But it's taken quite the journey to get here. The capital of Northern Ireland was a major player during the Industrial Revolution, where it was the biggest linen producing city in the world, with a reputation for tobacco-pressing and rope-making to boot. Shipbuilding was also a major part of Belfast's identity, and it was here that the Titanic was built in what was then the biggest shipyard in the world. Sectarian tension has long been a thread of Belfast's history however, and during the Seventies and Eighties, the Troubles saw Belfast become one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with over 3,600 people killed through acts of political violence.
The city's natural beauty and the spirit of its residents has proven increasingly popular with tourists in recent years. Here, two lifelong residents tell the story of their home.
AIDAN CAMPBELL has lived in Belfast for nearly 60 years. His early retirement, brought on by ill-health, prompted him to pursue his interest in local history. He's since published 18 books on Belfast. Learn more at eastbelfasthistory.com
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