Belfast – an alternative destination

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. With a population of less than 300,000, it is smaller and less well known than Dublin, but it is a significantly cheaper alternative and has a lot to offer tourists. Situated on the east coast at the mouth of the River Lagan, it was an ideal location for the shipbuilding industry that once made it famous. The Titanic, the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, was built in Belfast in 1911, and it is possible to take a boat tour around the area where it was constructed. The city is a popular location for films and television series, including Game of Thrones. Local companies offer guided tours to the hills, harbours and forests of Northern Ireland where many of the outdoor scenes were filmed. Belfast is also home to a rich music culture, and live music is a good option for an evening out. The Irish are said to be some of the friendliest people in the world, and the inhabitants of Belfast are no exception. Visitors to this fascinating city are sure to find a warm welcome.