East Belfast






		essential guide to east belfast

			The Shipyard


	The big yellow crane’s ( Samson & Goliath) that dominate the East Belfast skyline are part of the world famous Harland & Wolff shipyard. The most famous liner built here was ‘The Titanic’ which was said to be unsinkable. History of course tells us otherwise.




			George Best Mural, Cregagh

LOCAL HERO

GEORGE BEST May 22 1946 - November 25 2005

Despite his celebrity status George Best never forgot his roots and the 100,000 people that turned out to pay their respects at his funeral on a rainy day in East Belfast proves just how highly George was regarded by the Ulster public.

Remembered mainly for his time at Manchester United George had the talent and lifestyle the rest of us can only dream of. The Mural to the right was painted in his honour in the Cregagh estate where George was born and grew up. On May 22 2006 ( The day he would have turned 60) Belfast City Airport was renamed George Best City Airport

Honours

Football League Championship Medal 1965 & 1967

European Cup Winners Medal 1968

European Footballer Of The Year 1968

On the 1st anniversary of his death the Ulster Bank issued 1 million Best £5 notes, they sold out in 5 days.


	LOCAL FOOD


	FOR COD AND ULSTER

Now that peaceful times are upon us most of the battering that goes on on the Albertbridge Road happens inside this wee shop, taking a light hearted look at the political divide, the shutters feature Big Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams (pictured left)

With a menu including King Billys family feast at £16.90 you cant go wrong! If you click the wee For Cod and Ulster fish logo to the right it will take you to the website.


	WHERE NOT TO GO


	The Short Strand

This small republican enclave is most definitely not the place to sport your norn iron top, favourite pastimes include ‘bricking’ norn iron fans on the way to home games. The mural on the left shows British soldiers heading in the direction of a sign posted England, with the ‘artist’ obviously oblivious to the colour co-ordination of the union jack.

To the right we have the wall of hope with the faces spelling out the word hope. This wall was built to promote anti-sectarianism, which is all about accepting each others differences.


	WHERE TO GO

		The Odyssey Arena

The Odyssey complex is Northern Irelands largest indoor venue. As well as being home to The Belfast Giants ice hockey team it also hosts most of the provinces big gigs. With lots of clubs, pubs, restaurants, shops & a Warner Village Cinema multiplex inside that boasts 12 screens, there really is something for everyone.

As an added bonus there seems to be an ongoing competition amongst the young local ladies as to who can wear the least clothes at the weekend. Excellent! (unless there’s a match on of course).


	Stormont Castle and estate

Stormont Castle has a floor space of five acres and stands at the end of a one mile driveway set in 300 acres of parkland which is open to the public. The picture on the left was taken at George Bests funeral where the entire route was lined either side with those wishing to pay their last respects to the worlds favourite ulsterman.

After being paid for five years for doing nothing local politicians decided to take their seats in Northern Ireland’s assembly which sits at Stormont on May 2007.