If you want the city feel mixed with small town coziness, visit Belfast. This was my first time in Belfast outside of the airport. The city was a cozy but historic. Like any big city there was lots of shopping and a wide variety of places to eat. The British love their pubs.We had some meetings scheduled in the city, so we took the day to tour around some notable locations.
Belfast City Hall
Albert Memorial Clock with the H&W cranes– Samson & Goliath–in the background
Unfortunately for this beautiful clock, it is the mark of the start of the red light district. In the background are two well-loved cranes that sit as a reminder of hope and future in a dark time. In 1969, the first crane was built to aid in ship-building and the second was built 5 years later. Both have the ability to lift 840 tons each. In 2003, the cranes were preserved as landmarks in the city.
Europa Hotel and Grand Opera House
Grand Opera House
I love that in the city of tall buildings and contemporary designs, the Opera House is a small but stylish reminder of a well-cultured society.
Europa Hotel- the most bombed hotel in the Irish troubles
Apparently, this hotel was targeted by the IRA over and over again because of the dignitaries that would stay there. No sooner would the hotel repair the bomb damage than someone would blast it again.
The Crown Liquor Saloon– one of the best known pubs in Northern Island–featured in several films
I didn’t go in this fine dining establishment, but the intricacies of the outer decorations were impressive. The handiwork was originally done by Italians in 1885, including the mosaics on the outside as you can see below. I find anything that calls itself a saloon so quaint. It’s like Wild West meets Europe. The government snatched this landmark up in 2007 and restored it . Really, it is beautiful.
