Belfast Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Belfast, Co. Antrim, located in Northern Ireland, has much to offer visitors. Perhaps one of the most well known and popular sights in the immediate area is Dunluce Castle. The early history of the castle is unknown, but it is known that the castle existed as far back as the 15th century. The castle served as the residence of Lord Antrim until the mid-17th century. It was at that time that one of the rooms of the castle actually fell into the sea, taking nine people down during the plunge. The castle was subsequently abandoned and has been in ruins since.

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is the second largest city in the whole of Ireland with more than a quarter of a million inhabitants. It is on the eastern coast of Ireland at the mouth of the river Lagan.

In recent years, Belfast has seen a lot of development to cater for the large number of tourists who visit the city. This includes the cultural Cathedral Quarter which is often compared favourably with Covent Garden in London. It is home to a large number of arts and entertainment venues as well as a wide variety of places to eat and drink.

Belfast is the home of the Ulster Orchestra, which is a well renowned symphony orchestra and which regularly performs in the city. There are many other musical tastes which are catered for, so you are bound to find something of interest whether it is a small folk group, a pub band or a larger musical event.

Sporting events in Belfast include Gaelic football, which is Ireland's most popular spectator sport. You can also attend football and rugby matches in the city as well as cricket matches in the summer.

Shoppers will enjoy the Victoria Square shopping complex in the heart of the city. As well as shops, this boasts restaurants and a cinema. It is Northern Ireland's biggest property development and spreads over two covered, multi level streets. At the centre of the development is a large public square.

You can also take time to relax and get away from things when you visit Belfast. The city has more than 40 parks that you can rest and relax in, including its famous Botanic Gardens, which date back to the early 1800's. Unexpectedly, the gardens also feature a jungle glen built in the late 1800's. The gardens often host concerts and other events.