Donegall Square
Belfast's grand civic plaza where Victorian architecture, historic memorials, and urban vitality converge.
Donegall Square is Belfast's civic heart, anchored by the magnificent City Hall and surrounded by Victorian architecture. This historic public space features the relocated Titanic Memorial, manicured gardens, and important monuments including the Cenotaph and Garden of Remembrance. The square is ringed by impressive buildings—the Scottish Mutual Building, Linen Hall Library, and Ten Square Hotel—making it an essential starting point for exploring Belfast's rich industrial and cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Visit Belfast
- 9 Donegall Square N, Belfast, BT1 5GB, GB
- +442890246609
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit City Hall on weekdays (Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–5 pm) or weekends (10 am–5 pm) for free guided tours on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours run at various intervals throughout the day and provide excellent insight into the building's construction, art collections, and opulent interiors.
- The square is best photographed during blue hour (late afternoon to early evening, particularly Wednesday and Friday evenings 6–9 pm) when lighting is softer and crowds are lighter. The architectural details and monuments are particularly striking in this light.
- Look for the black railings behind the Titanic Memorial to locate the historical underground public toilets, a Victorian-era facility that remains accessible. Current availability should be verified before relying on these facilities.
- Start a walking tour of Belfast from the pavement outside the gardens of City Hall, where local guides meet visitors. Look for the large green and white golf umbrella marking the meeting point for the popular Troubles Tour or Hidden Belfast tour.
- Explore the surrounding buildings on foot: the Linen Hall Library is worth entering for its historic collections, and the Ten Square Hotel's ground floor displays original Victorian architectural details from its days as a linen warehouse.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Donegall Square West, the main transport hub. The hop-on-hop-off tour departs frequently throughout the day from Donegall Square West, offering a comprehensive introduction to Belfast. Standard local buses operate on frequent schedules (typically every 10–20 minutes during peak hours). Journey times from the city center are minimal (under 10 minutes). Single fares cost approximately £1.50–£2.00 GBP depending on distance; day passes are available for around £4.50 GBP.
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Walking from Central Station
Belfast Central Station is approximately 800 meters (10–12 minutes walk) from Donegall Square. The route is straightforward and well-signposted through the city center. The walk passes through pedestrianized shopping areas and is accessible year-round. No cost involved. This is the most direct and popular approach for arriving visitors.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, local firms) are readily available throughout Belfast. Journey times from the airport are approximately 30–40 minutes depending on traffic; from the train station, 5–10 minutes. Taxi fares from the airport typically range from £25–£35 GBP; from the station, £8–£15 GBP. Ride-share costs vary but are generally comparable. Services operate 24/7.
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Guided Walking Tour
Local tour operators offer walking tours departing from or meeting at Donegall Square. The popular Troubles Tour and Hidden Belfast tour meet outside City Hall (look for the large green and white golf umbrella). Tours run daily in summer (10:00 am) and Friday–Sunday in winter (10:00 am). Duration is typically 1.5–2 hours. Prices range from £12–£18 GBP per person. Booking via email (info@experiencebelfast.com) is recommended, especially outside summer months.
Visit Belfast location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Visit Belfast
The Civic Centerpiece of Belfast
Donegall Square stands as the beating heart of Belfast, a grand public plaza that embodies the city's transformation from a modest settlement to a major industrial powerhouse. Named after the Chichester family, who held the titles of marquess and baron of Donegall since the 1500s, this square has served as the civic and social nucleus of the city for over a century. The square is divided into four sections—North, South, East, and West—each contributing to the overall character of this vital urban space. Today, it remains a gathering point where locals and visitors alike converge to experience Belfast's layered history and vibrant present.Architectural Splendor and Historic Structures
The dominant feature of Donegall Square is Belfast City Hall, a masterpiece of Edwardian Baroque architecture completed in 1906. Designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas following an architectural competition, the building showcases elegant Portland stone facades, a striking copper dome that has weathered to verdigris, ornate corner towers, and intricate sculptural details. The interior is equally impressive, featuring stained glass windows, opulent interiors including the Council Chamber and Great Hall, and extensive art collections. Surrounding this civic jewel are equally remarkable Victorian and Edwardian buildings that reflect Belfast's golden age as a center of commerce and industry. The Scottish Mutual Building, originally called the Scottish Temperance Building and completed in 1904, is a massive structure of dark red sandstone with baronial turrets and crow-stepped gables. Across the square stands a red sandstone Venetian palace built as a linen warehouse in 1869, famously praised by Oscar Wilde as "beautiful." The Linen Hall Library, the oldest library in Belfast, features sculpted fabric swags over its entrance, while the Yorkshire House, originally a Victorian linen warehouse now housing the Ten Square Hotel, displays carved portholes with reliefs of historical figures including George Washington, Isaac Newton, and William Shakespeare.Memorials and Gardens of Remembrance
The grounds surrounding City Hall provide a serene setting for reflection and remembrance. The Titanic Memorial, relocated to Donegall Square West due to traffic safety concerns, stands as a poignant tribute to the victims of the ill-fated HMS Titanic. This monument carries particular significance for Belfast, as the ship was built in the city's famous shipyards. The square also features the Garden of Remembrance, the Cenotaph, and the Titanic Memorial Garden, each honoring those lost in tragedy. Queen Victoria's statue, holding her scepter and orb on a plinth surrounded by figures representing Belfast's chief industries of weaving and shipbuilding, commands attention at the square's center. Additional monuments and statues scattered throughout honor figures important to Northern Ireland's history, including the Fred Temple Monument, Winifred Carney Statue, and the Sir Edward James Harland Memorial.A Living Urban Hub
Beyond its historical significance, Donegall Square functions as a dynamic civic space where the pulse of Belfast can be felt. Pedestrians flow down Donegall Place, the main shopping street, while bankers conduct business in the dozen different headquarters and branches surrounding the square. Buses shuttle citizens and visitors throughout the city, with the hop-on-hop-off tour departing frequently from Donegall Square West. The square's manicured lawns and inviting benches provide respite for those wishing to absorb the atmosphere and admire the architectural grandeur. The Tourist Information Office, located on the square, serves as an essential resource for visitors seeking guidance and local knowledge. The square's layout and accessibility make it an ideal starting point for exploring Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, historic pubs, and the famous Peace Walls that tell the story of the city's more recent history.Industrial Heritage and Urban Evolution
Donegall Square encapsulates Belfast's evolution from a modest medieval settlement to the industrial giant it became in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The architectural styles surrounding the square—from classical to baronial to art deco—reflect the confidence and prosperity of the era when Belfast was known as "Old Smoke" for its industrial prominence. The linen warehouses converted to hotels and offices, the grand bank buildings, and the civic structures all speak to an era when this city rivaled Dublin and competed on the global stage. Understanding Donegall Square is understanding Belfast's identity as a place where industry, culture, and civic pride converged to create a distinctive urban character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
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.
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.
Mary Ann McCracken statue
0.0 km
Bronze monument to an abolitionist, feminist pioneer, and social reformer who stood for justice across three centuries.
Giant's Causeway Experiences
0.1 km
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
0.1 km
Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with DC Tours, your premier walking tour agency for unforgettable sightseeing experiences.
Treasure Trails
0.1 km
Explore Belfast like never before with Treasure Trails, an interactive treasure hunt that uncovers the city's hidden gems and rich history.
The Back Of Boots
0.1 km
Discover the serene ambiance of The Back Of Boots in Belfast, a pilgrimage site steeped in history and spiritual significance.
Belfast City Hall Tours
0.1 km
Baroque Revival masterpiece and civic heart of Belfast, where industrial heritage meets contemporary culture.
Frederick Temple Memorial
0.1 km
A striking bronze tribute to Lord Dufferin, reflecting Belfast’s imperial heritage and the legacy of a renowned British diplomat.
Castle Buildings
0.2 km
Discover the architectural beauty and modern comforts of the Castle Buildings in Belfast, a perfect stay for any traveler.
2-6 Waring St
0.5 km
Victorian banking masterpiece transformed into luxury hospitality on Belfast's historic mercantile street.
Numbers' Wall
0.5 km
A burst of colorful numbers and symbols celebrating Belfast's vibrant contemporary street art scene.
Albert Memorial Clock
0.6 km
Belfast’s iconic leaning Victorian clock tower, blending Gothic grandeur with rich industrial heritage and local character.
Alec the Goose
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to a beloved 1920s goose who walked schoolchildren to school in East Belfast.
Unmissable attractions to see
Front of Belfast City Hall
0.0 km
Experience Belfast’s iconic Baroque Revival masterpiece and vibrant civic heart at the stunning Front of City Hall.
The Linen Hall
0.1 km
Belfast's independent cultural sanctuary housing rare collections, world-class exhibitions, and mythology-inspired café.
Belfast City Sightseeing
0.1 km
Discover Belfast’s heritage and vibrant culture aboard an open-top hop-on hop-off bus with live guides and flexible 1- or 2-day tickets.
Walking Tours Belfast
0.1 km
Expert-led walking tours of Belfast's history, culture, and urban landscape by Blue Badge qualified local guides.
Hop On Hop Off Belfast Bus
0.1 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant history and culture at your own pace with an open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour featuring live guides and panoramic city views.
Donegall Square W
0.1 km
Historic heart of Belfast featuring City Hall, iconic architecture, the Titanic Memorial, and stories of commerce and heritage.
Queen's Café Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious grill offerings at Queen's Café Bar, the ultimate dining and nightlife destination in Belfast.
Belfast City Hall
0.1 km
Discover Belfast’s majestic City Hall, a Baroque Revival masterpiece and vibrant civic heart with rich history and stunning architecture.
Belfastology Walking Tours
0.1 km
Discover Belfast through the passionate eyes of locals who know every corner, story, and hidden gem.
Queen's Arcade
0.1 km
Belfast’s only Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets luxury boutiques and timeless elegance in the heart of the city.
City Hall Garden of Remembrance
0.1 km
A tranquil memorial garden honouring those who gave their lives for Irish freedom, nestled in Belfast's historic city centre.
Memorial to World War I and II soldiers
0.1 km
A solemn Portland stone cenotaph in Belfast’s Donegall Square honoring the heroic sacrifices of World War I and II soldiers.
The Titanic Memorial Garden
0.1 km
A serene and symbolic garden beside Belfast City Hall honoring all who lost their lives on the RMS Titanic with a striking memorial and evocative plantings.
Philly Pump / The Allotment
0.2 km
Innovative vegan and vegetarian bistro in Belfast offering fresh, locally sourced plant-based dishes in a welcoming, sustainable setting.
Timescape - Live Escape Games
0.2 km
Dive into immersive, themed escape rooms in Belfast where teamwork and clever puzzles unlock thrilling adventures in just 60 minutes.
Essential places to dine
Parisien
0.1 km
Chic French brasserie in Belfast with elegant interiors, classic cuisine, and a terrace overlooking City Hall.
Home Restaurant
0.1 km
A modern European dining spot in Belfast offering fresh, local flavors with vegan and gluten-free options in a cozy, lively atmosphere.
Yügo
0.1 km
Discover Yügo’s vibrant pan-Asian small plates in Belfast’s stylish industrial setting, perfect for sharing bold, creative flavors.
Stix and Stones City Centre
0.2 km
Interactive steakhouse where you cook premium beef on heated stones at your table in vibrant Belfast.
Roam
0.2 km
Discover Roam, Belfast’s intimate Irish restaurant blending classic flavors with modern flair in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The Rusty Saddle
0.2 km
Experience the best grilled dishes at The Rusty Saddle in Belfast - where flavor meets atmosphere in a delightful dining experience.
Jumon
0.2 km
Vibrant South Asian vegetarian cuisine with bold flavours and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Belfast.
EDO Restaurant
0.2 km
Discover the best of modern European tapas at EDO Restaurant in Belfast - where flavor meets creativity.
The Chubby Cherub
0.2 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cozy Mediterranean charm combine at The Chubby Cherub, a beloved Belfast restaurant for every occasion.
City Picnic
0.2 km
Savor award-winning burgers and a lively, family-friendly vibe in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at City Picnic.
Deanes EIPIC
0.2 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Belfast’s city centre, blending innovation, local ingredients, and elegant atmosphere.
Coco
0.2 km
A quirky, stylish bistro in Belfast’s Linen Quarter serving creative dishes with attentive service in a vibrant atmosphere.
AMPM Restaurant
0.2 km
Eclectic bohemian dining in Belfast city centre with seasonal modern European cuisine and vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
The Lantern Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience the best of British and modern European cuisine at The Lantern Restaurant in Belfast—where flavors meet tradition.
JAMES ST
0.2 km
Experience Belfast’s finest chargrilled steaks and warm hospitality in a stylish yet relaxed setting at James St.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Norn Irish Gift Shop
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Explore the heart of Irish culture at Norn Irish Gift Shop in Belfast, where unique souvenirs and artisan crafts await every traveler.
Carrolls Irish Gifts Belfast - Donegall Place
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Discover authentic Irish culture and unique souvenirs at Carrolls Irish Gifts, a vibrant shop in Belfast’s bustling Donegall Place.
Little Heart
0.1 km
Discover heartfelt wire art and whimsical keepsakes in Belfast's sole Victorian arcade—a boutique gem blending heritage charm with personal creativity.
Montblanc Boutique Belfast
0.1 km
German luxury craftsmanship in Belfast's Victorian arcade—where timeless elegance meets artisanal mastery.
Mooch Belfast - Arthur Street
0.2 km
Discover Belfast's creative heart at Mooch: unique local crafts, handmade treasures, and artisan gifts that bring Northern Ireland home with you.
White Stuff Belfast
0.2 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion for all ages at White Stuff Belfast, where quality meets conscious design in the city centre.
Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
0.3 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.
The Holy Shop
0.3 km
Belfast's cherished repository of rosaries, christening gifts, and spiritual treasures beside the city's mother church on historic Chapel Lane.
FatFace
0.3 km
Alpine-inspired casual wear and outdoor lifestyle fashion in Belfast's premier shopping destination.
Replay Store Belfast
0.3 km
Discover stylish Italian-designed denim and casual wear at Replay Store Belfast, nestled in the vibrant Victoria Square shopping center.
Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
0.3 km
Discover curated vintage fashion and classic records in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at Petty Kingdom.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
0.3 km
Create your own stuffed friend in an interactive workshop experience at Belfast's Victoria Square.
Forsight Belfast
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage fashion while supporting vital services for the visually impaired at ForSight Belfast’s charity shop.
AllSaints
0.3 km
Discover edgy, contemporary fashion and premium leather goods at AllSaints Belfast in Victoria Square, a stylish destination for modern wardrobe essentials.
Fuzz Vintage
0.3 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Broken shaker Belfast
0.2 km
A vibrant Caribbean-inspired cocktail bar in Belfast’s city center, known for creative drinks and lively late-night energy.
Revolución de Cuba Belfast
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Havana with Cuban cocktails, tapas, live salsa, and a stunning Art Nouveau setting in the heart of Belfast.
Margot
0.2 km
Discover Margot, a lively cocktail bar in Belfast, renowned for its crafted cocktails, vibrant atmosphere, and live music performances.
The Garrick
0.3 km
Authentic Victorian charm meets lively traditional music and hearty food in Belfast’s beloved Garrick Bar.
The Perch Rooftop Bar
0.3 km
Discover The Perch Rooftop Bar in Belfast: a vibrant cocktail bar with stunning views, premium drinks, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Nancy Mulligans Bar & Kitchen
0.3 km
A lively Belfast gastropub blending traditional Irish hospitality with live music, hearty food, and spirited sports viewing.
Monico Bars
0.3 km
Classic Belfast pub on Lombard Street pouring pints, serving stews, and screening sports in a lively city-center haven.
Henry's
0.3 km
A lively Belfast pub and restaurant blending historic charm with modern dining, live music, and a vibrant social scene.
The Jailhouse
0.3 km
Historic Belfast pub blending vintage charm with lively cocktails and hearty fare in a character-filled setting at Joy’s Entry.
Maddens
0.4 km
Discover the authentic charm of Maddens, a traditional Irish pub in Belfast known for its welcoming atmosphere and delightful local brews.
Pug Uglys
0.4 km
Belfast's go-to pub for gastropub grub, live gigs, comedy laughs, and sports cheers in a quirky, buzzing venue.
Bittles Bar
0.4 km
Discover Belfast’s iconic flatiron-shaped pub, Bittles Bar, where rich Irish culture, history, and a curated whiskey selection blend in a cozy, historic setting.
The National
0.5 km
Victorian grandeur meets modern Belfast buzz in this multi-bar haven for all-day eats, drinks, and live tunes on lively High Street.
The Spaniard
0.5 km
A cozy, quirky pub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, famed for its lively music, extensive rum selection, and intimate atmosphere.
Bert's Jazz Bar
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Bert's Jazz Bar in Belfast, where live music, exceptional cocktails, and delectable cuisine create an unforgettable experience.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Voodoo
0.2 km
Experience the electric atmosphere of Voodoo, Belfast's top night club, featuring live music, great drinks, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Thompsons Garage
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Thompsons Garage, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await every night.
Cabaret Supper Club
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Cabaret Supper Club, where exquisite dining meets captivating performances for an unforgettable experience.
Ollie's Belfast
0.6 km
A compact, late-night nightclub beneath The Merchant Hotel — brick-vaulted interiors, VIP booths and a focused dancefloor for weekend clubbing.
Club Lux
0.6 km
Dive into Belfast's vibrant nightlife at Club Lux, the ultimate disco club and bar experience with electrifying music and great company.
Craics Ninety
0.6 km
A compact, high‑energy clubnight in Belfast’s Common Market that celebrates 1990s music with DJs, themed entertainment and a pulsing dance atmosphere.
Kremlin
0.7 km
Belfast's beating heart of gay nightlife: dance floors ablaze, cocktails flowing, and community vibes till dawn on Donegall Street.
Shoe Factory
0.7 km
Experience the lively and inclusive nightlife at Shoe Factory, Belfast's top gay nightclub, where music, dance, and celebration come together.
The Art Department
0.7 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Art Department, Belfast's ultimate dance club with an artistic twist.
Anthology Ni
0.8 km
A high-energy Belfast nightclub within the Kremlin complex, known for DJ nights, themed performances and lively late‑hour clubbing.
Boombox Belfast
0.8 km
A lively and inclusive gay nightclub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, renowned for drag shows, DJ nights, and a welcoming queer atmosphere.
Alibi
1.0 km
Energetic R&B nightclub with guest DJs, cocktails, and a lively terrace in Belfast’s vibrant Queen’s Quarter.
Scratch Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Scratch Nightclub, where diverse music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable late-night memories.
Club Honey
2.0 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Club Honey, where energetic music and lively crowds create unforgettable nights on Falls Road.
Saturday Night Nightclub
14.3 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
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
