Planning a visit to Northern Ireland? Make sure to include City Hall in Belfast in your checklist for an enriching experience.
Belfast city hall is an architectural delight and a pure treasure for history lovers. It is located in Donegall Square in Northern Ireland. It is not only a civic building but also a place with immense cultural significance.
All You Need to Know About City Hall in Belfast
City halls are civic bodies where bureaucratic business is conducted. However, they are not just sites of city administration but also hold significant opportunities for recreation and festivities.
Similarly, Belfast City Hall houses the Belfast city council which serves the residents of the City.
So if you are planning a visit to the Belfast City Hall then tune into this article for a detailed guide to the place.
1. History of the City Hall in Belfast
Belfast City Hall is a civic building of the Belfast Civil Council. It stands as a symbol of Belfast’s rapid expansion and transition into a developed city.
Queen Victoria commissioned the city hall in 1888 when Belfast was awarded the status of a city.
This landmark structure was first opened in August 1906 and is more than a century old. The location where the city hall stands today was once home to White linen hall (an important international linen exchange).
2. Architectural Features of City Hall in Belfast
This iconic structure is the creation of Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas and depicts a Baroque Revival Architectural form. It is undoubtedly an architectural marvel.
2.1. Exterior of the Structure
The structure is adorned with a green copper dome with walls made of Portland stone. Exquisite lawns and gardens encircle the magnificent city hall. The freshly mowed beautiful lawns are an ideal place for both relaxation and recreation.
In fact, you can plan a family picnic day on a sunny day at these gardens.
A majestic statue of Queen Victoria stands right at the front of the city hall. It is indeed a piece of artistic marvel.
The city hall also features memorials erected in remembrance of events and associated people. The memorials at Belfast city hall are-
Cenotaph Memorial – Erected in memory of the people who died in the First World War.
Titanic Memorial Gardens– Erected in memory of people who became victims of the Titanic disaster of 1912.
Other memorials include the Lord Dufferin Memorial and Korean War Memorial.
2.2 Interior of the Structure
The interiors are no less than a museum on its own. The stained glass windows which are a major tourist attraction adorn the entire building.
The intricate detailing in the windows has its own tale to tell. The windows are a reminder of the tales of the Belfast City.
Brescia and Carrera marble are used in enriching the interior of the building. Once you enter the building you will find an entrance hall embellished with intricate carvings, arches and pillars.
The ceiling is even more magnificent with a double dome structure. A massive chandelier adorns the dome and lights up the entrance hall, exuding radiance and glory.
The grand staircase inside the building is also an artistic opulence and leads to a banqueting hall and Great Hall. The Great Hall is witness to all the major community events in the course of the history of Belfast City. All major events are hosted in this hall.
3. Engaging in Activities at City Hall in Belfast
This landmark structure is a major tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. It offers a plethora of recreational activities that will make your visit to this place a success.
3.1 Opt for a Guided Tour Service
Opt for a guided tour at the Belfast City Hall. The good news is that the tours are completely free and are subject to a first-come first-served policy.
Furthermore, the tour is completely inclusive and accessible to visitors with disabilities.
The free public tours will surely provide you with an extraordinary insight into the history of the building the past of Belfast and the contribution of various individuals.
Click here for more details on tour service.
3.2 Attend the City Hall Visitor Exhibition
The visitor exhibition is a window to peek into the transition of Belfast from a quiet village to a vibrant city.
The exhibition covers 16 rooms and is segregated into six themed zones, all providing an insight into the development of the city.
Make sure to buy a commemorative booklet to get better acquainted with exhibition items. You can also opt for an audio tour to absorb more information about the exhibition.
The exhibition comes to an end with two rooms which celebrate the achievement of the citizens of Belfast in the field of science, technology, arts, sports etc.
You can book the exhibition both online and offline. For walk-in bookings, you need to approach the reception room of the city hall.
Click here for more details on the Visitor exhibition.
3.3.Stop By the Bobbin Coffee Shop
No trip is complete without some refreshments. Bobbin coffee shop serves both sweet and savoury options and is set right inside the premises of Belfast City Hall.
The place caters to your snack cravings as well provides both breakfast and lunch choices.
3.4. Take Home a Momento From the Gift Shop
You will find a Gift Shop inside the Belfast City Hall, in the East Wing Corridor. Isn’t it cool? Indeed it is.
It is a great place for you to take home some momento from the place. The shop has an array of gift options right from stationery items to mugs and whatnot!
3.5 Enjoy the Christmas Market in the City Hall in Belfast
Visit this place around mid-November and you will find a vibrant Christmas market on the Belfast City Hall grounds. The market is draped with stalls serving food and drinks, and shops selling gifts.
You need not worry about your kids too because amusing stuff like a snow slide, Santa train and helter-skelter will certainly keep the kids engaged.
The collective joy of enjoying the festival in one of the finest buildings in Belfast will surely be unparalleled.
3.6 Host Functions at City Hall in Belfast
If you wish to take your wedding vows in the most majestic building of Belfast, then Bingo! The city hall lets you host wedding ceremonies.
Not only wedding ceremonies but the city hall also lets you organize civil partnerships.
You can hire the required venue according to your need. The venues which the city hall currently offers include
The Reception room, The banqueting hall, and the Great Hall. Do keep in mind that the events are subject to various approvals and only limited functions are allowed.
3.7. Visit Nearby Destinations Around Belfast City Hall
You can find a plethora of places to visit in and around Belfast City Hall. The city hall is located at the heart of the Belfast City Centre and hence enjoys proximity to nearby markets.
Linen Hall Street sits right at the backside of the Belfast City Hall. The street is a major attraction with an array of cafes, hotels, restaurants and whatnot!
The lively St George’s Market is just a 7-minute walk away from the city hall. If you are a shopaholic then don’t forget to check out Victoria Square which is at a distance of 0.8 kilometres from the city hall.
Another major place worth visiting is the Grand Opera House which is an art theatre and a one-stop centre for all kinds of performances.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the guide tours at Belfast City Hall free?
Yes, the tours are free. However one can donate for the development of the service.
2. What is the significance of Belfast City Hall?
It is a government building of the Belfast city council where council meetings are held.
3. Can we organize events at Belfast City Hall?
Yes, one can host events at the city hall. To clarify, the events are subject to various approvals and should follow the criteria for allowed functions.
4. Can one go inside Belfast City Hall?
Yes, one can visit the interior of the main structure, with or without guided public tours.
5. Is the City Hall at Durban an exact replica of Belfast’s City Hall?
Yes, Durban City Hall is inspired by Belfast City Hall. In fact, The Port of Liverpool Building is another close relative.
Conclusion
In summary, the landmark City Hall in Belfast is certainly a feast for the eyes. The structure exudes royalty.
The city hall houses the Council Chamber of the Lord Mayor and thus holds political significance. It serves as a window to the history of Belfast City.
It is a symbol of the collective pride and shared history of the people of Belfast.
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Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
