Belfast City Hall, Belfast : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Belfast City Hall is a magnificent civic and public space located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Built between 1898 and 1906, this grand structure is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a major tourist attraction. From its impressive dome to its sculpted figures, Belfast City Hall is a stunning example of Edwardian baroque design. Most visitors explore the building’s exterior as an introduction to Belfast, taking in the remarkable attention to detail present in the statues, stonework, and carvings decorating the façade. Yet the interior is just as impressive, and houses a variety of galleries, a museum, and of course the beautiful Great Hall – all of which are open to the public on a daily basis.

This blog post will highlight the interesting facts and information about Belfast City Hall, offer a comprehensive travel guide, and more. So whether you’re a long-time resident of Northern Ireland’s capital city or just a visitor passing through, read on to explore the wonder and history of this grand monument.

Interesting Facts About Belfast City Hall, Belfast

1. Belfast City Hall was the first City Hall to be lit up by electricity, using Thomas Edison’s lightbulb in 1882.

2. It was also the first building in the United Kingdom to have an electric lift.

3. The interior of Belfast City Hall is decorated with over two tons of Italian marble.

4. Belfast City Hall is home to the longest continuously used city seal in the United Kingdom.

5. The clock tower of the City Hall stands 86 feet above the city, and is known locally as ‘Big Ben’, although it has been renamed ‘Invicta’ in honour of Belfast’s veteran citizens.

6. The building was awarded a Grade I listed building status in 1975 because of its historical and architectural importance.

7. Busts of previous Lord Mayors of Belfast, including the first Lord Mayor, Sir Crawford McCullagh, are displayed in the building’s Great Hall.

8. Belfast City Hall was also the site of the signing of the historic Belfast Agreement in 1998.

• Bath Abbey, Bath : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Belfast City Hall, Belfast

Belfast City Hall is the civic building in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Located in the city centre, it faces onto Donegall Square. It was opened in 1906 to replace an older City Hall destroyed by fire at the end of the 19th century. It is a Grade A listed building and is the largest creation in Edwardian Baroque style architecture in the United Kingdom.

The building is built of Portland stone and was designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas (1868–1955) in an Edwardian Baroque style replete with six sculptures of historical characters as well as prominent figures in the industrial and maritime history of Belfast. The surrounding area was landscaped by Sir Charles Lanyon, who also designed Queen’s University of Belfast.

The City Hall displays two works of art by Belfast sculptor F. W. Pomeroy. The two works are “The Vestal” on the Great Staircase, and ‘Commerce and Industry’. On the walls of the Great Hall hang portraits of the four former Lord Mayors of Belfast: Sir Robert Joe McConnell, Sir Robert Wylie OBE, Sir Robert Hamilton and Sir Crawford McCullagh, all of whom were Lord Mayors of Belfast during the First World War.

The City Hall also plays host to a variety of musical and theatrical events, as well as exhibitions and conferences. Just outside the entrance to the City Hall is the Ballymoney-plated Cenotaph, which stands as a monument to those who sacrificed their lives in the First World War, and all conflicts since. The City Hall also has a grand ballroom, which is used for social functions like dances, weddings and banquets.

• Lesser-Known Facts About England

Travel Guide For Visiting Belfast City Hall, Belfast

Belfast City Hall is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. It stands proudly in the heart of Belfast’s business district, just off Donegall Square. The City Hall was constructed between 1898-1906 in Edwardian Baroque style and is one of the greatest expressions of the city’s Victorian and Edwardian urban renewal program. You can experience the grandeur of this wonderful building up close by taking a tour.

Getting to Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is located in the heart of Belfast’s business district. The closest bus stop to the City Hall is Donegall Square West which is served by numerous bus routes. There is also a taxi rank nearby.

Tours and Entry

Individuals can visit Belfast City Hall for free. Tours are available for groups of visitors who wish to learn more about this iconic building. Tours must be booked in advance at a cost of £4 per person and last one hour. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 30 people.

The grounds of the City Hall are open to the public Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. There is also a selection of souvenirs, food and drinks on sale in the Cluan Centre located near the entrance.

What to See

The interior of the Belfast City Hall is a wonderful sight to behold. The central hall is especially impressive, with vast columns, intricate copper terracotta and mosaics, luxurious carpets, mirrored walls and stained glass windows depicting scenes from Belfast’s history. There is also a small museum inside the City Hall which features a variety of exhibits that document the history of the building. From the City Hall there are also wonderful views of the River Lagan and surrounding Belfast.

Additional Information

Belfast City Hall is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Entry to the grounds is free for individuals although there is a small fee for taking a tour. All visitor information is also available in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. Visitors should also take care when travelling to and from the City Hall, as there are often large crowds of people in the area that can be intimidating.

• Most Beautiful Cities in England

Frequently Asked Questions About Belfast City Hall, Belfast

Q. What is Belfast City Hall?

A. Belfast City Hall is a civic building originally built in 1906 that is located in the city center of Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the seat of Belfast City Council and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Q. How do I get to Belfast City Hall?
Donegall Square West in Belfast City Centre is the nearest bus stop to Belfast City Hall – all other transport links are within easy walking distance.

Q. What is the history of Belfast City Hall?

A. Belfast City Hall was built in 1906 to celebrate the centenary of the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland. The building was designed by Sir Arnold Thornely and is noted for its beautiful Edwardian baroque style architecture. The City Hall has become a symbol of Belfast and the building has become one of the most visited attractions in the city.

• Lesser-Known Facts About England