Queen's Quarter
New
addition
Filled with character and charm the area is named after the
world renowned Queen’s University of Belfast which takes centre
stage. Queen’s Quarter is a relatively recent addition to Belfast’s
urban jigsaw. In the early 1800s, much of the area was farmland,
but by the middle of the 19th century, affluent merchants and
professionals started to settle in spacious town houses around the
Lisburn Road and Malone Road, and the area became distinguished by
such buildings as Queen’s College (1849). Now Queen’s University,
it is named after its architect, Charles Lanyon, one of the
greatest figures in the development of Belfast’s architectural
heritage. Today the Lanyon Building is the centrepiece of Queen’s
University and one of the principal ornaments of Belfast.
Belfast Festival at Queen’s
The world of academia,
entertainment, culture and commerce has fused to create a uniquely
dynamic and lively neighbourhood. Queen’s Quarter has a lively
calendar of cultural events throughout the year. Foremost perhaps
is the world-renowned Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Held here each
autumn with the widest imaginable range of theatre, dance, music,
literature, comedy and visual arts, it is the largest festival of
its kind in Ireland. But for entertainment on a smaller scale,
Queen’s Quarter also has some of the city’s funkiest bars, comedy
venues, and pubs with live music and traditional Irish music
sessions. The Quarter is best discovered on foot to reveal the
unique and distinctive aspects of its character. So lace up your
boots, button your coat and immerse yourself in the history,
heritage and culture of Queen’s Quarter.
Architectural Gems
Enjoy the hidden gems in
the Botanic Gardens (1829). The Palm House (1839), also designed by
Charles Lanyon, is one of the oldest surviving examples of a
curvilinear iron and glass structure anywhere. The Tropical Ravine
(1889) is a unique building filled with a variety of tropical
plants. The Elmwood Hall (1862), formerly Elmwood Presbyterian
Church, combines an unusual mix of architectural styles, including
Renaissance, Venetian, Medieval, Classical, Moorish and French.
Crescent Arts Centre
The Crescent Arts Centre
hosts adventurous arts programmes and is home to the Fenderesky
Gallery, which sells a wide collection of contemporary Irish and
international art. Keep an eye out for the Blue Plaque
commemorating Margaret Byers.
The
Naughton Gallery
The Naughton Gallery, in
Queen’s University itself, features work from the University’s own
collection, as well as paintings and allied art forms from
established artists. While here also pay a visit to the Queen’s
Visitors’ Centre for those special Queen’s University mementos!
Square Space Gallery
The Square Space Gallery
is dedicated to exhibiting a range of contemporary visual art
exhibitions. Exhibitions have included retrospective works by
Picasso, Dali, Le Brocquy and many more as well as community arts
exhibitions.
Tile Refinery Gallery
The Tile Refinery Gallery
holds superb portfolio of the world's finest quality stone, marble
and tile products that is unmatched anywhere in Northern Ireland -
perfect for those unusual ‘one offs’.
Others
Other galleries not to be
missed include ArtTank, Bell, Eakin, Mullan, Nicholas, Taylor, Tom
Caldwell, Ulster Museum and for something a bit more unusual be
sure to visit the Lawrence Street Workshops. If public art is your
thing why not pass by the Ulster Bank building in Shaftesbury
Square. Adorning the façade you’ll find two cast aluminium prone
figures by the renowned English sculptor, Dame Elizabeth Frink.
Frink’s forms defy categorisation and merge human, bird and animal
characteristics - untitled but it’s locally named ‘Draft’ and
‘Overdraft’.
Taste the World
Italian, Asian Fusion,
Mexican, Chinese, Spanish, American - Why travel anywhere else?
Queen’s Quarter offers a dining experience to remember with award
winning restaurants with funky décor, a stimulating atmosphere and
friendly service. With a range of ethnic cuisines to suit every
taste and pocket you’re sure to find the perfect eating venue.
Time for a Coffee Break?
You’ll find a wide
selection of cafés – all offering a range of speciality coffees and
something sweet to go with it. So whether you’re with a friend or
on your own sit back and relax with a hot drink and watch the world
go by.
Let Queen’s Quarter Entertain
You
With its diverse and
youthful population Queen’s Quarter really comes to life at night.
The Empire is one of the city’s most popular bars and offers a
unique mix of entertainment, atmosphere and craic. Also check out
the Live Lounge at the King’s Head for an international line up of
artists from different musical genres that is second to none.
Queen’s Quarter has a range of pub, clubs and hotels for everyone
to enjoy; a popular venue is the Botanic Inn on Malone Road. The
Lyric Theatre has been a source of powerful original drama for
decades. It has been the starting point for many Irish stars -
including Liam Neeson! And for those film buffs the Queen’s Film
Theatre (QFT) is Belfast’s premier venue for the finest
international movies.
Everyone’s Shopping Heaven
Queen’s Quarter is any
shopper’s paradise! It has something for everyone - designer label
clothes, quality antiques, wonderful food emporia, bespoke interior
design studios and quaint second hand book stores. The Lisburn Road
is Belfast’s very own ‘Bond Street’, with a quirky mix of designer
stores and boutiques that make it the leading retail mile in
Northern Ireland. Most shops are owner-occupied and are mainly
small and intimate, which means that you receive extra personal
care and attention.
And, as they offer higher quality, more stylish items, you also get
a degree of exclusivity in your choice of purchase. One of
Belfast’s liveliest streets and a major thoroughfare into the
Quarter - Botanic Avenue is well worth a visit for those unusual
gifts or accessories. And for all you antique collectors, stroll
down Donegall Pass, home to numerous antiques stores that reveal a
treasure trove of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture,
paintings, silver and clocks.