Today, Belfast has one of the fastest growing economies in the U.K. Unemployment is lower than the U.K. average, and Belfast is in a race with Dublin to see who can be first to build the tallest skyscraper on the island. Property prices are at an all time high, and many citizens are all too happy to rent their apartments to the growing numbers of tourists who visit each year (between 6-8% growth over the past 4 years).

The land where Belfast now stands has been inhabited for at least 5000 years, proved by The Giant’s Ring, a henge dating back to the Bronze Age. The foundations for what would become modern Belfast were laid in the 1600s by English and Scottish homesteaders, and the next two centuries brought growth in commerce and industry. The city became world-known for its shipbuilding (the Titanic was built in the shipyards of Belfast), linen weaving, tobacco, and rope-making during the 18th and 19th centuries. At one time, Belfast was home to the largest shipyards in the world, the Harland and Wolff shipyards, which employed over 35,000.

Although Belfast is a very old city, and has many features that date back several centuries, Belfast Castle is a relatively new sight, only dating back to the late 1870s. It is, however, an imposing building located on Cave Hill, and represents all things Irish. The castle is located amid a variety of gardens and is set upon lush grounds. Visitors to the castle will enjoy brushing up on some Irish history in the heritage center, and can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the castle’s restaurants.

Today's Belfast still shows some of the scars from its turbulent history-propaganda in the forms of murals and billboards can still be seen, but a solid peace has been established. Modern Belfast just doesn't seem to have time for these old skirmishes anymore.

Belfast is a dynamic city, full of growth and energy, and its people, with true Irish wit and grace, are coming to grips with the past, and looking forward to the future. The city is transforming daily-roads are being updated and construction is underway on modern office and residential buildings, but the past is also being restored and preserved.