Carlisle Circus, Belfast
A historic North Belfast traffic circus with Victorian roots and a legacy shaped by war, industry, and community life.
Carlisle Circus is a historic traffic roundabout and junction in North Belfast, where the Antrim Road meets Clifton Street and Donegall Street. Once a grand Victorian circus, it now serves as a key transport node in a vibrant, culturally rich area. The site bears traces of Belfast’s industrial past and wartime history, with surrounding streets reflecting the city’s layered social and architectural heritage. It’s a place where local life unfolds amid a backdrop of red-brick terraces, churches, and community landmarks.
A brief summary to Carlisle Circus
- Belfast, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours for a safer and more comfortable experience, as the area is primarily residential and not a formal tourist site.
- Use the junction as a reference point when exploring North Belfast; it’s well connected by bus and close to several local landmarks and neighborhoods.
- Respect the local community by being mindful of noise and privacy, especially when photographing the surrounding streets and homes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Carlisle Circus, including the 1A, 1C, 1E, 1F, 1G, 12A, 12B, 12C, 57, and 57A, connecting the city centre with North Belfast and surrounding suburbs. The main stop is on Clifton Street, just steps from the circus, with frequent daytime service and less frequent evening and Sunday schedules.
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Walking
From Belfast city centre, Carlisle Circus is about a 25–35 minute walk along the Antrim Road or via Donegall Street. The route passes through a mix of commercial and residential areas, with pavement access throughout, though some sections can be busy and exposed to traffic.
Carlisle Circus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Carlisle Circus
A Victorian Junction in North Belfast
Carlisle Circus sits at the convergence of the Antrim Road, Clifton Street, and Donegall Street in North Belfast, forming a classic Victorian-era traffic circus. Originally laid out in the 19th century, it was named after George William Frederick Howard, the 7th Earl of Carlisle, reflecting the era’s practice of naming prominent junctions after aristocratic figures. The circus was designed as a grand urban focal point, with radial streets and a central island, embodying the ambitions of a growing industrial city. Over time, as Belfast expanded and traffic patterns evolved, the circus transitioned from a ceremonial space into a busy, functional junction, yet it retains its historical significance as a nodal point in the city’s street network.War and Resilience
The area around Carlisle Circus suffered heavy damage during the Belfast Blitz of 1941, when Luftwaffe bombs targeted the city’s industrial and transport hubs. The Antrim Road corridor, including the circus, was hit in April and May of that year, leaving scars on the built environment and reshaping the local community. Many of the buildings that stand today were rebuilt or repurposed in the post-war decades, creating a patchwork of architectural styles that tell the story of recovery and adaptation. The circus itself, though altered by modern traffic engineering, remains a quiet witness to that turbulent period, embedded in the memory of North Belfast.Life Around the Circus
Today, Carlisle Circus is a working junction in a densely populated, historically working-class area. The surrounding streets are lined with red-brick terraced houses, churches, small shops, and community buildings, giving the area a strong local character. It lies close to the New Lodge and other inner-city neighborhoods known for their cultural vibrancy, political history, and community activism. The circus is not a tourist destination in the conventional sense, but it offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Belfast life, where buses, cars, and pedestrians move through a landscape shaped by industry, conflict, and resilience.Transport and Urban Fabric
The circus functions as a major bus interchange for North Belfast, with several routes converging here to connect the city centre with residential suburbs. This makes it a practical hub for locals and a useful reference point for navigating the area. The surrounding streets retain much of their 19th- and early 20th-century urban fabric, with modest commercial premises, pubs, and community spaces. The mix of old and new architecture, combined with the constant flow of city life, gives the area a distinctive, unpolished charm that reflects Belfast’s complex urban identity.A Place of Quiet Significance
Carlisle Circus is not a monument or a curated attraction, but it holds quiet significance as a piece of Belfast’s urban and social history. It represents the evolution of a city from Victorian ambition through wartime destruction to modern urban life. For visitors interested in the real, lived experience of Belfast, the circus and its surroundings offer a chance to observe the rhythms of a working-class neighborhood, to appreciate the resilience of its communities, and to understand how major junctions like this have shaped the city’s development over more than a century.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Carlisle Circus
0.0 km
A historic North Belfast traffic circus with Victorian roots and a legacy shaped by war, industry, and community life.
Clifton Street Graveyard
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Two centuries of Belfast's history etched in stone—where Republicans, Unionists, and ordinary citizens rest side by side.
Belfastlad Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with personalized tours led by passionate locals at Belfastlad Tours.
2-6 Waring St
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Victorian banking masterpiece transformed into luxury hospitality on Belfast's historic mercantile street.
Castle Buildings
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Discover the architectural beauty and modern comforts of the Castle Buildings in Belfast, a perfect stay for any traveler.
Albert Memorial Clock
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Belfast’s iconic leaning Victorian clock tower, blending Gothic grandeur with rich industrial heritage and local character.
Numbers' Wall
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A burst of colorful numbers and symbols celebrating Belfast's vibrant contemporary street art scene.
The Back Of Boots
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Discover the serene ambiance of The Back Of Boots in Belfast, a pilgrimage site steeped in history and spiritual significance.
Treasure Trails
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Explore Belfast like never before with Treasure Trails, an interactive treasure hunt that uncovers the city's hidden gems and rich history.
Belfast Free Walking Tour
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Discover the heart of Belfast with a free walking tour that unveils the city's history, culture, and hidden gems through the eyes of local guides.
If Buildings Could Talk - Belfast Walking Tour
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Belfast’s grand civic heart, where Edwardian architecture meets city history in Donegall Square’s green heart.
Donegall Square N & Donegall Square W
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Belfast's grand civic square, where Victorian architecture frames the city's industrial heritage and maritime history.
Giant's Causeway Experiences
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Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich mythology of Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, through guided tours and immersive experiences.
DC Tours - Belfast Walking Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with DC Tours, your premier walking tour agency for unforgettable sightseeing experiences.
Mary Ann McCracken statue
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Bronze monument to an abolitionist, feminist pioneer, and social reformer who stood for justice across three centuries.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Patrick's Church
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A majestic Romanesque Catholic church in Belfast, famed for its soaring spire, sacred relics, and the celebrated artwork of Sir John Lavery.
Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre
0.4 km
Discover the haunting history and architectural beauty of Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, a must-visit for tourists seeking to understand Northern Ireland's past.
Belfast Central Library
0.6 km
Discover Belfast’s Victorian architectural gem and cultural heart, where history, heritage, and community converge in a stunning public library.
Mural
0.7 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant mural at 1 Church St, a vivid testament to the city’s history, culture, and dynamic street art tradition.
Belfast Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Anne
0.7 km
Discover Belfast Cathedral’s Romanesque beauty, historic mosaics, and the soaring Spire of Hope in the heart of the city’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter.
The MAC
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Belfast's vibrant contemporary arts centre blending theatre, galleries, and café culture in a welcoming modern space.
The Spire Of Hope, Belfast
0.7 km
A soaring 40-metre steel beacon of hope atop Belfast’s historic St Anne’s Cathedral, shining brightly across the city skyline.
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
0.8 km
Explore Northern Ireland’s WWII history through immersive exhibits, family activities, and heartfelt remembrance in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Trade union mural
0.8 km
A vibrant mural in Belfast celebrating the city’s proud labor history and the enduring spirit of trade union solidarity.
CastleCourt Shopping Centre
0.8 km
Belfast’s vibrant shopping centre with over 80 stores, family-friendly facilities, and easy-access parking in the city centre.
Carnegie Oldpark
0.8 km
Historic Tudor-style Carnegie Library in North Belfast, now a community-led hub for education, arts, and regeneration.
Commercial Court
0.9 km
Discover Belfast’s historic Commercial Court, a vibrant cobbled alley alive with colourful murals, lively pubs, and rich mercantile heritage.
Harp Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Harp Bar, Belfast's favorite pub for craft beers, live music, and authentic Irish hospitality.
Duke of York
0.9 km
Experience the heart of Belfast's pub culture at Duke of York, a vibrant spot with rich history, local brews, and a warm atmosphere.
Creative Tours Belfast
0.9 km
Explore Belfast’s vibrant music scene on foot with expert guides, historic venues, and live performances in the UNESCO City of Music.
Essential places to dine
Academy Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience the best of Modern European cuisine at Academy Restaurant in Belfast, where local ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Coppi Restaurant
0.8 km
Modern Venetian-inspired Italian dining in Belfast’s Saint Anne's Square with vibrant cicchetti, fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere.
Dumpling Library
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Experience a vibrant Pan-Asian feast in Belfast’s unique Dumpling Library, where exquisite dumplings meet creative cocktails in intimate dining pods.
Buba
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Bold Eastern Mediterranean small plates, flame-grilled meats and creative cocktails in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Mumbai 27
0.8 km
Experience authentic Indian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter at Mumbai 27.
Bank Square Brasserie
0.9 km
French bistro elegance meets Northern Irish ingredients in Belfast's most welcoming modern European brasserie.
The Muddlers Club Restaurant
0.9 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, blending local flavors with a stylish industrial atmosphere.
Waterman Restaurant
0.9 km
Discover Waterman Restaurant, Belfast’s Michelin-recognized spot for seasonal European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting with local charm.
Mourne Seafood Bar
0.9 km
Fresh, locally sourced seafood served in a lively, rustic setting in Belfast’s city centre with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Thirsty Goat Belfast
0.9 km
Discover Belfast's vibrant culinary scene at The Thirsty Goat, where delicious grilled dishes meet an extensive beverage selection.
The Northern Whig
0.9 km
Experience the best of Belfast dining at The Northern Whig, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary art in an inviting atmosphere.
Six By Nico Belfast
1.0 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant Six By Nico, where inventive six-course tasting menus transform culinary themes into unforgettable dining adventures.
City Picnic
1.0 km
Savor award-winning burgers and a lively, family-friendly vibe in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at City Picnic.
The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast
1.0 km
Experience Belfast’s finest Victorian dining beneath Ireland’s largest chandelier with exquisite local cuisine and impeccable service.
Jumon
1.0 km
Vibrant South Asian vegetarian cuisine with bold flavours and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Belfast.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Top Gift
0.8 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at Top Gift, Belfast's charming gift shop offering an eclectic selection for every traveler.
The Name Shops - Belfast
0.8 km
Personalised baby gifts and children's clothing with on-demand embroidery in Belfast's premier shopping centre.
Fuzz Vintage
0.9 km
Unearth timeless retro treasures at Fuzz Vintage, where Belfast's Rosemary Street hides eclectic clothing from decades past in a shopper's paradise of sustainable style.
The Holy Shop
0.9 km
Belfast's cherished repository of rosaries, christening gifts, and spiritual treasures beside the city's mother church on historic Chapel Lane.
Forsight Belfast
0.9 km
Discover unique vintage fashion while supporting vital services for the visually impaired at ForSight Belfast’s charity shop.
Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
1.0 km
Discover curated vintage fashion and classic records in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at Petty Kingdom.
Art Loves at The Merchant
1.0 km
Discover a curated emporium of art-led gifts and homewares within Belfast’s iconic Merchant Hotel, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
1.0 km
Discover authentic Irish treasures at Carrolls Irish Gifts in Belfast's bustling Castle Place—a shopper's haven for Claddagh rings, Aran knits, Guinness gear, and gourmet hampers evoking the Emerald Isle's timeless charm.
Montblanc Boutique Belfast
1.1 km
German luxury craftsmanship in Belfast's Victorian arcade—where timeless elegance meets artisanal mastery.
Little Heart
1.1 km
Discover heartfelt wire art and whimsical keepsakes in Belfast's sole Victorian arcade—a boutique gem blending heritage charm with personal creativity.
Young Savage - Vintage Clothing, Records and Books
1.1 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant vintage gem offering unique clothing, rare records, and curated books in a welcoming, multi-floor cultural haven.
White Stuff Belfast
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Discover stylish, sustainable fashion for all ages at White Stuff Belfast, where quality meets conscious design in the city centre.
Søstrene Grene
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Discover Scandinavian charm and creativity at Søstrene Grene Belfast, your cozy craft and home decor destination in the city center.
Carrolls Irish Gifts Belfast - Donegall Place
1.2 km
Discover authentic Irish culture and unique souvenirs at Carrolls Irish Gifts, a vibrant shop in Belfast’s bustling Donegall Place.
Born and Bred
1.2 km
Explore Born and Bred in Belfast for unique Irish gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of Northern Ireland.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Reporter. Bar
0.5 km
A cozy, quirky, dog-friendly bar in Belfast with great bottled beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Sunflower Public House
0.6 km
Belfast's authentic corner pub with Troubles-era charm, live music nightly, wood-fired pizzas, and a buzzing garden—where history meets hearty ales and eclectic vibes.
Maddens
0.8 km
Discover the authentic charm of Maddens, a traditional Irish pub in Belfast known for its welcoming atmosphere and delightful local brews.
The Dark Horse
0.9 km
Quirky Cathedral Quarter pub with historic artifacts, poetic courtyard, Game of Thrones door, and superb drinks amid Belfast's cobbled charm.
The Black Box
0.9 km
Belfast's intimate arts hub: live music, comedy, theatre, and casual bar vibes in a historic townhouse setting.
39 Gordon Street
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Vibrant Cathedral Quarter cocktail bar pulsing with live music, craft drinks, and tasty tacos in Belfast's historic heart.
Nancy Mulligans Bar & Kitchen
0.9 km
A lively Belfast gastropub blending traditional Irish hospitality with live music, hearty food, and spirited sports viewing.
Monico Bars
0.9 km
Classic Belfast pub on Lombard Street pouring pints, serving stews, and screening sports in a lively city-center haven.
The Spaniard
1.0 km
A cozy, quirky pub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, famed for its lively music, extensive rum selection, and intimate atmosphere.
The National
1.0 km
Victorian grandeur meets modern Belfast buzz in this multi-bar haven for all-day eats, drinks, and live tunes on lively High Street.
Bert's Jazz Bar
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Bert's Jazz Bar in Belfast, where live music, exceptional cocktails, and delectable cuisine create an unforgettable experience.
Ulster Sports Club
1.1 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Ulster Sports Club, Belfast's top sports bar, offering delicious food, live music, and an electric ambiance.
The American Bar
1.1 km
Historic Sailortown pub pouring perfect pints, live tunes, and bargain bites in Belfast's Docklands—a raw gem for locals and music seekers.
Henry's
1.1 km
A lively Belfast pub and restaurant blending historic charm with modern dining, live music, and a vibrant social scene.
The Jailhouse
1.1 km
Historic Belfast pub blending vintage charm with lively cocktails and hearty fare in a character-filled setting at Joy’s Entry.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Art Department
0.5 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Art Department, Belfast's ultimate dance club with an artistic twist.
Anthology Ni
0.5 km
A high-energy Belfast nightclub within the Kremlin complex, known for DJ nights, themed performances and lively late‑hour clubbing.
Boombox Belfast
0.5 km
A lively and inclusive gay nightclub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, renowned for drag shows, DJ nights, and a welcoming queer atmosphere.
Shoe Factory
0.5 km
Experience the lively and inclusive nightlife at Shoe Factory, Belfast's top gay nightclub, where music, dance, and celebration come together.
Kremlin
0.5 km
Belfast's beating heart of gay nightlife: dance floors ablaze, cocktails flowing, and community vibes till dawn on Donegall Street.
Craics Ninety
0.9 km
A compact, high‑energy clubnight in Belfast’s Common Market that celebrates 1990s music with DJs, themed entertainment and a pulsing dance atmosphere.
Club Lux
0.9 km
Dive into Belfast's vibrant nightlife at Club Lux, the ultimate disco club and bar experience with electrifying music and great company.
Ollie's Belfast
1.0 km
A compact, late-night nightclub beneath The Merchant Hotel — brick-vaulted interiors, VIP booths and a focused dancefloor for weekend clubbing.
Voodoo
1.0 km
Experience the electric atmosphere of Voodoo, Belfast's top night club, featuring live music, great drinks, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Thompsons Garage
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Thompsons Garage, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await every night.
Cabaret Supper Club
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Cabaret Supper Club, where exquisite dining meets captivating performances for an unforgettable experience.
Alibi
2.1 km
Energetic R&B nightclub with guest DJs, cocktails, and a lively terrace in Belfast’s vibrant Queen’s Quarter.
Scratch Nightclub
2.2 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Scratch Nightclub, where diverse music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable late-night memories.
Club Honey
2.3 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Club Honey, where energetic music and lively crowds create unforgettable nights on Falls Road.
Saturday Night Nightclub
14.7 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Newtownards nightlife at Saturday Night Nightclub, where music, dancing, and social energy come alive.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Urban
- Historic
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Street Art
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Urban Exploration
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
