Sightseeing in Belfast – Stormont Parliament buildings

The Stormont Parliament Building is the headquarters of the Northern Ireland Assembly. It can be found in the Stormont area of east Belfast and although you'll need prior arrangements to see the inside, it's well worth take a stroll around the grounds and admire its Greek classical style exterior and surroundings.

The Stormont building can be found at the top of the Prince of Wales Avenue, which is a mile long. This building is inextricably linked with the peace process in Northern Ireland and in general the political history of Northern Ireland.

The building was officially opened back in November 1932 by the Prince of Wales. It was designed in Greek classical style and made of Portland stone.

Visitors can walk from Lord Carson's Statue along the tree lined Prince of Wales Avenue to the front of the building. Other points of interest on the grounds of the building area Lord Craigavon's Tomb, the Reconciliation Monument, the Glen Walk and the children's playground.

If you're lucky enough to get inside, you'll see the magnificent Great Hall which is mainly constructed of Italian travertine marble and a lot of the décor was achieved by skilled Italian craftsmen who came especially to carry out the work during the 1920's. Also inside the building is two chambers -  the House of Commons and the Senate Chamber.

In December 2005, the building was the venue for the burial of George Best – Northern Ireland and Manchester United soccer star when over 25,000 congregated in the grounds of Stormont.

To get to Stormont from the city centre, cross over Queen Elizabeth Bridge onto Middlepath Street, then take the Upper Newtownards Road (A20) east of the city. Stay on this road from about 4.5 km then take a left onto the Prince of Wales Avenue. It's about a 15/20 minutes drive depending on traffic.


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