Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland, as well as the second largest city on the island of Ireland. It is the seat of devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly.The city forms part of the largest urban area in Northern Ireland, and the main settlement in the province of Ulster. The city of Belfast has a population of 267,900 and lies at the heart of the Belfast urban area, which has a population of 483,418. Belfast was granted city status in 1888.

Historically, Belfast has been a centre for the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope-making and shipbuilding: the city's main shipbuilders, Harland and Wolff, which built the famous RMS Titanic, propelled Belfast on to the global stage in the early 20th century as the largest and most productive shipyard in the world. Belfast played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, establishing its place as a global industrial centre until the latter half of the 20th century.

Industrialisation and the inward migration it brought made Belfast, the largest city in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century and the city's industrial and economic success was cited by Ulster unionist opponents of Home Rule as a reason why Ireland should shun devolution and later why Ulster in particular would fight to resist it.

Today, Belfast remains a centre for industry, as well as the arts, higher education and business, a legal centre, and is the economic engine of Northern Ireland. The city suffered greatly during the period of disruption, conflict, and destruction called the Troubles, but latterly has undergone a sustained period of calm, free from the intense political violence of former years, and substantial economic and commercial growth. Belfast city centre has undergone considerable expansion and regeneration in recent years, notably around Victoria Square.

Falls Park is located in west Belfast and is popular with families, children and sports teams. It contains many fine mature trees, beautiful flowers and grassland areas. The park is supported by the Friends of Falls Park group who meet regularly to support the area’s management team and organise park events. The park is also home to the popular Falls Park Playing Fields.

Bangor Abbey is one of the highlights of Bangor's Christian heritage - the oldest remains of the abbey, which is associated with St Columbanus and St Comgall, are at St Malachy’s wall, adjacent to the old gate lodge. The present building dates from the mid 1800s but the tower is 15th century.

Belfast Zoological Gardens is home to more than 140 species of animal, many of which are in danger in their natural habitat. The zoo also carries out important conservation work and takes part in over 90 European and global collaborative breeding programmes which help to ensure the survival of many species under threat. Belfast Zoo is now one of the leading visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, with more than 304,000 visitors a year.

Parliament Buildings is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for Northern Ireland established under the Belfast Agreement 1998, (Good Friday Agreement).Built in 1921 at a cost of nearly £1.7 million, it was designed to house the newly formed Government of Northern Ireland and was officially opened on 16th November 1932 by the then Prince of Wales, on behalf of King George V.

St Georges Market is one of the citys most popular places to visit and dates back to 1604. The present St. George’s Market, built 1890-1896, is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. As well as being home to some of the finest fresh produce, with customers travelling near and far to sample the delights of Friday and Saturday markets, this charming Victorian building offers one of the most vibrant and colourful destinations that Belfast has to offer.

Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House was first established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s. Located near Queens University Belfast, the Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast’s Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists.The Palm House is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast iron glasshouse. Its construction was initiated by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society in the 1830s. The cool wing houses all year round displays of colour and scent using plants such as geranium, fuchsia, begonia and built displays. The stove wing and dome area contain a range of temperate and tropical plants with particular emphasis on species of economic value.