BELFAST
& DISTRICT
THE IMPRESSIVE STORMONT BUILDINGS IN THE EASTERN SUBURBS WITH
THE DISTINCTIVE TREE LINED, MILE LONG, AVENUE APPROACH.
The
Lagan Lookout Centre on Donegal Quay tells the docklands story and
is part of Laganside's development plans. It looks across at the Laganside
flagship — The Waterfront Hall, Tel: (028) 9033 4455, a
superb rotunda design incorporating much use of glass that maximises
its effect in the evening. Host to many international shows and stars
The Waterfront has become a symbol of the city's resurgence.
New development continues around it including the Hilton Hotel, the
BT Tower and the remodernisation of the adjacent old Victorian Mays
Market.
There is an abundance of sporting opportunities at the riverside Odyssey
Complex, Tel: (028) 9073 9074 which has been added to the list of
places to see an exciting menu of sports and leisure facilities, and
is also home to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team. The complex also
houses W5 – a purpose built interactive discovery centre
which presents science as a process of discovery and has become a popular
visitor attraction.
Further down the River Lagan towards Belfast Lough is the traditional
Docks area, also ungoing a transformation. The rebuilt Clarendon
Dock now sports an open public area by the wharf with the sunken
Barrow Square — a sun trap in summer purely for relaxation,
with the support of two famous old dockside pubs, The Rotterdam and
Pat's which sit beside
the square.
The city's sea connections are continued by several ferry operators
including the Seacat, Stena and Norse Irish. There are
several daily connections by fast ferry to Scotland and an overnight
service to England.
Great Victoria Street back in the city centre, two blocks west
of the City Hall, has some very distinctive buildings that are much
cherished by Belfast citizens. In particular is the old Victorian inn
restored to its former glory. The Crown Liquor Saloon, with its
gas lights, stained glass and brass-trimmed cosy “snugs”,
all now preserved by the National Trust, is a favoured watering hole.
Across the street is the Grand Opera House another Victorian
treasure decked out with elephants and ambigious chinoiserie. Presenting
drama, musicals, opera, ballet, comedy and pantomime, the Grand Opera
House provides the ideal night out for the visitor to Belfast. For information
on the Theatre's full programme, contact the Grand Opera House Ticket
Shop. Tel: (028) 9024 1919.
