"As a post-conflict piece the focus is on what draws us together rather than pulling us apart."
The Holyhead Ferry is a 2 hour (or 3 hour) ferry ride from Holyhead in Wales to Dublin. There are two lines that run this route the Stena line which are photographed here. There is also the Irish Ferries which operate the same route, you can take a 360 degree tour of their ship here.
The Victoria Shopping Centre opened in 2008. This commercial/residential/leisure development brought major shopping and food brands to Northern Ireland for the
first time (Urban Outfitters, Starbucks, Apple).
Balmoral is a three day Festival occurring in mid-May which features diverse events ranging from sheep-shearing to dancing dogs. Neighborhood events include parades (featuring marching bands) and fireworks. In recent times this has become an alcohol-free “family” event. Here's a great video of the Balmoral Review which includes bands marching.
Mounpottinger Street runs through Belfast- the home to the 100 year old police barracks (pictured here and still stands today).
Albert Clock tower is located in Queen’s Square that is one of the most well-known landmarks of Belfast.
Corn Market is a street lined with shops. Many were once British and are now closing down, home to the occasional street preacher and performer. In the center there was once a band stand (perhaps why Joan reacts to the sound of brass). The new sculpture pictured is called the Spirit of Belfast and has been described by NY sculptor, Dan George: "It really has the spirit of modern Belfast, its openness and sturdiness of spirit and energy. Everyone will see it in a different way, and really the viewer is the creator of the sculpture itself." Read the 2009 article about Corn Market and how it’s spirit is lost forever here.
Castle Court is a shopping centre on Royal Avenue in Belfast. The centre was bombed five times during its construction, four times after it opened, and suffered incendiary bomb attacks. It is now the third largest shopping complex in Northern Ireland after the construction of the new Victoria Square shopping centre.
Cave Hill overlooks the city of Belfast. All of Belfast can be seen from its peak. It is thought to be an inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels as Cave Hill resembled a sleeping giant safeguarding the city.
The Lagan Towpath takes the walker along the river and canal system through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland from Belfast to Lisburn. There are many parks to stop in along the way. There’s other pictures available here.
