Belfast Deserves A Visit
Belfast, nestled in the north of Ireland, is a surprising city. On the one hand it is flanked by the hill of Cave Hill, which has served as inspiration for countless UK writers; on the other side it preserves both the wonderful Lake Lough and the River Lagan. Privileged situation for a city that hides many surprises.
Belfast and the Titanic
Belfast has been included in world history because the famous and unfortunate ocean liner Titanic was built in its port, the sinking of which has been narrated ad nauseam on television and in movies.
In fact, the city has a museum known as the Titanic Belfast, where tourists can experience the sensation of being inside that enigmatic great ship.
What you can’t miss in Belfast
Belfast Castle, a legendary symbol
This magnificent Scottish-style work was started and designed by Charles Lanyon. It was later acquired by the Marquis of Donegal, who intended to complete it, although he could not finish it for financial reasons. Fortunately, years later his son-in-law was able to finish it.
The fortress is commonly called “castle of the cats”. This is due to a legend according to which the inhabitants of the castle would only be lucky as long as there was a white cat in it. For this reason the building has multiple and varied representations of this animal, even in its gardens.
After a tour of its rooms and rooms, more than recommended, nothing better than ascending the nearby mountain from whose top you get spectacular views. During the climb we will enjoy the spectacle offered by the local flora and fauna that adorn the path.
The Ulster Museum, a huge informational space
The Ulster Museum, which was launched in 1891, has the honor of holding the title of the largest Irish exhibition hall. It is located between the university area and the botanical gardens. We can take the opportunity to take a look at this garden area, which used to be totally private, and be surprised by the Casa de la Palma, a beautiful and unique curved greenhouse.
Once inside the small gallery we will find an immense amount of exhibited objects as well as the most varied pedagogical spaces. Among all of them, the ones that stand out the most are the remains of dinosaurs.
Also striking are the remains of ancient ships that have been rescued from the deep sea, objects such as clothing, weapons and gems. In addition to all this, the gallery has an exhibition related to the chronicle of the city itself and of those lands that surround it in the northern part.
It also provides information on The Troubles, or in other words, the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Grand Opera House, artistic tradition
This building, located in the center of the metropolis, is the most important theater in the region. It was built in 1895 and has great tourist interest. It has the capacity to house more than a thousand people under its roof.
His functions have been attended by such legendary figures as General Montgomery, President Eisenhower and English General Alan Francis Brooke. Despite the enormous success of its performances, for more than 11 years it was used solely as a space for cinematographic reproduction.
In the middle of World War II it was bombed repeatedly and, in fact, there was talk of demolishing it to replace it with a modern building dedicated to the provincial administration. However, it always stood and was even remodeled in 2006.
Excursions from Belfast
The Giant’s Causeway
One cannot leave Belfast without approaching a space where Mother Nature seems to play with the terrain. In the Giant’s Causeway you will be able to see a paved complex made up of a large number of tall stone columns, about 40,000 pieces in total. The funny thing is not only this but, when looking at them from above, they all seem to have a hexagonal shape.
Legend has it that they arose as a result of the fight between two beings of titanic stature who ended up throwing rocks at each other, thus forming what can be observed today.
For their part, scientists say that its existence has to do with old volcanic lava and its cooling processes. This wonder that the locals refer to as the Giant’s Causeway is situated on the road to Derry.
Walking on the rocks is allowed and what’s more, we should approach this mysterious space on foot. The beautiful panoramic views will make the effort worthwhile.
On our way there we will discover Dunluce Castle, held on the cliffs of Dunluce. It is not very well preserved, but it will delight all those who are Game of Thrones fans , as some scenes from the series were filmed in its surroundings.
