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The Albert Memorial Clock, often simply called the Albert Clock, is one of Belfast鈥檚 most recognisable landmarks. Perched in Queen鈥檚 Square at the east end of High Street, this Gothic Revival clock tower was built between 1865 and 1869 as a memorial to Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. Designed by the accomplished architect W. J. Barre, also famed for Belfast's Ulster Hall, it stands approximately 113 feet (34 meters) tall.

Constructed of pinkish Scrabo sandstone, the tower blends French and Italian Gothic styles, adorned with flying buttresses, heraldic lions, angels, gargoyles, floral motifs, and crowned by an ornate octagonal belfry. A striking life-size statue of Prince Albert in the robes of a Knight of the Garter, sculpted by S. F. Lynn, stands on the west face. Inside, a two-tonne bell cast by Francis Moore could once be heard up to 8 miles away.

One of the tower鈥檚 most intriguing quirks is its lean鈥攁n eastward tilt of about four feet鈥攅arning it the affectionate nickname 鈥淏elfast鈥檚 Leaning Tower of Pisa.鈥� The tilt resulted from the tower being built on reclaimed, marshy ground near the River Farset, supported on timber piles. Ornamental pinnacles and the statue canopy were removed in 1924 to ease stress, and a substantial restoration between 2000 and 2002 reinforced the foundations and reinstated lost carvings.

Today, the Albert Clock stands as a poetic fusion of Victorian craftsmanship, civic pride, and idiosyncratic charm. It survived damage from an IRA bomb in 1992, and its tilted stance and intricate stonework make it a delightful must-see for architecture buffs, history lovers, and photographers alike. Whether admired by day or illuminated at night, it richly rewards a stroll through Belfast鈥檚 Cathedral Quarter.

The Customs House is a historical building in Belfast. Completed in 1857, the building has been used by various governmental departments, including the Belfast Board of Works, the Inland Revenue, and an Income Tax Office.

Designed in 1847 by English architect Charles Lanyon and finished in 1857 at a cost of 拢30,000.

Throughout the years the building has undergone numerous alterations. In 1861 the building's forecourt was raised to allow greater basement space and a westward facing entrance was added. Again in 1872 the southern entrance (then used as a Post Office) was removed and replaced with another western entrance which was itself removed in 1886.

Further changes were again carried out in 1926 when the interior of the central and southern blocks were removed, a second floor was added above them and the building's original chimneys and eastern entrance's portico were demolished. A new staircase was installed in the northern block in 1940.

The building is closed to the public, but even from the outside, it's a magnificent and elegant building.

Built of golden sandstone, the Merchant's Hotel building (former Ulster Bank ) is definitely worth seeing while in Belfast. It is a Victorian style construction with outstanding ornamentation that has received a great deal of admiration over the years. The building site was originally acquired in 1836, but the actual construction works began in 1857.

Bank directors Robert Grimshaw and James Heron traveled throughout the UK in order to find perfect examples of bank designs. Later, they held a competition for the best design and the winner was a talented Glaswegian named James Hamilton.

The exterior of the hotel is in decorated in Italian style, it sports three sculptures representing Commerce, Justice and Britannia on top of the fabulous facade. The hotel's main hall is decorated with fruit and foliage designs, and the four Corinthian columns complete the architectural complex of the interior.

Due to its magnificent design, the building of the Merchant's Hotel is known to be one of the most renowned and appreciated constructions in Belfast.

Nestled at the heart of Belfast鈥檚 vibrant Library and Cathedral Quarter, Belfast Central Library is a stunning Victorian-era landmark. Designed by architect William Henry Lynn, it opened its doors in 1888 鈥� the same day Belfast was officially granted city status 鈥� making it one of the first major public library buildings in Ireland. The grand red sandstone facade, perched on an elegant black granite base, exudes an Italianate flair that reflects the city's late-19th-century optimism.

Step inside, and you鈥檙e greeted by an impressive colonnaded foyer and a magnificent ceremonial staircase leading to a luminous domed reading room on the first floor 鈥� a space that has captivated readers and visitors for over a century. The three-floor interior originally included a museum and art gallery on the top floor, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub. Remarkably, the building withstood the Belfast Blitz and the Troubles without damage, preserving its historic charm for modern-day explorers.

Today, the library is part of Libraries NI and remains a lively community centre for learning and research. Free Wi鈥慒i and IT facilities are available on the ground floor, while second-floor shelves showcase Northern Irish fiction, music scores, and cultural heritage resources. Behind the scenes, hidden from public view, lies a treasure trove of archives and special collections 鈥� including manuscripts of Francis Joseph Bigger, Amanda McKittrick Ros, Sam Thompson, and a vast theatre poster collection dating from the 1820s.

For visitors, Belfast Central Library is more than just a place to read 鈥� it's a gateway to the city's past and present. Look out for free guided history tours that reveal the library鈥檚 hidden stories, architectural highlights, and its vital role in Belfast's cultural identity. Whether you鈥檙e reading in the dome or exploring the heritage rooms, this grand institution offers inspiration and insight at every turn.

Nestled in the heart of Belfast city centre, Queen鈥檚 Arcade is a stunning example of High鈥慥ictorian architecture that dates back to 1880. Designed by James McKinnon for developer George Fisher, the arcade stretches from Donegall Place to Fountain Street, crowned by a beautiful pitched glazed roof with ornate iron trusses and lavish floral cornices. Above, a pastel鈥憄ainted four鈥憇torey fa莽ade features copper-topped spires, a quaint clock, and a third鈥慺loor monogram 鈥淎.R鈥濃�攁 nod to the Austin Reed store that once occupied the space.

As Belfast鈥檚 last remaining Victorian shopping arcade, Queen鈥檚 underwent significant transformations in the 20th century鈥攏ew shopfronts were installed in the 1930s, canopies added in the 1980s, and the entire building earned Grade B1 listed status in 1993. After several decades, a major restoration was unveiled in 2019, reviving its 19th-century grandeur and positioning the arcade as a refined yet vibrant destination.

Today, Queen鈥檚 Arcade offers a luxurious shopping experience in an intimate setting, blending exclusive boutiques with Belfast鈥檚 boutique charm. Home to Ireland鈥檚 only Rolex, OMEGA, TAG Heuer, and Montblanc stores, it also boasts fine jewellery, bespoke shoemakers, and elegant caf茅s鈥攁bout 25 unique retailers in total. Visitors are welcomed with attentive service and can often enjoy a glass of champagne while discovering special editions and personalized pieces through engraving or strap customization.

More than just a shopping arcade, Queen鈥檚 is a living historical landmark and cultural gem. Whether you鈥檙e a design enthusiast admiring Victorian craftsmanship, a luxury shopper, or a history buff, a visit here is both atmospheric and enriching.

Belfast City Hall is a grand Edwardian Baroque masterpiece that dominates Donegall Square in the heart of Belfast鈥檚 city centre. Designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas and completed in 1906, this iconic building features gleaming Portland stone, a striking copper-domed roof rising 173 ft, and ornate detailing that reflects Belfast鈥檚 civic pride. It was built on the former site of the White Linen Hall to mark the city鈥檚 growing importance鈥攖hanks to its booming linen, shipbuilding, and engineering industries鈥攁nd to cement its new city status granted in 1888.

Step inside and you鈥檒l be greeted by splendid interiors such as the grand marble staircase, mosaic floors, and exquisitely carved oak and marble-clad spaces like the Council Chamber and Banquet Hall鈥攏oting the latter was rebuilt after damage during the Belfast Blitz in 1941. The stained-glass windows are spectacular, showcasing the Belfast coat of arms, portraits of British monarchs, and emblems of the city鈥檚 historical provinces. Guided tours last about 45 minutes and offer access to areas normally closed to the public, alongside a 16-room Visitor Exhibition that brings Belfast鈥檚 past to life via multilingual audio guides.

Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds are home to significant memorials and statues, including the impressive Titanic Memorial Garden, the Cenotaph and Garden of Remembrance for war victims, and notable figures such as Queen Victoria, Edward Harland, Mary Ann McCracken, Winifred Carney, and James Magennis VC. These serene lawns offer a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling city around them.

For visitors, City Hall is much more than a civic landmark鈥攊t鈥檚 a hub of culture and community. Drop into the Bobbin Coffee Shop inside, peruse the gift shop for local keepsakes, or join a free tour (first-come, first-served) at scheduled times. Evening illuminations beautifully accent the exterior, making it a particularly atmospheric spot after dark. Whether you're fascinated by architecture, history, or simply looking for a picturesque gathering place, Belfast City Hall is an essential stop on your journey through Belfast.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Belfast, the Grand Opera House is an architectural gem and cultural linchpin. Designed by famed theatre architect Frank Matcham, it opened in December 1895 as the 鈥淣ew Grand Opera House and Cirque鈥�. A striking example of Victorian 鈥渙riental style鈥� theatre architecture, its main auditorium is widely regarded as the best preserved in the UK.

For over a century, the Grand Opera House has been a pulsating centre for the arts. It has survived tumultuous times, including wartime repurposing, bomb damage during the Troubles, and even a brush with demolition鈥攂ut was rescued and listed as Northern Ireland鈥檚 first protected building in the 1970s. After extensive renovations in 1980, 2006, and a major 拢12.2 million restoration in 2020鈥�21, both its ornate auditorium and modern foyers shine brighter than ever.

Today, the venue boasts a 1,058鈥憇eat main auditorium, the intimate Baby Grand studio, and stylish bars on multiple floors. Its annual pantomime tradition continues unabated, delighting families since the very first season featured 鈥淏luebeard鈥� in 1895. Beyond entertainment, the Opera House offers behind鈥憈he鈥憇cenes tours and a compelling heritage exhibition, ideal for history lovers.

A visit here offers more than a show鈥攊t鈥檚 a journey through Belfast鈥檚 cultural soul. Whether you're drawn to grand musicals, drama, opera, dance, or comedy鈥攐r simply wish to admire its ornate mouldings and historic atmosphere鈥攖he Grand Opera House presents an unforgettable experience at the crossroads of past and present.

The Crown Liquor Saloon, often simply called the Crown Bar, is a dazzling testament to Victorian-era grandeur. Established in 1826 as the Railway Tavern and beautifully refurbished in 1885 by the Flanagan family, this pub has been gloriously preserved and is today managed by the National Trust while operated by Nicholson鈥檚. It remains one of Northern Ireland鈥檚 most iconic pubs, celebrated as an outstanding example of a Victorian 鈥済in palace鈥�.

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a riot of craftsmanship: intricate mosaic floors, luxurious stained glass, a majestic red鈥慻ranite bar, and an ornate ceiling accented by gas鈥憇tyle lanterns. Much of this opulence is the handiwork of Italian artisans, originally commissioned for Belfast鈥檚 churches, who lent their expertise鈥攁fter hours鈥攖o help fashion this captivating space. More than just decoration, it鈥檚 an immersive snapshot of 19th-century artistry and design.

One of the Crown鈥檚 most charming features is its ten carved wooden 鈥渟nugs鈥濃�攊ntimate booths once favored by discreet customers during the Victorian age. Each snug is fitted with original match-strike plates and bell鈥憄ush systems that patrons could use to summon staff. The stained鈥慻lass windows framing these alcoves are adorned with fanciful motifs鈥攃lowns, pineapples, fairies鈥攖hat add a whimsical touch.

Beyond its beauty, the Crown Bar holds a poignant place in Belfast鈥檚 history. Suffering damage during the Troubles鈥攐wing to its proximity to the frequently bombed Europa Hotel鈥攊t has withstood much yet endured thanks to successive restorations, including major efforts by the National Trust in 1978 and again in 2007. Today, it stands proud as both a vibrant gathering spot and a living monument to Belfast鈥檚 resilience, blending history, architecture, and traditional pub culture in one unforgettable visit.

Ulster Hall is one of Northern Ireland鈥檚 most cherished cultural landmarks. Opened in May 1862 and designed by acclaimed Victorian architect William J. Barre, the hall was built to elevate Belfast鈥檚 artistic profile. Over a century and a half later, it remains a Grade A-listed jewel鈥攆ondly known as the "Grand Dame of Bedford Street"鈥攚ith a beautifully restored red-brick fa莽ade, ornate columns, and an intricate iron-and-glass canopy that draws the eye of every visitor.

Walking through its doors, tourists encounter an interior rich in historic grandeur. The majestic Mulholland Grand Organ鈥攁 fine Victorian instrument donated in the 1860s鈥攕till commands attention from the stage. Along the walls, a series of atmospheric paintings by Joseph Carey depict the growing city's 19th-century landscape, adding a storytelling dimension to the space. A major refurbishment, completed in 2009, enhanced sightlines, reintroduced glazed windows, doubled capacity with a flexible ground-floor seating layout, and added modern amenities鈥攁ll while preserving the hall鈥檚 classical charm.

Ulster Hall鈥檚 reputation is built on the legendary moments it has hosted. During World War II, it served as a dance hall beloved by American troops, later becoming Northern Ireland鈥檚 premier boxing venue, and from the 1960s onward, a spiritual home for rock music. Its stage has welcomed luminaries ranging from Charles Dickens and James Joyce to music icons like Led Zeppelin鈥攚ho debuted 鈥淪tairway to Heaven鈥� here in 1971鈥攁nd contemporary stars like U2, Coldplay, Muse, and the Ulster Orchestra. Today, its calendar is a vibrant mix of live concerts, comedy nights, classical recitals, and even sporting events鈥攁 highlight of any visitor鈥檚 cultural itinerary.

With free entry to admire its artistry and guided tour options for deeper insight, this venue remains a captivating bridge between the city鈥檚 storied past and its exciting artistic present.

Saint George's Market is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast. It was built in three phases between 1890 and 1896. Before 1890, Saint George's Market was an open market and most likely contained a slaughterhouse and a meat market.

The original (pre 1890) market was smaller than the new structure. It was built in red brick with sandstone dressing. Externally it features Roman styled arches with Latin and Irish inscriptions - the City鈥檚 Latin motto "what shall we give in return for so much?" and the Irish phrase "Red Hand of Ireland".

The main entrance arch displays the Belfast Coat of Arms. This newly covered market opened to the public on 20 June 1890. By the 1980s, Saint George鈥檚 Market had developed into a general market and it became the last of Belfast鈥檚 thriving Victorian markets.

Today Saint George鈥檚 Market is primarily used as a food market, however a number of other events are held at the site. These range from food festivals, art initiatives, exhibitions, charity launches, fashion shoots and live music events. The market also regularly holds music concerts. Acts including Duffy, Newton Faulkner, Deep Purple, Biffy Clyro and Mark Ronson have played the venue.