Destination Focus: Belfast for Meetings and Events

Destination Belfast

Why choose Belfast for meetings and events? The capital city of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant and dynamic destination, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled on the banks of the River Lagan, Belfast is a city that has transformed dramatically over the years, emerging as a major cultural and economic hub in the United Kingdom.

FUN FACT: The River Lagan is crossed by over 20 bridges, with the Lagan Weir regulating the river’s flow and creating a navigable waterway.

History and Culture

Belfast has an exciting past that dates back to the early 17th century. It played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a global centre for linen production, shipbuilding, and trade. The city is famously known as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, built in the Harland and Wolff shipyard.

Today, Belfast is a city of contrasts, where Victorian architecture meets modern innovation. The Troubles, a period of conflict from the late 1960s to 1998, left a significant mark on the city, but Belfast has since become a symbol of peace and resilience.

Must-See Attractions

You may already be familiar with Belfast’s most famous attraction, the Titanic Belfast. This award-winning visitor attraction tells the story of the Titanic, from its conception in Belfast to its tragic maiden voyage. Located in the Titanic Quarter, the museum’s interactive exhibits and full-scale reconstructions make it a must-visit.

FUN FACT: The city’s Harland and Wolff shipyard has two massive cranes, Samson, and Goliath, which are prominent landmarks on the skyline.

Another great attraction is City Hall. An iconic symbol of Belfast, the City Hall is an architectural masterpiece located in Donegall Square. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building’s history and the city’s governance.

For some serenity, visit the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum. Located in the Queen’s Quarter, the Botanic Gardens are a lush retreat in the city, home to exotic plants and the stunning Palm House. The nearby Ulster Museum highlights everything from art to natural history and a section on the Troubles.

Finally, visitors who enjoy gruesome and brutal storytelling can visit Crumlin Road Gaol. This 19th-century prison offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into Belfast’s restless history. Visitors can explore the cells, tunnels, and execution chamber (eek).

Culture and Entertainment

Belfast’s cultural scene is thriving, with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues. The city is known for its vibrant arts community and hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Belfast Film Festival and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is Northern Ireland’s only full-time producing theatre, displaying a mix of classic plays and innovative writing. It is the winner of ‘UK Theatre of the Year’ 2023, making it the perfect place to watch an entertaining show on an evening.

Belfast City has launched a ten-year cultural strategy, A City Imagining, to help meet the Belfast Agenda vision for 2035, which imagines a culturally vibrant city. Belfast will be bidding to become a designated UNESCO City of Music

The city is preparing to open our new cultural attraction in 2028, the Belfast Destination Hub, which will share the “Belfast Story” with the world.

Getting There and Around

Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the main airport, located about thirteen miles northwest of the city centre. It offers flights to various UK cities, Europe, and North America. George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), closer to the city centre, primarily serves domestic and short-haul European flights.

Transportation within Belfast is convenient, with an extensive network of buses, black taxis, and trains. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore the central areas on foot.

Belfast for Meeting and Events – Venues

From hotels to the city’s purpose-built conference centre, there are plenty of options in Belfast for meetings and events. In 2018 Belfast won ‘Best Events Destination’ due to its fantastic infrastructure that suits the industry so well.

Belfast’s purpose-built conference centre, ICC Belfast won the ‘Best Events Venue’ at the C&IT Awards, and it is not hard to see why. The venue has 7,000m² of flexible, inclusive, and accessible space with a plethora of event spaces to suit any event from meetings to large conferences.

The 2,000-seat Main Auditorium is the perfect stage for a conference opening address or keynote speaker sessions. The seating blocks can be sectioned off so whether it is a conference for 400 or 2,000, every delegate has an uninterrupted stage view.

Find your next venue in Belfast for meetings and events, here!