Belfast City Hall Tour

Belfast comes of age and is now 400 years old. Many moons ago in 1613 Belfast was granted a Royal Charter and the town of Belfast was truely born. Its growth and influence by the 20th century was substanial especially in shipbuilding, ropemaking, engineering, tobacco linen and textiles.

Belfast was granted City status by Queen Victoria in 1888. Later, when the current Belfast City Hall was built a statue was erected just metres from its front door. Likewise the Belfast Coat of Arms dates back to 1890 when the Ulster King of Arms made a Grant of Arms to reflect the new city status of Belfast. Belfast's motto became:

Pro tanto quid retribuamus

A latin translation of Psalm 116 v 12 meaning what return shall we make for so much.

If you are interested in a little bit of history, Belfast City Hall has free tours of the building, Monday through Saturday and runs special tours in Irish upon request. The experienced guide will illuminate your understanding of council past and present, the building and city history and best of all you can take photos, I shown you just a few so as not to ruin your tour!