|
the capital of Northern Ireland. It is the largest city in Northern Ireland and
the second largest city in Ireland. The population of the city is around 271,000.
The metropolitan district covers 44 square miles (144 square Kilometers).
Industry
Since 1998, when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, there has been sustained
economic growth in the city, with a marked increase in investment. Many companies
and investors have contributed to the growth of the economy, especially in the city
centre. As of 2007, there are two major developments in progress, one which will
see the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter (currently in phase two), and the erection
of a skyscraper, the Obel Tower which is set to be the tallest tower on the island.
There is a wide range of accomodation available including bed and breakfast, hotel
accommodation, self catering, guest house, cottage, camping and caravan sites.
Geography
Belfast is situated on Northern Ireland's eastern coast at the head of the estuary
of the River Lagan. The city is flanked to the west by a series of hills. The city
both endures short winter days and enjoys long summer evenings. To the north of
Belfast are the Glens of Antrim in County Antrim, and to the south, the Castlereagh
Hills in County Down. Overlooking the city are Divis Mountain, Black Mountain and
Cavehill while to the east lies Belfast Lough.
History
People have been living in this area since the Bronze Age and the remains of Iron
Age hill forts can still be seen in the surrounding hills. The Giant's Ring, a 5000
year old henge, is located near the city. Belfast became a substantial settlement
in the 17th century after being settled by English and Scottish settlers during
the Plantation of Ulster. Belfast thrived as a commercial and industrial centre
in the 18th and 19th centuries and became Ireland's most important industrial city.
Industries included linen, rope-making, tobacco, heavy engineering and shipbuilding.
The Harland and Wolff shipyards became one of the largest shipbuilders in the world,
employing up to 35,000 workers. It was the scene of bitter sectarian conflict between
its Roman Catholic and Protestant populations during the period known as The Troubles
between 1969 and the late 1990's. Belfast has been the capital of Northern Ireland
since 1920.
Accommodation
Stayinbritain provides a selection of many thousands of accommodation properties in all parts of Belfast,
from Self Catering cottages and serviced apartments, bed and breakfast, hotels, guest house, camping, caravan sites and narrow boats in all parts of
the UK and Ireland. We take no commision or booking fees from our visitors or our property owners and encourage you to deal directly with the owners.
We have provided facilities for this by showing their address and telephone number, links to email and websites and where applicable, we provide direct
links to their booking and tariff pages.
|
