Belfast's history can be traced back as far as the Bronze Age: a 5,000-year-old stone circle, the Giant's Ring, stands nearby and the remains of Iron Age hill forts can still be seen in the surrounding hills. Its lough proved a safe haven for seafarers throughout the century, but Belfast did not become a substantial settlement until 1609 when King James granted Sir Arthur Chichester land in Ulster. Sir Arthur developed the waterfront and a small town became a bustling seaport.

BELFAST SHIPBUILDING

As trade increased and shipbuilding became a flourishing industry the town grew in size and stature.The waterfront remained the heart of the city and before the 20th century was born, the wealth and industry it generated saw Belfast transformed from a small town to a mighty city. The Harland and Wolff shipyard, established in 1862, built ever more luxurious and larger ships, so that by 1912 when RMS Titanic was launched it had become the greatest shipbuilder in the world and Belfast one of the world’s most important ports.

BELFAST CITY

By 1800 the population of Belfast had swelled to 20,000 and the leading citizens declared their town to be 'the modern Athens'. Their civic pride was demonstrated in the construction of one magnificent building after another and today their great architectural legacy - the wonderful Custom House, where the great Anthony Trollope kept an office, the Grand Opera House, the recently renovated Ulster Hall as well as Queen's University - merges beautifully with the more contemporary Belfast Waterfront Hall and Odyssey Arena.

City Hall was built to celebrate Belfast's city status, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888, and its great dome, superb Portland stone façade and lavish marble halls symbolised the city's readiness to meet the 20th century. Belfast was made the capital of Northern Ireland in 1921 and today is a thriving city, centre for industry, as well as the arts, higher education and business, and is the economic engine of Northern Ireland.

The city has latterly undergone a sustained period of substantial economic and commercial growth. Belfast city centre has undergone considerable expansion and regeneration in recent years, notably around Victoria Square.

As Northern Ireland's capital city, Belfast is now the location of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, the site of the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland.