These narrow alleyways running between High St and Ann St were once bustling commercial and residential thoroughfares; Pottinger's Entry, for example, had 34 houses in 1822. Joy's Entry is named after Francis Joy, who founded the Belfast News Letter in 1737, the British Isles' first daily newspaper (it's still in business). Crown Entry is where the United Irishmen were founded in 1791 by Wolfe Tone in Peggy Barclay's tavern. On Wine Cellar Entry, White's Tavern is Belfast's oldest tavern.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Belfast attractions

1. Jaffe Memorial Fountain

0.13 MILES

At the Victoria St entrance to the Victoria Square shopping mall is the yellow and white Jaffe Memorial Fountain. The gilded, cast iron structure and…

2. Albert Memorial Clock Tower

0.14 MILES

At the east end of High St is Belfast's very own leaning tower. Erected in 1865 in honour of Queen Victoria's dear departed husband, it is not as…

3. Duel of Belfast

0.16 MILES

Irish artist Conor Harrington painted The Duel of Belfast, Dance by Candlelight on a Hill St gable wall as part of the 2012 Cathedral Quarter Arts…

4. Oh Yeah Music Centre

0.18 MILES

A charitable organisation that provides rehearsal space for young musicians in a converted whiskey warehouse, the Oh Yeah Music Centre is also home to an…

5. Custom House

0.23 MILES

Opposite the west end of Lagan Weir is the elegant Custom House, built by Charles Lanyon in Italianate style between 1854 and 1857; the writer Anthony…

6. Linen Hall Library

0.23 MILES

Established in 1788 to 'improve the mind and excite a spirit of general inquiry', the Linen Hall Library houses some 260,000 books, more than half of…

7. City Hall

0.23 MILES

Belfast's classical Renaissance-style City Hall was built in fine, white Portland stone in 1906. Highlights of the free, 45-minute guided tour include the…

8. St Anne's Cathedral

0.24 MILES

Built in imposing Hiberno-Romanesque style, St Anne's Cathedral was started in 1899 but did not reach its final form until 1981. As you enter you'll see…