Belfast - The Surprising Modern Capital of Northern Ireland

Even fifteen years ago, people would probably have seen a trip to Belfast in a similar light to a trip to any other war zone in the world, and in truth, the various factions in the city did little to encourage visitors thanks to the frequent bombings, the watch towers that dominated the city skyline, and the graffiti that covered almost any vertical surface where it might be read.

These days, the troubles are more or less over in central Belfast, although areas of the Shankhill Road and Falls Road are still best avoided as they can still be fairly rough. Modern buildings have replaced older structures and the elegant buildings of the city center have been cleaned up and restored to their former glory. Along the river front, bars have opened, and instead of boards covering windows, modern Belfast has floor to ceiling glass windows everywhere -- a sign of the new confidence that is felt in the city.

Modern Belfast has done so much to shake off the past that it has become a rival to Dublin for people looking for a little bit of Irish charm, and thanks to the excellent nightlife in the city, coupled with the fact that no passport is needed to visit the city if you are flying from the United Kingdom mainland.

Aside from the startlingly good nightlife that is offered in the city center, there are a number of interesting attractions close to the old Haarland and Wolf Shipyards where the Titanic was laid down. One of the most interesting of these attractions is the maritime museum. Aside from a lot of artifacts from the ill-fated Titanic, there are also a number of exhibits showing the importance of the sea to the development of Belfast as a city, and how the city was once one of the largest and wealthiest ports in the world.

Within easy reach of Belfast itself, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland. The northern coast of the island is dominated by volcanic geology including the famous Giant's Causeway, which is one of the most incredible sights in the world, and something that people travel from all over the world to see. In addition to this, the towns of Londonderry and Enniskillen offer plenty of chances to see the people of the region at their most welcoming and friendly.