Category: Belfast’s Quarters

Recent political history dominates West Belfast and the Gaeltacht Quarter, and many oversea visitors are amazed at how close the Nationalist Falls and Unionist Shankill Roads are – a walk along connecting Lanark Way takes you to the Peace Wall. This West Belfast Map takes you on a journey along the main sights in and around the Falls Road: Until 2005 the top two floors of Divis Tower (1) were used for surveillance by the British Army. Coiste Political Tours leave from its base Mon-Sat 11am and Sun 2pm. St. Peter’s Cathedral (2) was built in the Gothic Revival style and its twin spires can be seen across the city.

The International Wall (3) is a constantly changing tableau of global conflicts and issues with particular support among the community. Falls Remembrance Garden (4) commemorates those who have died or been imprisoned for political reasons as far back as 1921. Conway Mill (5) is a 19th century linen mill and listed building now used as a community and arts hub. A cafe, craft shops and Irish Republican History Museum are located inside. The famous Bobby Sands Mural (6) is on the side of the Sinn Fein offices. Clonard Monastery (7) boasts magnificent mosaics and a 6m-wide stained-glass rose window. It is home to the Catholic order of Redemptorists and, in 1994, staged secret talks leading to the IRA cessation. An Cultúrlann (9) contains a theatre, gallery, restaurant and shop across its three
floors. Visit its Tourist Information Office for lots more information on accommodation, attractions, tours and events including August’s West Belfast Festival (Féile an Phobail).
At 37.5m high, Rise (10) is Belfast’s largest public art sculpture and know locally as the Balls on the Falls. The James Connolly Plaque (11) marks this famous Irish Nationalist and 1916 Easter Rising hero’s former home. Cross-denominational City Cemetery (12) has many industrial, religious and political leaders among its 250,000 graves, and a sunken wall divides Protestant and Catholic plots. Bog Meadows Nature Reserve (13) and Falls Park (14), with its playground and Playing Fields, are among the Quarter’s finest green spaces. Milltown Cemetery (15) is Belfast’s main Catholic cemetery and contains thousands of graves and memorials. Three of the ten 1981 hunger strikers are buried in its Republican Plot, among them Bobby Sands. Discover lots more local
info at www.visitwestbelfast.com

Fáilte Feirste Thiar – Welcome to West Belfast, Benvenuti a West Belfast, the heart of Ireland’s second city. West Belfast is known throughout the world as a hotbed of political invention and a platform for social progress. The legacy of the recent conflict is a confident community that attracts interest from actors, writers, politicians and an ever-increasing number of tourists from every continent.
Take a taxi tour in one of our famous Black Taxis or a walking tour organised by a political ex-prisoner. There’s lots to see in West Belfast – from the huge range of political murals to the traditional music sessions, from Milltown and City Cemeteries to Clonard Monastery. If you want fresh air, why not take a walk up the Divis and Mountain or through Colin Glen Forest? And if you are looking for a rest afterwards and a bite to eat, you’ll be spoilt for choice in West Belfast. Whether it’s a coffee in Conway Mill or a lunch in the Cultúrlann, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome and good service.
Fáilte Feirste Thiar
Seoladh:
243 Bóthar na bhFál
An Cheathrú Ghaeltachta
Béal Feirste
BT12 6FB
Éire
Guthán:
(028/048) 9024 1100
R-phost:
sean@visitwestbelfast.com
Visit West Belfast
Address:
243 Falls Rd
Belfast,
County Antrim
BT12 6FB
Telephone:
(028/048) 9024 1100
Email:
sean@visitwestbelfast.com

Designed by Charles Lanyon and opened in 1849, this gothic masterpiece is said to be based on Oxford University’s Magdalen College. It is regarded as one of the best universities in the British Isles and its Chancellor, former US Senator George Mitchell, was a major architect of the Good Friday Agreement. Famous alumni include President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney and scientist Lord Kelvin whose statue is in nearby Botanic Gardens. George Best received an Honorary Doctorate from Queen’s in 2001. Pick up the free, informative walking tour leaflet at the Queen’s Welcome Centre where you can also buy a range of Irish and QUB-branded souvenirs. Guided tours can also be arranged in advance.

Founded in 1788, Belfast’s oldest library is a focal point for the city’s cultural community. Join the saints and scholars as they leaf through the books or simply enjoy those fantastic views across the City Hall. If you’re into the history of the Troubles, seek out its unrivalled Northern Ireland Political Collection of books, posters, leaflets and propaganda. A gift shop, cafe, tours, readings and lectures all add to the library’s effortless charm.