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Belfast
Notorious since the late '60s because of the deadly conflict between Catholics (IRA and its political wing Sinn Fein), pro-independence by linking to Eire (Ireland), and Protestant (Orangemen and loyalists), partisans of Great Britain, Belfast seems to have found calm little by little since the approval of the peace process. It is still difficult to discuss one's religious views directly as the past remains heavy.
I had a short one day stay in Belfast as I was heading for the Giant's Causeway.
City hall
This is one of the main buildings of the city. It was built in 1906.
Clock tower
This clock tower, "the Albert Memorial Clock Tower ", is a memorial to Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. But Prince Albert had no particular link with Ireland.
St. Anne's cathedral
This is a protestant cathedral from the early 20th century. Inside, there are beautiful mosaics but unfortunatly I came there after opening hours and couldn't have a look at it...
Murals
The murals can be find in Catholic district (Falls Road) as well as Protestant district (Shankill Road) where they describe the episodes and historical figures of the confrontations. Other murals show general political positions : against United States policy, against racism...
A mural pays tribute to taxis which have played an important role during the war by providing the only means of transportation between neighborhoods. Today taxis offer a tour of the murals although the murals are still painful witnesses of the past.
More visits
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Ulster museum
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Botanical gardens
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The parliament at Stormont