Belfast

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, a country within the United Kingdom. It sits on the River Lagan and along Belfast Lough in the eastern part of the island of Ireland. The city is the administrative center for Belfast City Council and a major economic and cultural hub.

Founded in the 17th century during the Ulster Plantation, Belfast grew rapidly as a port and industrial city in the 18th and 19th centuries. Shipbuilding and linen production were major industries, with the Harland and Wolff shipyard building the RMS Titanic. The late 20th century saw economic restructuring and the Troubles, a period of conflict that ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and subsequent regeneration.

Today Belfast has a diversified economy dominated by public administration, education, health, and services, with growing technology and creative sectors. Key educational institutions include Queen’s University Belfast (founded 1845) and Ulster University, which maintains campuses in the city. The Titanic Quarter and surrounding districts are notable for redevelopment, culture, and tourism.

Cultural and architectural highlights include Belfast City Hall, the Cathedral Quarter, the Grand Opera House, and the Lyric Theatre. Museums such as the Ulster Museum in the Botanic Gardens and the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction illustrate the city’s history. The city also features a range of galleries, festivals, and outdoor spaces.

Transport and demographics: Belfast’s population is around 340,000 in the city council area, with a larger metropolitan area extending beyond that. Transport connections include two airports (George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport), rail links to Dublin and other destinations, motorways such as the M1 and M2, and a comprehensive bus network operated by Translink.