Belfast

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. It is the second largest on the island of Ireland. On the River Lagan, In 2005 it had a population of 333,871. In 1888, Belfast was granted the status of a city.

Belfast was the main trading point of tobacco-processing, Irish linen, shipbuilding industries and rope-making in 20th century. Harland and Wolff, made the historic ship named as RMS Titanic. It was the world's biggest and most productive shipyard

Today, Belfast is still a centre for industry, as well as the higher education, arts, business, and law, and is the financial engine of Northern Ireland. Belfast suffered during the Troubles but lately has undergone a sustained period of calm, free from the powerful political violence of former years, and substantial economic and commercial growth.

Origins                                                           

Since the Bronze Age, the site of Belfast has been fully occupied. The Giant's Ring, a 5,000-year-old henge, is situated near the city, and the leftovers of Iron Age hill forts can still be seen in the nearby hills. During the Middle ages, Belfast continued to be a small settlement of less importance. John de Courcy constructed a castle on what is now known as Castle Street in the city centre in the 12th century. This was on a smaller scale and not as strategically significant as Carrickfergus Castle to the north. Carrickfergus Castle  was constructed by de Courcy in 1177. The O'Neill clan had a presence in the area.