Belfast is a city on the banks of River Lagan on the East Coast if Ireland. The city is the largest city in the Northern side of Ireland. As at 2015, the population of Belfast was put at 333,871.
History
Belfast was established as a town in the 17th century by Sir Arthur Chichester. Although, the city was initially inhabited by the Scottish migrants and the protestant English during the time of plantation of Ulster.
The city has long been existing since the Bronze age. In fact, a 5000-year-old henge, The Giant’s Ring, is located near the city.
In 1791, Society of United Irishmen was established in Belfast. This followed the invitation of Theobald Tone and Thomas Russell by Henry McCracken to a meeting. The meeting centered on Time’s “Argument on behalf of the Catholics Ireland”.
In 1920 through 1922, Belfast became the capital city of Northern Ireland following the partitioning of the Island of Ireland. Towards the end of the 19th century, Belfast overtook Dublin as the largest Ireland city.
However, a bomb blast shook the city in the Second World War in 1914. The blast left about a thousand of people dead while tens of thousands were rendered homeless.
Governance
Like Aberdeen and Glasgow, Belfast is governed by a City Council. The elected officials of Belfast City are the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff along 57 other councillors.
In the history of Belfast, Unionists lost the total control of Belfast City Council in 1997. This however birthed the opportunity for the Alliance Party if Northern Ireland to gain the power balance between Nationalists and Unionists.
Landmarks and Tourist attractions
Belfast is the second most visited in the Island if Ireland and one of the most visited in the UK. It was recorded in 2008 that 7.1 million tourists visited Belfast. American travel guide book series published Belfast as the only UK destination in its Top 12 destinations in 2009.
The city is a home to The titanic Belfast. The massive edifice is attributed to the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s maritime history. Also in the city is the national Ulster museum in which a 2500-year-old mummy of the Egyptian Princess Takabuti is. Other attractions include the Botanic gardens, St. Anne’s cathedral, the Grand Opera house and Belfast castle.
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The Global Linen Hub
In the early 1800’s, Belfast took a port status. The city derived its nickname “Linenpolls” from the industrial revolution of linen production that shook the city in the 18’s.
After attaining the city status in 1888, Belfast became a major center for Irish linen production, rope making and tobacco processing. Belfast became the capital city of Northern Ireland following the eventual partitioning of Ireland in 1922.
Economy
In the early 20th century, Belfast was listed as the largest producer of linen in the world. The city also houses the largest shipyard in the world, and it is the city where Titanic, the massive ship was built.
Sports
Belfast is a city actively involved in a variety of sporting activities. Some of which are Football, traditional Irish Gaelic games, Cricket and Hockey. About 59% of Belfast population participates in one or two sports.
Nightlife
The cutters wharf, bars, cafés and beer gardens always fill with excitement and entertainment in the evenings in the city.
Cosmopolitan
The ancient city has a rich record in trading and entertainment. In today’s ever-changing world, you will certainly find this city to be cosmopolitan and inviting. Welcome to Belfast!
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