Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, which lies over Counties Antrim and Down is set spectacularly in the valley of the River Lagan, on the shores of Belfast Lough.
The name dates back to the 19th century when the city grew up around its linen and ship building industries. The world's largest dry dock can be found in Belfast with the famous Harland and Wolff giant cranes towering over the Belfast skyline.
Massive investment during the past few years combined with the optimism engendered by the peace process has transformed Belfast into something of a boom town.
Interspersed between Victorian buildings in the city centre is a vibrant social and cultural life. For a city of its size, Belfast boasts a pretty good nightlife. There are many theatres, bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, museums, galleries, discos and dance clubs.
There are, of course, reminders of the Troubles to be seen. But this shouldn’t put anyone off visiting. Statistically Belfast is a much safer city for a visitor than the rest of UK cities and US metropolises.
Like all world cities there are areas of town that the casual visitor should enter with caution. In Belfast these are easily recognisable by the painted kerbstones and paramilitary wall murals.
