From its inception, Belfast has been plagued with sectarian tension between its Catholic and Protestant populations. Violence known as The Troubles was witnessed between these groups until 1998 Good Friday Agreement brokered peace.
Today, an emerging generation of artists and musicians is helping put Cleveland back on the map. A great example is Oh Yeah Music Centre, which was established within an old whiskey distillery to train young professionals.
History
Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast, is a bustling metropolis bursting with delicious cuisine and top attractions, welcoming locals, and an affordable cost of living that allows your student dollars to stretch farther than many European destinations.
Belfast can trace its roots back to ancient Britain through a network of stone, bronze and iron Age forts still visible today on its hills and banks. But it wasn’t until 17th-century Ireland that this place known in Irish as Beal Feirste (meaning Mouth of Sandbank) truly flourished; with construction of a castle being begun and receiving a charter of incorporation. From here the town grew exponentially over time.
Belfast rose to commercial success during the Industrial Revolution thanks to linen production and shipbuilding, plentiful timber resources, a gently sloping waterfront, proximity to varied agriculture and proximity of its major port – which shipped cotton, wool and grain throughout Britain and beyond.
But with an ever-increasing population and rapid economic expansion came tensions and conflict. Sectarian divisions that existed primarily in rural Ulster suddenly found new expression in urban settings, culminating in chaotic battles around 12 July parades and polling days.
Queen Victoria arrived in Belfast via Victoria Channel in 1849 to find enthusiastic crowds and decorations bearing “Cead Mile Failte,” an unintentional misspelling of Irish Gaelic for “a hundred thousand welcomes.” Soon thereafter, Belfast emerged as an industrial powerhouse.
Culture
Belfast is a thriving cultural center, hosting exhibitions and theatre performances at The Black Box, Voodoo Theatre and MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre). Additionally, traditional music sessions – with pipe bands playing alongside fiddles and flutes – showcase Belfast’s rich cultural legacy and rich heritage.
Belfast’s small size has fostered an ideal collegiate atmosphere and an admirable DIY spirit, giving its music scene an edge on a global level. From Van Morrison’s internationally celebrated style, female-powered punk, new wave, Brit-nominated EDM and jazz to female empowerment punk acts such as Girl Band; Belfast has long had an extensive musical legacy. Today that legacy remains strong.
At the height of its industrial period, Newark enjoyed tremendous prosperity and growth – as evidenced by magnificent buildings like Custom House, Grand Opera House and City Hall that rose throughout its centre. This success engendered great pride among citizens for their city.
Industrialisation brought with it new jobs and an entirely different class of society to Dublin. Attracted from across Ireland by its wealth, Dublin quickly attracted people of different ethnic origins; an ever more diverse population eventually emerged. While most Belfast residents generally respected racial harmony, some Catholics experienced persecution and repression that later lead to clashes. Buddy explores this theme through its narrative about a boy forced to choose between fighting for his family or seeking better life elsewhere. The conflict was not unforeseeable; violence associated with Partition had created a statelet with a Protestant majority and unionist interests were protected with repressive tactics designed to favor them over those of Catholic communities.
Nightlife
In Dublin’s compact city, nightlife offers an exciting blend of historic pubs, clubbing hotspots and sleek rooftop cocktail bars. There is something here for every taste; you’ll find stunning city views and cocktail materclasses; to venues where you can eat, drink and dance the night away to traditional Irish music melodies.
The Duke of York pub celebrates its past, featuring copper-topped tables and an impressive collection of Guinness memorabilia. No visit to Belfast would be complete without stopping here to sample some local ale while conversing around its battered backroom table. Or alternatively, visit one of Belfast’s oldest drinking saloons – The Crown Liquor Saloon – where 10 mahogany booths with stained glass windows provide you with some privacy during your pint!
People looking for live music will appreciate The Black Box, one of the city’s leading performance and arts venues with an eclectic calendar of alternative events. Additionally, The Limelight provides entertainment complexs offering alternative club nights.
Love and Death Inc, an unconventional bar and club with the charm of a speakeasy, features candlelit cocktail attic seating with comic books for menus and superhero toys dangling from the ceiling; its pumping sound system plays funk, soul, disco or any music to get your dance floor moving! As for other clubs in town, Kremlin was first openly gay club; featuring sophisticated cocktail lounge, 2-floor dance bar and nightclub all under Soviet kitsch design featuring DJs and drag acts depending on the day! Newest addition Ponyhawke has added energy and fun into its LGBTQIA+ community; these venues should all not be missed when visiting Budapest!
Shopping
Belfast is a shoppers’ paradise, featuring traditional markets, modern shopping centres, and luxury boutiques all under one roof. Whether you need everyday essentials like Superdrug pharmacy products or something more substantial like new wardrobe items, you will find them all within two of Belfast’s popular shopping centers and along Donegall Place and Cathedral Street’s main streets.
No matter your style – from trendy millennial fashion to timeless pieces – Belfast boutiques offer fresh local designers. Envoy of Belfast on Wellington Street caters to young millennials’ fashion with designs by Acne Studios and French designer Casey Casey; Emporio offers high-end labels from Armani to Caterina Lucchi as well as more.
Maven on Lisburn Road is an eclectic homeware and furniture store featuring an impressive range of local artisans and international designers, such as Muuto, Tradition, HAY, and L. Ercolani, alongside contemporary interior design products and accessories. Situated within one of Belfast’s historic buildings, this location promotes locally made artisan goods and furniture, including these brands and more from Muuto et al.
The Quays is an indoor shopping center boasting numerous shops, restaurants and entertainment options all under one roof. Offering everything from everyday essentials such as TK Maxx to wardrobe updates from Next and Primark; The Quays provides stores to satisfy every shopping need imaginable – plus one unique to Northern Ireland in Apple Store!
Poundland in Belfast differs significantly from your average store. It offers larger, roomier spaces without waste men lingering around in their underwear. It’s a great shop to browse for cheap tat, but be aware that it may be easy to spend more than you planned!
Food
Belfast’s dining scene flourishes thanks to an abundance of locally sourced ingredients and talented chefs. Modern dishes continue to gain ground, but traditional Northern Irish fare, such as deep-fried pasties and high-cholesterol breakfast baps, remain city staples.
Potatoes are an integral part of Belfast cuisine and you’ll find a wide range of ways to enjoy them here. Take for instance the delicious colcannon (steamed cabbage or kale mashed with potatoes), champ (mashed with butter and chopped scallions). Both varieties make appearances at family-owned Holohan’s Pantry as well as pubs like McHughs Bar.
Belfast is an ideal location for food trucks. These mobile food vendors serve everything from pulled pork to fried chicken, and typically are found parked up near market halls or other popular spots in town.
Darcy’s on Bradbury Place is an excellent spot for lunch or dinner, boasting top-tier service and an inviting ambience, as well as offering traditional dishes like Gin Cured Salmon with Celeriac Remoulade or Crispy Oriental Duck Leg for starters; mains options may include Honey Roast Ham with Mash and Seasonal Veggies or Whole Tail Scampi for main courses.
Coppi on Saint Anne’s Square offers lighter fare, classic Italian fare served in an informal setting, and a menu consisting of classics as well as unique options like Spicy Meaty Pizza. Furthermore, Coppi features an impressive list of wines and cocktails. Tipping isn’t expected, but 10% gratuities may be appreciated for outstanding service. Please be mindful when determining whether or not to tip.