Historic and Cultural

Crumlin Road Jail

Opened in 1845 Crumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast's most distinctive landmark buildings. Comprising of four wings fanning out from a central circle area the Grade A listed building is part of the social fabric of the city. Designed by celebrated architect Sir Charles Lanyon, the Gaol was based on Pentonville Prison in London. Stories of child prisoners, the incarceration of suffragettes and executions carried out at the Gaol will fascinate and interest visitors taking the tour.

For more information on tours in 2009 contact
Belfast Welcome Centre
47 Donegall Place,
Belfast
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 6609
Email: welcomecentre@belfastvisitor.com

Belfast Castle

The familiar landmark of Belfast Castle, overlooks the city from a prominent site 400 feet above sea level on the slopes of Cave Hill. This magnificent sandstone building, recently restored by Belfast City Council's Parks Department, has close associations with the city's history.

Click here to visit the castle's website

Harbour Commissioners Office

The headquarters of the Port of Belfast is the Harbour Office in Corporation Square, an imposing sandstone building, built in two sections during the 19th century. Today the building not only provides office accommodation for port management but is also regularly used as a venue for prestigious events. It has a wonderful collection of ornate art work and is home to the magnificent captains table and chairs designed for the Titanic, but which were delivered just too late!

Click here to find out more about the history of the building

Clifton House

Clifton House is a charming and atmospheric 18th century building set in tranquil grounds right in the heart of Belfast. One of Belfast's most historic buildings, Clifton House was completed in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society as a base for their work with the poor and needy.

Click here for information on tours

The Mills

For an insight into Belfast's contribution to the British Industrial Revolution, the last few standing mills in the city are invaluable to the visitor.

Linen production swept through the city between 1850-1870, and by 1861, thirty two mills had been built. Only a few remain standing today, and two of these, Brookfield and Edenderry Mills - can be found on The Crumlin Road.

A further example of Belfast's historic mills, Jennymount Mill designed by John Lanyon, can be found just off York Road in North Belfast. It encompasses an impressive group of buildings now being regenerated for use as offices and corporate spaces.

Mc Cracken's Cultural Society

The McCracken Cultural Society was set up in the New Lodge area of the Antrim Road in the year 2000 with the broads aims to promote the Irish language, history, music, drama and dance irrespective of creed, class, background or ability.

The McCracken Cultural Society organises a wide range of events throughout the ear. Amongst the main attractions are weekly Irish language classes at every level, social events throughout the year, a week long summer school, events during the Irish language week in March, intensive language courses in the autumn and the Gold and Silver Fáinne programme.

Click here for more information

Murals

The first murals appeared in Belfast in 1908 and became a feature of many working class unionist communities in the city. Generally they depicted aspects of Ulster and Orange History. During the Troubles, murals also started to appear in Nationalist communities and across the city murals became more paramilitary. With the end of the violence, there has been a trend to return to the traditional murals and paramilitary murals are being replaced with cultural and historical themes.

For a deeper insight into the murals why not take a guided Mural Tour provided by a number of the tour guides in the city. See the tour guide section of this site.

Blue Plaque Sites

Blue Plaque Sites are used by heritage societies and groups throughout the UK to honour people who have made a significant contribution to their country, community, profession or calling. Download the map which will help you identify the location of each plaque.

For more information click here