My first stop this morning was at City Hall. Queen Victoria granted Belfast city status in 1888, prompting the construction of this a lovely baroque ornate civic structure. She’s an imposing figure at the front. Hadn’t heard of Mary Ann McCracken (1770 – 1866) before, but she has a plum position to the side of the Queen Victoria statue, commemorated for her social activism. She was an advocate for women; organised relief and education for the poor; and in a town that was heavily engaged in trans-Atlantic trade – abolition of slavery.

It was a grey and rain showery morning so I took a city sightseeing bus tour (only a few pics due to generally inclement weather).

As we came around the corner of Donegall Quay, a magnificent ceramic mosaic’d fishy appeared…called the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ (or ‘Big Fish’ or ‘Pat the Fish’), sculptured by John Kindness in 1999.

Sun peeked out briefly but the wind chill factor was awful, as we neared this fabulous architecture that contains the Titantic museum. Had the interactive Titantic experience in Melbourne a couple of years ago and didn’t feel the need to revisit.

The steel woman holding the ring is the ‘Beacon of Hope’ (locally known as ‘Nuala with the Hula’), this 19.5m statue by Andy Scott, represents peace and harmony.

The guide on board the bus told us that the Europa Hotel was the site of many a bombing, 33, during ‘The Troubles’, 1970-1994. It became a landmark for journos during that time. It famously hosted Bill Clinton in 1995.

What would locals call this two spheres metal structure? ‘Balls of the Falls’, ‘the Testes of the Westies’ or ‘the Westicles’, of course! The RISE sculpture is a public art installation designed by Wolfgang Buttress standing at a height of 37m. Commissioned by the City Council, the inner sphere represents the sun rising over the bogs and the outer sphere represents the sun’s halo – together representing peace, growth and a new sun rising to celebrate a new chapter in the history of Belfast.

After the bus tour, immeditely made my way to The Ivy Brasserie, (saw the venue as we careered around a corner), to get some warming tea after experiencing one and a half hours of freezing winds and occasional showers…wow! so glad I did. Gorgeous fitout and decoration.

And the toilets…..wow again. No hint on who designed these marvels.

Dinner tonight @ the Chubby Cherub, one of the most delicious pasta meals I’ve had…’Diavola Gamberello Boreale’ – prawn, penne, chorizo, green snake beans, sundried tomato and chilli – yummo! And another charmingly decorated place that’s cosy and inviting. Won TripAdvisor’s ‘Travellers Choice Award’ in 2025.