Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Belfast
A 1960s road bridge over the River Lagan, connecting central Belfast with the Titanic Quarter and offering quiet riverside views from its pedestrian walkways.
Spanning the River Lagan in Belfast, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge is a key 1960s road bridge connecting the city centre with the Titanic Quarter. Opened in 1966, it carries the A2 dual carriageway and offers views of the river, cranes, and modern Belfast skyline. It’s a functional piece of infrastructure with quiet pedestrian walkways, often overlooked by tourists but integral to the city’s daily rhythm and riverside walks.
A brief summary to Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
- A2, Belfast, BT1 3BF, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid peak traffic noise and enjoy clearer views of the river and skyline.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Lagan towpaths to explore both the Titanic Quarter and the city centre.
- Don’t confuse this bridge with the older Queen’s Bridge nearby; they are separate structures with different histories and appearances.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Belfast city centre, take a bus or taxi to the Lanyon Place area and walk along the Lagan towpath towards the Titanic Quarter; the bridge is a short walk from the city centre along the river, with clear views of the crossing.
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Walking
From the city centre, follow the Lagan towpath eastward along the river; the bridge is about 15–20 minutes’ walk from City Hall, with level paths suitable for most walkers.
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Car
Drive along the A2 into the city; the bridge is part of this route, with on-street parking and nearby car parks in the city centre and Titanic Quarter, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Queen Elizabeth II Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
A River Crossing with Royal Namesake
Opened in 1966, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge spans the River Lagan, linking central Belfast with the eastern side of the city and the Titanic Quarter. Unlike the older Queen’s Bridge nearby, this is a modern, utilitarian road bridge built to ease growing traffic across the river. It was officially opened during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Northern Ireland that year, giving it its formal name. The bridge carries the A2 dual carriageway, making it a major artery for vehicles, but it also includes narrow footpaths on either side, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross with views of the river and surrounding cityscape.Design and Urban Role
The bridge is a straightforward concrete and steel structure, typical of mid-20th-century civil engineering, designed for durability and traffic flow rather than ornamentation. Its clean lines and functional form reflect the postwar emphasis on practical infrastructure. While it lacks the ornate details of older bridges, its scale and position make it a noticeable feature in Belfast’s riverside landscape. The bridge plays a quiet but essential role in the city’s layout, connecting the city centre with the regenerated Titanic Quarter and the eastern suburbs, and it is often used as a route for riverside walks and cycle paths along the Lagan.Views and Atmosphere
From the pedestrian walkways, the bridge offers straightforward but engaging views: the River Lagan flowing beneath, the distinctive Harland & Wolff cranes in the distance, and the mix of old and new architecture along the riverbanks. On clear days, the skyline of Belfast unfolds to the west, while to the east the Titanic Quarter’s modern developments and maritime heritage sites come into view. The atmosphere is urban and practical, with the constant hum of traffic and the occasional passing boat on the river. It’s a place more for passing through than lingering, but it rewards a brief pause to take in the city’s riverside character and industrial legacy.Context in Belfast’s Bridges
Belfast’s river crossings each have their own story, and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge sits among them as a mid-century addition to the network. It is often confused with the older Queen’s Bridge, a stone arch bridge further upstream, but the two are distinct in both age and style. The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge is part of a larger system of bridges and roads that have shaped Belfast’s development, and it reflects the city’s 20th-century expansion and efforts to modernize its transport links. For visitors exploring the Lagan towpaths or the Titanic Quarter, this bridge is a natural crossing point and a subtle reminder of Belfast’s layered history of engineering and urban planning.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
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A 1960s road bridge over the River Lagan, connecting central Belfast with the Titanic Quarter and offering quiet riverside views from its pedestrian walkways.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Custom House Square
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GoT To Escape - Game of Thrones Escape Rooms
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The Spirit Circle: Sensorium & Belfast by the Glass
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High St
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Essential places to dine
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Waterman Restaurant
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The Muddlers Club Restaurant
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The Northern Whig
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Stock Kitchen & Bar
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Buba
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Mumbai 27
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Born and Bred
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House of Fraser
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Art Loves at The Merchant
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Søstrene Grene
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Tommy Hilfiger
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L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE
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New Look
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AllSaints
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FatFace
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Urban
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
