Belfast City Hall

A beautiful and impressive building located in the centre of this vibrant and welcoming city. The grounds are a favourite place for local workers to enjoy their lunch in the fine weather. From a previous visit we can thoroughly recommend the exhibition which over sixteen rooms takes you on a journey from past to present, illustrating the city's development with a variety of subjects. I particularly liked the series of vibrant, colourful stained glass windows, which are well worth a few minutes of contemplation.

This is a beautiful building, which currently has exhibitions at which the public can look round at their leisure. There is also a very good cafeteria providing a wide range of good quality foods from local sources, from breakfast right through to afternoon tea. One can also do a free guided tour round the city hall for which booking is advisable.The tour was very informative, and covered the rooms upstairs along with the history of the building. I would consider this a tour not to be missed.

Upon entering the City Hall you will be enthralled by the majestic staircase, marble floors/walls, the incredible dome and stunning chandelier. After you catch your breath, wander down the hallway to your left and right to view the glorious stained glass windows. Each window has a story to tell and you won't want to miss it.

With the guided building tours currently not available, I booked us tickets for the free exhibition as you can then see some of the interior on the way in and out.
But actually the exhibition was well done, telling the story of Belfast’s history as well as some notable figures in its past up to the present day. Being free is a bonus as this is not some rubbish couple of notice boards but a proper museum quality space.
As I mentioned, you then get to see some of the stunning interior architecture of this superb building as well as a few of its beautiful stained glass windows, each with a story to tell. The coffee shop was open when we visited although the gift shop was closed.
A really good way to spend an hour for free!

We walked around the grounds as part of a small walking tour and had a great explanation regarding the history of the site and the building itself. We also saw the statues and the guide explained the story behind each one and their symbolism. Sadly, the City Hall itself was closed due to Covid.

Our hotel was just down road from City Hall so it was a good way finder. The TI was opposite. The tour buses went from close by and there were loads of bars and cafes surrounding the City Hall. We didn’t go inside but it was impressive from all sides

I went to the Christmas Market at City Hall. What immediately struck me was the amount of local stalls obviously sourced through local supply chains. The product lines where of such high quality and the education masses flocking to the market know a quality bargain when they see one . I had the paella which was fantastic washed down with a freezing cold harp (perfectly poured) in a tent full of gentle folk. I was a bit greedy and had a kangaroo burger made from local kangaroo meat . It was delicious. I bought a hat and some marshmallows and spoke with one of the sellers who said the operator of the market was a dream to work for and that profit margin were massive. I read an article that the market generates 51 million to the local hospitality industry which I wouldn't doubt. Top marks for the belfast City Council fir their sterling work in promoting local supply chains and promoting local rate paying businesses. I emailed the operator who got back to me straight away . Infact he sent me 15 emails to my 1. I brought some paella home with me to work on my major city centre project (watch this space).

Having never been to the City Hall while I lived in Northern Ireland, the chance to do a free tour around it was more than worth it. A fascinating visit guided by Beth and we chose a brilliant day to do it as while in the Robing Room we got to watch the Mace being taken from its casket for an important council meeting this evening. I highly recommend the tour. It was utterly fantastic. The free exhibition downstairs is also worth a wander around!

The outside architecture of the building itself is a wonder to behold! It is in the Baroque Revival style. Truly Magnificent.

When I was there, I arrived too late for the guided tour. Lots of people suggested the guided tour so try to make it there for one. As a consolation, they had a self guided exhibit on the history of Belfast and the construction of the City Hall which I heard was an enormous financial undertaking.

Guided tour schedule
M-F 11 a.m. 2 and 3 pm
Sat/ Sun 12 noon, 2 and 3 pm

They have a lovely coffee shop - The Bobbin Coffee Shop in the East Wing.

We ducked into the City Hall for a coffee before heading out on the DC Walking Tour. The little cafe - The Bobbin - was fabulous, hot scones and hot drinks were needed with the inclement february weather.
The City Hall is an opulent civic building, and houses a marvellous free exhibition (16 rooms?) that traces the history of Belfast. It was incredibly well laid out, and you wouldn't want to miss a thing.
Do also look at the amazing stained glass windows just after the entrance.
Such a worthwhile visit, do make time to go.