The Quarters

Like most cities of old, Belfast grew around its cottage industries in locales or quarters, from the old French term ‘quartier’. Weavers gathered together with other weavers, tanners with tanners and butchers gathered with butchers and most had a local church which often became the trade guild church. In Belfast the remnants of certain quarters still exist today.

Cathedral Quarter

The oldest quarter is the Cathedral Quarter. It is located closest to the waterfront and dominated by the beautiful Church of Ireland Cathedral, St Anne’s. It was here that Belfast grew from an obscure village to become the vibrant city that it is today. Find out more.

Queen's Quarter

Close to the Cathedral Quarter is Queen's Quarter and its heart is the university from which it takes its name. It is an energetic, lively area of character and charm that fuses academia, entertainment, culture and commerce to create a uniquely sophisticated and spirited neighbourhood where intellectual wit merges with the vibrant humour of the streets.  Find out more.

Titanic Quarter

Relatively new in name though not in spirit, the Titanic Quarter is located in the old shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff. This is the area that helped create Belfast in reputation and fortune and it was here that so many great liners rose from the dry docks to cut the oceans of the world. Life will soon return to the old yards as a £7billion waterfront development, twice the size of London’s Canary Wharf. Find out more.

Gaeltacht Quarter

The roots of Belfast are Celtic and the music, myth and folklore of her people is Ulster Irish. This heritage is celebrated in the Gaeltacht (pronounced 'gael-tock-t') Quarter of West Belfast. Here, along the Falls Road the Irish language, music, literature and culture has flourished, igniting a range of 21st century cultural experiences for all to share. Find out more.