Living in Belfast, Northern Ireland:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

Belfast is a flamboyant city, with so many wonderful things to see and do for residents of all ages. House prices are competitive, with a range to suit all budgets. There are many excellent primary and secondary schools, including integrated colleges. Belfast is a welcoming city, compact, full of character and charming.

Belfast is a wonderful place with a fast growing tourism economy. Hotels have been springing up in the city to meet the demand of eager travellers. Food and culture are also areas of growth, with an increasing number of new and exciting restaurants offering world fare at affordable prices. It’s a great place.

To live in Belfast, one must be acutely aware of the delicate nature of cultural identity which is so inextricably connected to almost every aspect of life here. For example, someone who is Belfast born-and-bred can make a reasonable guess at someone’s religion from the newspaper that they read or the way in which they pronounce the letter ‘H’. It is therefore important to consider how your actions and words could be interpreted by different members of the community and ensure that no offense is caused to anyone. Another example of this is the contentious matter of whether to refer to the city of Derry (as nationalists call it) or Londonderry (which is the title preferred by those from a unionist background).

Belfast contains a gorgeous blend of both old and new. The city centre ranges from the Cathedral Quarter, with its famed cathedral, City Hall museum, and a clock which leans more than the Tower of Pisa, to Botanic, a student hub with brilliant nightlife. Any visitor to Belfast should try and see both, as each side of Belfast has its own charm and culture.

Belfast is a wonderful city, with many bars, restaurants, and cafes that one can enjoy at very little expense. The cobblestoned streets of the newly gentrified Cathedral Quarter are perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon, strolling along, listening to live music, and, surveying the fantastic street art.

If you are a tech professional you will find many career opportunities in the City. The current trend of foreign direct investment, mainly from American companies, has helped pull the city out of its troubled passed and into the future, where it competes with other technology hubs throughout the world.

Before moving to Belfast, know just how small it really is. It won’t quite match up to the images of the “bustling metropolis” projected in tourist board advertising campaigns; rather, it will disappoint and slightly underwhelm you. We have a troubled history and although there are remnants of this trouble in little cracks of city life, you will receive a warm and sunny welcome from everyone you meet.