Unless you approach Belfast from the sea you cannot help but come upon the city suddenly because of its fine setting: a 'Hibernian Rio' as one writer has called it, ringed by high hills, sea lough and river valley.

A village in the 17th century, this robust northern metropolis of nearly half a million people - a third of Northern Ireland's population - has much in common with Liverpool and Manchester, those breezy cities across the Irish Sea. Belfast was the engine-room that drove the whirring wheels of the industrial revolution in Ulster. The development of industries like linen, rope-making and shipbuilding doubled the size of the town every ten years. The world's largest dry dock is here and the shipyard's giant cranes tower over the port.

Today the city and the river front are again being transformed. Much of the city centre is now pleasantly pedestrianized, with benches where you can sit and listen to the street musicians.

There are many exuberant Victorian and Edwardian buildings with elaborate sculptures over doors and windows. Stone-carved heads of gods and poets, scientists, kings and queens peer down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses.

Some of the attractions to see when visiting Belfast are -

Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast
Well-known art gallery specializing in contemporary art.
Attraction type: Art gallery; Specialty shop

Belfast Castle, Belfast
Majestic castle dating back to 1870.
Attraction type: Castle

W5, Belfast
Attraction type: Children's museum; Specialty museum

Linen Hall Library, Belfast
This library, founded in 1788, is the oldest library in Belfast and contains the largest collection of material on Irish studies in Northern Ireland.
Attraction type: Library; Architectural building

Customs House, Belfast
Attraction type: Architectural building; Historic site

St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building

Felons Club, Belfast
This Catholic-area club often features live bands.
Attraction type: Bar/club

Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter should be similar to the Temple Bar area in Dublin when the area has been developed. The Community Arts Forum is located...
Attraction type: Neighborhood; Scenic/historic walking area

Grand Opera House, Belfast
Attraction type: Opera; Architectural building

Malone Golf Club, Belfast
This spectacular 27-hole course was occupied by British and American forces during WW II.
Attraction type: Golf course

Queen's University, Belfast
Belfast's largest university is well known for its beautiful campus.
Attraction type: Educational site; Architectural building

Albert Memorial Clock Tower, Belfast
Attraction type: Historic site; Landmark/point of interest

Botanic Gardens, Belfast
Attraction type: Garden

Tom Caldwell Galleries, Belfast
Attraction type: Art gallery

Ulster Hall, Belfast
Attraction type: Theater; Historic site