University Road Belfast

University Road Belfast

University Road is a main route into Belfast city centre, situated between the leafy Stranmillis Road and the bustling Golden Mile of Shaftesbury Square.

The most iconic institution on University Road is Queen’s University Belfast, founded in 1845. The world-renowned university has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel Prize winners and global leaders. Below is a photo of poet Seamus Heaney, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995.

Just off University Road is the Ulster Museum, a world-class museum home to extensive collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. Whether you're curious about ancient Egyptian mummies or contemporary Irish art, there's something to explore.

Below is the newly constructed Queen's University Students’ Union, opened in 2022. An interesting fact — the original Mandela Hall, which operated underground as part of the old building, was preserved and still hosts events today. It was famously home to Belfast’s Shine nightclub.

General Information & Demographics

University Road itself has a more commercial feel, with student accommodation and offices lining the side streets. It sits between educational, cultural, and residential zones, which gives the area a lively and diverse character.

The beautiful Botanic Gardens sit between Queen's University and the Ulster Museum, offering peaceful green space just minutes from the city centre. With walking trails, a tropical palm house, a Japanese garden, and a Victorian greenhouse, it's a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Learn More About Belfast?

If you’d like to visit University Road and many more must-see spots, hop on the daily Hop on Hop off Belfast bus tour. Discover over 19 iconic locations across the city, each with a story worth hearing.