| BELFAST |
PUBLISHING DATE: 2010-03-04 | COUNTRY CODE: GB
Contents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,
Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps |
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| BELFAST |
| Having survived almost three decades of conflict and division, Belfast is now emerging from its chrysalis with a newfound freshness and vibrancy. Carrying a deep sense ofits history, and yet boldly striding into the future, Belfast is an exciting juxtaposition of old and new. Stroll by the River Lagan and see the birthplace of the infamous Titanic, or visit the famous political murals in a black taxi. Or kick back with a traditional music session in one of this lively city’s beautifully preserved old pubs. |
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| THE CITY |
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Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. The name Belfast originates from the Irish Béal Feirste, or the mouth of the Farset, the river on which the city was built and which has now been superseded by the
River Lagan. Belfast saw the worst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and since their start in 1969, news of violence and disruption marred the city’s image as a tourist destination. |
| Since the 1997 cease-fire and the Good Friday agreement, however, Belfast is making up for lost time. With the help of massive investment, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, and now has a booming economy and high employment rates. The River Lagan has been cleaned up and inner city areas, such as the Cathedral Quarter, have been regenerated, attracting new restaurants, hotels, shopping areas and cafes. |
| The city’s largely Victorian buildings have been juxtaposed with impressive 20th century architecture, creating a sense of progress and change. With its sights set on the future, Belfast has become a vibrant, friendly and exciting city, waiting to be discovered in new ways |
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| WHAT TO DO |
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| Grand Opera House |
| This beautiful and opulent Victorian building was designed in 1894 and restored in the 1970s. With its programme of plays, operas and concerts, the best way to see the building is to attend a show. There are also Saturday tours which cost £3. |
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| Ulster Museum |
| Museum of art, archaeology, local history and natural sciences. A fine permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions and events. |
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| Old Museum Arts Centre |
| Friendly, active and innovative, the OMAC offers a high quality programme of contemporary theatre and dance, music, comedy and visual art. Check the website for details of current events. |
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| ESSENTIAL INFORMATION |
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| Airport |
| Belfast International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the cityM centre. Buses run between the airport and the city centre roughly every 20 minutes between 0530 and 2330 and depositpassengers at the Glengall Street Bus Station and Central Railway Station in the city centre. Fares are £7 single and £10 return. Taxis are available outside the terminal building and cost approximately £25 to the city centre. Car hire agents are located in the terminal building. |
| Belfast City Airport is to the east of the city centre. It is about a 5 minute drive from the centre. Car hire is available from the airport. Trains run every half an hour during the day between Sydenham Station near the airport and the central trainstation in Belfast. The Citybus number 21 runs every 20 minutes from Sydenham Station to City Hall Monday-Saturday, on Sunday Citybus numbers 101 and 102 run to the airport from the city centre |
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| Public Transport |
| Destinations are named and numbered on the front of all Metro vehicles. Services usually start and end around the City Hall. Fares can be paid in coins to the bus driver/operator on boarding at the front. Smartlink Multi-journey tickets and travel cards are available in shops displaying the Metro sign, or from the Metro Kiosk in Donegall Square West. Fares are £1-£1.60 and day cards are £3.50/£2.50. Metro also provides a ‘nightlink’ service at 0100 and 0200, which costs £3.50. |
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| Taxi |
| Value Cabs collect at airports and will also collect and drop to order, operating 24 hours. |
