Since opening its doors on 23 December 1895, the Grand Opera House has delivered an unrivalled programme of entertainment, playing host to some of the greatest names in theatre and music. Designed by the prolific theatrical architect Frank Matcham, the theatre was a huge success from the outset, hosting a vibrant programme of opera, drama, pantomime, or the latest London comedy or musical. Northern Ireland’s premier theatre boasts a wide array of popular shows and additional facilities and services such as a restaurant, café bar and venue hire for corporate hospitality, functions & events. Extended in 2006, the original façade has been joined by a striking addition to Belfast’s skyline, home to a smaller performance space,
Category: Attractions
Custom House Square
The chiselled heads of Neptune, Britannia and Mercury gaze down from this stately 1850’s Italianite building whose sweeping steps have long been a platform for protests and speeches galvanising the working man. Look out for the bronze sculpture of a Speaker representing this oratorical past. Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope used to work here, and is commemorated with a Blue Plaque. The pedestrianised Square provides a sparkly space for Sk8er Bois, science toys, illuminated fountains tracing the reclaimed River Farset, Belfast’s oldest drinking fountain for horses and the occasional al fresco event.
Belfast Waterfront
Belfast Waterfront is an award-winning, purpose-built conference, arts and entertainment centre offering a variety of facilities including:
Main Auditorium
Studio
14 meeting rooms
gallery space
gift shop
restaurant
two bars.
As well as hosting events, Belfast Waterfront serve local residents and provide community groups with access to their world-class facilities. For details of up and coming events follow the link below:
http://www.waterfront.co.uk/whatson/
Belfast City Hall
A magnificent sight, especially when viewed from Royal Avenue, this imposing Portland stone and copper-domed building was completed in 1906 as a symbol of Belfast’s new city status. Queen Victoria stands at the front, and the grounds are dotted with many more statues and monuments, details of which can be found on a large map at the gates. In 1995 the building provided a dramatic backdrop when President Clinton switched on the city’s Christmas lights. A recent £11m refurbishment programme has seen the old girl spruced up and ready, once again, to receive visitors. Check out The Bobbin cafe, whose name reflects Belfast’s linen-making past, and No Mean City exhibition. And take a free 45min guided tour for a behind the scenes glimpse at this iconic building.
Albert Clock
Belfast’s most prominent timepiece was built from 1865-1870 in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who died in 1862. The 43m-high landmark is famous as Belfast’s very own leaning tower. Like many structures in the city, it was built on reclaimed land on the River Farset’s somewhat squishy foundations and the clock tower currently leans 1.25m to the left. A two-year £multi-million restoration project saw craftsmen working ’round the clock’ to spruce up its sandstone, polish its two tonne bell and add gold leaf to its four faces. The area around the clock was once the stomping ground for ladies of the night ‘servicing’ visiting sailors.
