Image credit: Holly Barber
Walk Details
Although the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast isn’t the largest city in the country. It’s a great city for walking around – on most street corners you’ll find maps highlighting points of interest in that particular area. This walk takes you past some of the highlights of the city.
We’re starting at the Titanic Experience – it’s somewhere all visitors to the city should do. If you visit before 10am you can benefit from an early bird rate (£5 cheaper than usual) plus you miss the coach loads of tourists that descend later on. The museum takes you through the story of Titanic – from the Harland and Wolff Shipyard (where you’re starting from) through to the maiden voyage and the tragedy of her sinking after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic.
Included in your ticket price is the SS Nomadic – the last remaining White Star Liner. She’s the much smaller sister to Titanic and is moored in dry dock alongside the river.
Behind us, towards the south, are the towering cranes bearing the initials of H&W – Harland and Wolff. These two are known as Samson and Goliath due to their size. As we look the other way, across the river, we see the summits of Cave Hill, Wolf Hill and Squires Hill to the north, giving the feeling of being surrounded by nature whilst still in a thriving city.
When you’re ready we’re heading west along the banks of the River Lagan, passing the Soundyard (an audible sculpture that gives an essence of the soundscape of this area in years gone by), under the road bridge and along to the footbridge that we take across to the opposite side of the river. Here we find Bigfish – a 32ft printed ceramic mosaic sculpture that was constructed in 1999. It signifies the regeneration of the River Lagan. Look closely at the tiles – they tell the story of the city.
From the fish we’re heading inland towards the Albert Clock Tower – Belfast’s answer to the leaning tower of Pisa! It was built in 1865 on wooden piles on reclaimed land – hence the now characteristic list! Crossing the road in front of the tower, we’re heading up High Street, turning right onto Bridge Street, then left onto Waring Street before a quick right onto Donegal Street.
If you’re feeling peckish – grab yourself a treat from Bakari (the almond pain au chocolats are amazing!). Just past here we come to St Anne’s Cathedral – which is also known as Belfast Cathedral. You may wish to step inside for a moment of contemplation, or sit for a moment in Buoy Park just the otherside.
At the crossroads we turn left along Royal Avenue and follow it through the shopping district, as it becomes Donegal Place and brings us out immediately in front of Belfast City Hall, perhaps one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Here you can sit for a while in the gardens or take a self guided tour of the stained glass window collection, memorials and monuments in the grounds using the City Hall App.
From here we’re heading back into the shopping district once more, along Arthur Street until we get to a crossroads of pedestrian thoroughfares. Here we find the Spirit of Belfast – a public art sculpture by Dan George that was unveiled in 2009. This is a popular spot for buskers – some incredibly talented, some incredibly enthusiastic. We’re turning right here, along Ann Street. To our right is the Victoria Square shopping centre where you can go up into the dome for amazing views if you wish.
We keep going along Ann Street, crossing the main road of Victoria Street, until we reach the river. To our right is the Beacon of Hope in Thanksgiving Square. The female figure represents multiple allegorical themes related to hope and aspiration, peace and reconciliation and is based on both classical and celtic mythology. Standing on a globe, she signifies a united approach to life on earth, encompassing oneness whilst celebrating diversity.
This is where our walk ends. From here you can either take a stroll further along the banks of the River, head back into the city or find a local bar to enjoy some local cuisine, live music and of course the craic.
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