Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall stands proudly in the heart of the city, next to Donegall Square West with its iconic green copper dome visible from all around. Built during the height of Belfast’s industrial boom, it’s more than just a civic landmark.

It’s a lasting symbol of the city’s glory days of industry & once nickname of “Linenopolis,” when Belfast led the world in linen production.

How It Started

Queen Victoria granted Belfast city status in 1888, a nod to its growing importance in linen, shipbuilding, and global trade. To mark the occasion, a new City Hall was commissioned to replace the old Linen Hall on the same site.

The design competition was won by Alfred Brumwell Thomas, whose Baroque Revival plans were ambitious and bold. Construction started in 1898 and finished in 1906, costing £369,000, a huge amount at the time, funded by the city’s ratepayers.

Architecture and Features

Built from Portland stone with a copper dome and four corner towers, Belfast City Hall makes an impression. Inside, the marble staircases, mosaic floors, and hand-carved woodwork reflect the pride the city had in its new status.

Each stained-glass window tells a piece of Belfast’s story, industry, peace, hardship, and remembrance. Outside, the gardens feature statues and memorials, including the famous Titanic Memorial Garden and a tribute to Queen Victoria.

Through the Tough Years

The City Hall has seen it all. It was a hub for civil defence during World War II, and during the Troubles, it became a focal point for protests, rallies and marches. The building stood firm through air raids, bomb threats, and some of Belfast’s hardest chapters.

Funny Moments

In 1995, it even hosted a state visit from U.S. President Bill Clinton, who switched on the Christmas lights and gave a speech on the front steps. During the Q&A, a local schoolboy famously asked him about UFOs & Roswell.

The moment got a good laugh and made headlines across the globe. Of course, President Clinton played by the playbook and claimed to know nothing about it 😉.

City Hall Today

These days, Belfast City Hall is still home to the city council but also welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

It’s free to enter and features a permanent exhibition telling the story of Belfast, from its industrial roots to modern innovation. The building is also a popular spot for weddings, with couples getting married in its grand, historic rooms.

Every winter, the grounds are transformed into the Belfast Christmas Market, one of the city’s most anticipated seasonal events.

Dozens of stalls serve foods and treats from around the world, from bratwurst and crêpes to glühwein and the ever-popular Strawberry Bear, a local favourite for photos & sweets.

The gardens remain a favourite lunch spot year-round, and the building is regularly lit up in colours to mark events and causes.

Tours and Info

Guided tours run daily and cost just £6 per person. They last around 50 minutes and take you through rooms not normally open to the public, including the council chamber and mayor’s parlour.

There’s also a 16-room visitor exhibition, plenty of displays on Belfast’s political and industrial past, and The Bobbin Coffee Shop for a quick bite.

Tour times vary slightly at weekends — always best to check the council’s site before visiting:

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/city-hall