke of York, the historic pub that stands opposite in Commercial Court, the coffee house was the brainchild of the pub’s owner Willie Jack, who wanted to combine the atmosphere of a traditional Irish coffee house, such as Bewley’s, with a more continental flavour. He appointed Mark Hamill, also from the Duke of York, as manager and gave him free rein to develop his ideas. The Dark Horse was opened during a snowstorm in 2010 and after a slow start has become one of the area’s most popular venues. Special Atmosphere One of the key attributes of the coffee house is its old fashioned décor, an area which Willie Jack was able to influence directly. “Willie is also an antique dealer,” Mark says, “and has been able to supply a host of wonderful and constantly changing artefacts that give the place such a special atmosphere. For instance, we have had some lovely old oil lamps converted to ceiling lamps and we have some wallpaper from the same company that supplied Titanic. We also have a series of old Belfast trophies and lots of little things like a water jug from the Belfast Exhibition of 1895. They really bring old Belfast back to life.” The Oh Yeah music centre. Industry organisations such as the Musician's Union, PRS, MCPS plus Creative And Cultural Skills have used our facilities. In 2008 we released an album, 'The Oh Yeah Sessions'. In 2010 we released a 12 track compilation of new talent, 'Oh Yeah Contenders'. We have staged events for the Ulster Bank Festival at Queens, The Open House Festival, The Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and the Trans Festival. A series of outreach programmes have provided training to disadvantaged young people in the fields of music photography, vocal skills, rap, drumming and DJ skills. We have received funding support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, UnLtd, 4Talent,  Belfast City Council, the Arts Council Of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, John Paul Getty Jr Foundation, Hope For Youth, Lloyds TSB, St James' Place. We have been sponsored by Translink, Carling, Red Bull and HMV. The Oh Yeah music centre is a former bonded whiskey warehouse in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast's cultural district. It measures 14 500 square feet over three floors. Oh Yeah was recognised as a charity in 2008. Since moving into the building in 2007, we have hosted live events with the likes of Elbow, The Undertones, Gary Lightbody, Ash, Duke Special, Two Door Cinema Club, General Fiasco, Lisa Hannigan, Georgie Fame, Foy Vance, Iain Archer, James Walsh from Starsailor, Wilko Johnson and Jello Biafra. Our mission statement is: “Open Doors To Music Potential”. We aim to be accessible to everyone. Oh Yeah is a charity and a social enterprise. We provide affordable rehearsal space and a venue that is amendable to under 18s. We have a permanent music exhibition, a café space, a privately run recording studio, a song writing room, various small office units for start-up businesses and areas where workshops, meetings and seminars are held. The Oh Yeah vision was born in December 2005, from a conversation between Belfast music industry people and the band Snow Patrol. It was constituted in 2007. The belief is that music is one of the great resources in Northern Ireland, a catalytic agent that changes lives for the better. We have worked with organisations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, The Equality Commission, The Prince's Trust, Include Youth, Opportunity Youth, UnLtd and Common Purpose.
     
Victoria Square Shopping Centre. The quaint, Victorian Jaffe Fountain is a centrepiece at the front door, and since the opening of the centre has been returned to the same spot where it stood in 1870. Victoria Square has brought a host of major new shopping and food brands to Northern Ireland for the first time, including, Urban Outfitters; Cruise; Reiss; LK Bennett and Hardy Amies, as well as international food outlets Nandos, Starbucks and Wagamama. Victoria Square is open seven days a week, for store opening times visit the Victoria Square website. One of the bridges in the center of Belfast over the River Lagan. The River Lagan (from Irish: Abhainn an Lagáin meaning "river of the low-lying district"; Ulster Scots: Lagan Wattèr) is a major river in Northern Ireland which runs 40 miles (60 km) from the Slieve Croob mountain in County Down to Belfast where it enters Belfast Lough, an inlet of the Irish Sea. The River Lagan forms much of the border between County Antrim and County Down. It rises as a tiny fast moving stream off the Transmitter road near to the summit of Slieve Croob. From here it continues on its journey to Belfast through Dromara and Dromore. On the lower slopes of the mountain it is joined by another branch from Legananny (Cratlieve) Mountain, just opposite Slieve Croob. At Dromara, about four miles from its source, its height above the sea is 390 ft (119m). As the river continues on its journey to Belfast it turns east to Magheralin into a broad plain between the Antrim plateau and the plateau of Down. Beacon of Hope (sculpture) The sculpture is the result of six years of planning, development and eventual fabrication. Made of stainless steel and cast bronze, she spirals upwards and holds aloft "the ring of thanksgiving". The globe at her feet indicates the universal philosophy of peace, harmony and thanksgiving, and has marked on its surface the cities where the people and industries of Belfast migrated and exported to. The sculpture was fabricated by P.F. Copeland of Newtownabbey, who worked from original scale maquettes by Scott, with the bronze globe cast by Beltane Studios in Peebles. As an icon for Belfast it has been adopted by Belfast City Council, tourism authorities, TV companies and several businesses as an emblem and logo; and in early October 2006 was recognised as the best artwork in the city by the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The Thanksgiving Statue is a £300,000 public art metal sculpture by Andy Scott 19.5 metres high constructed in 2007 in Thanksgiving Square in Belfast. As with other public works of art in Ireland the sculpture has been given several nicknames. These include the Beacon of Hope, the Nuala with the Hula (credited to Gerard Doyle), the Bell on the Ball and the Thing with the Ring. It is currently the second largest public art sculpture in Belfast, after Rise on Broadway Roundabout.
  Beacon of Hope (sculpture) The sculpture is the result of six years of planning, development and eventual fabrication. Made of stainless steel and cast bronze, she spirals upwards and holds aloft "the ring of thanksgiving". The globe at her feet indicates the universal philosophy of peace, harmony and thanksgiving, and has marked on its surface the cities where the people and industries of Belfast migrated and exported to. The sculpture was fabricated by P.F. Copeland of Newtownabbey, who worked from original scale maquettes by Scott, with the bronze globe cast by Beltane Studios in Peebles. As an icon for Belfast it has been adopted by Belfast City Council, tourism authorities, TV companies and several businesses as an emblem and logo; and in early October 2006 was recognised as the best artwork in the city by the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The Thanksgiving Statue is a £300,000 public art metal sculpture by Andy Scott 19.5 metres high constructed in 2007 in Thanksgiving Square in Belfast. As with other public works of art in Ireland the sculpture has been given several nicknames. These include the Beacon of Hope, the Nuala with the Hula (credited to Gerard Doyle), the Bell on the Ball and the Thing with the Ring. It is currently the second largest public art sculpture in Belfast, after Rise on Broadway Roundabout.