Belfast has long been famous for its

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and a major city in commerce and industry. It is one of the most important ship-building and repairing centers of the United Kingdom, and has long been known for its linen textiles. Its manufactures include aircraft, guided weapons, and tobacco and food products. A large petroleum refinery here is supplied by imported petroleum, which is received at the city’s deep-water port. Other imports include grain, coal, chemicals, and iron and steel. Among the chief exports are petroleum products, soap, foodstuffs, and textiles. In Belfast, there are the notable Alster Museum and the Protestant Cathedral of Saint Ann. As an educational center, the city is home to Queen’s University of Belfast and Belfast College of Technology.
     Although there is evidence that people once settled in this place during the Stone and Bronze Ages, the founding of Belfast dates from 1577, when a Norman castle was taken by the English in the 16th century. In the late 17th century, French refugees arrived here and developed the linen industry. The harbor was improved in the late 18th century, and ship-building was begun on a large scale. The city was made the capital of Northern Ireland in 1920. During World War Two, Belfast was heavily damaged by German bombing raids. Beginning in 1969, the city was the scene of religious disorder involving civil fights agitation and increased violence.