Belfast

At a glance

Belfast was transformed by the Industrial Revolution, and its grand public buildings give it a vigorous, 19th-century feel. Investment in recent years combined with the optimism engendered by the peace process have restaurants, cafes and pubs flourishing with craic to burn.

This compact city boasts a massive arts festival, waterfront artworks and the new Odyssey Complex. Of course, there are still plenty of reminders of the Troubles - feelings run deep. But despite occasional setbacks, there is an atmosphere of determined optimism.

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