Belfast

:This article is about the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. For other uses, see Belfast (disambiguation).

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Belfast (Béal Feirste in Irish) is the second-largest city in Ireland. It is the largest city in Northern Ireland, of which it is the capital, and in the province of Ulster. While the actual population within the city limits is c. 275,000, approximately 550,000 people live in the Greater Belfast area. It is situated at the south-western end of Belfast Lough, a long natural inlet ideal for the shipping trade that made the city famous, and near the mouth of the River Lagan. It is flanked by long stretches of hills on two sides.

Related Topics:
Irish - Ireland - Northern Ireland - Capital - Ulster - Belfast Lough - River Lagan

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The name Belfast originates from the Irish Béal Feirste, or the mouth of the Farset (feirste is the genitive of the word fearsaid, "a spindle"), the river on which the city was built. Interestingly, the river Farset has been superseded by the River Lagan as the most important river; the Farset now languishes under the High Street in obscurity. Bridge Street indicates where there was originally a bridge across the Farset.

Related Topics:
Irish - Farset - River Lagan

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Belfast saw the worst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. A calmer scene in recent years has allowed some development of the city. The Lagan riverfront has been regenerated, including the new Odyssey complex and sports arena. Much of the city centre has now been pedestrianised. The city has two airports: Belfast City Airport adjacent to Belfast Lough and Belfast International Airport which is near Lough Neagh. Queen's University Belfast is the main university in Belfast. The University of Ulster also maintains a campus in the city, which concentrates on fine art and design.

Related Topics:
Troubles - Odyssey - City centre - Belfast City Airport - Belfast International Airport - Lough Neagh - Queen's University Belfast - University of Ulster - Fine art - Design

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