Is Belfast as rough as I've heard?

Question

I'm from New York, I've seen all these documentaries and programs about The Troubles and the tension between the Catholics and Protestants. I even wrote my final English paper on the Troubles because we needed to write about a "life changing event."

Supposedly things have drastically improved. Is this true? I would LOVE to visit, but people say "No, no. You don't want to go there..." Personally I think they don't know what they're talking about.

Answer 1

The simple answer is no. My son and myself went to your great city last year; New York and had a great time: when I said to people where I was going they said oh New York murder capital of the world all the people in NY are rude arrogant and nasty, nothing could be further from the truth the people were great, very helpful and nice, so don't believe all that you hear. I have lived in Belfast all my life 51 years and have never had any bother with anyone from the so called other side.

Answer 2

it has good parts and bad just like any other city and i think tourism wise we have a long way to go basically because of lack of funds so come on usa start  investing! life is a lot slower and a lot of ulster remains unspoilt there is still a huge divide between the both communities but we both like americans s o please come over and judge for yourself lol

Answer 3

I'm from New York too (long Island) and I married a girl from Belfast.  We ended up living over there for a year and I just got back to the US in december.  Things have drastically imporves and to me it is a much safer city that New York.  The people are friendly.  They really like americans (unlike other parts of Europe i visited) and there is plenty to see and do.  It seems as if the people of Northern Ireland instead of brushing their troubled past under the rug have embraced it.  There are plenty of tours you can take around areas which were once no-go areas and the troubles are openly talked about.

I would really recommend you go there. I had a blast and would move back there tomorrow if I could! Go to the Empire Bar in Botanic and have a 'pint' for me!

Answer 4

Things have changed just slightly but we still hate each other that will never change.  As for roughness yes its still rough some parts of Belfast are real s**+'t holes.  But its a bit safer for outsiders than it was a few years ago except for the current crime boom.  Because of the ceasefires scumbags aren't kept in check as they once were.  If you do come for a visit stay away from the lower falls at night.

Answer 5

I'm from the south of Ireland but i can tell you that things have drastically improved up north over the last few years.  If you're planning to visit Belfast it might be worth your while going onto this site for info:

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism/in...

Enjoy yourself if you decide to go : )

Answer 6

My hubbie is from Coleraine, Co Derry but was a student in Belfast (Queens). I'm English. I've been visiting Belfast for over 15 years and love it. People are far friendlier than in England (especially Essex where I am!), it's far more laid back, many of the restuarants/ hotels are privately owned therefore the food, hospitality is great. Over the past decade there has been huge regeneration and there is so much to do (for adults and kids). Moving out from Belfast to the north you have the Antrim coast -spectacular! Aswith Co Down etc. I'm sure there are parts of Belfast that are still dodgy (same with any UK city) just don't go to those bits!! I couldn't recommend it highly enough - unless you hate rain, that is!!LOL:)

Answer 7

No do not listen to anyone who says belfast is rough, it is not, it may have been at one time but it is not anymore, And yeah your right they dont know what their talking about, some of them probably havent even been here. But lets put it this way, you can go out at night and theres like a 0.1% chance that you will get attacked, murdered or mugged (unless your wearing the wrong thing).

Answer 8

im from the heart of belfast, i love and wouldnt move for the world. we do have the odd fighting but only on the likes of 12th of july and things like that anything else is normal like any other country. it is a beautiful place. loads of clubs and quite bars, you will love it. trust me