Welcome to Belfast

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. It is a vibrant, diverse city and a great place to live, work and socialise.

The cost of living in Belfast is lower than many UK cities and there are always many things to do and events to see.

We hope you enjoy your time here!

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• Population

  340,000

• Currency and banking

  The currency in Northern Ireland is pound sterling (GBP – £).

  There are a number of banks to choose from, including:

  • Bank of Ireland
  • Ulster Bank
  • Danske Bank
  • Allied Irish Bank
  • Santander
  • Nationwide
  • Halifax
  • HSBC

   

  Please see this guide on how to choose the right bank account.

• Public transport

  

  • Translink
• Airports
  • Belfast International Airport
  • George Best Belfast City Airport
  • City of Derry Airport (65 miles away)
  • Dublin Airport (95 miles away)
• Things to do in Belfast

   

  • The Visit Belfast website has lots of information on what you can do, see and enjoy in the city and beyond
  • Places to eat and drink in Belfast
  • Your guide to shopping in Belfast
  • Get the latest information on events in Belfast
  • Everything you need to know about accommodation in Belfast
• Things to do across Northern Ireland

  

  • Discover Northern Ireland website
  • 19 reasons to visit Northern Ireland
  • Connolly Cove guides on Northern Ireland
  • Information on the top 10 museums across Northern Ireland
• Universities and colleges

  

  • An overview of universities and colleges in Northern Ireland
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • Ulster University
  • Open University Northern Ireland
  • Belfast Metropolitan College
  • Stranmillis University College Belfast
  • St Mary’s University College Belfast
• Renting or buying a home

  Before you start looking for accommodation, you should think about what you may need:

  • size of property
  • type of property (house or an apartment)
  • number of rooms
  • location
  • transport links
  • secure parking
  • shops, schools, health centres and social/leisure facilities

   

  You may need to do some research on the area you want to move into. Consider how close it is to your family and friends.

  You can search for rented accommodation through:

  • property websites like Property Pal or Property News
  • classified and accommodation sections in newspapers
  • Gumtree Belfast
  • Spare Room Belfast
  • estate agent websites and offices
  • ‘To Let’ signs outside properties

   

  Some rented property is not advertised so tell your friends and work colleagues you are looking for accommodation. They may be able to help.

  Landlord Registration Scheme

  All private landlords must be signed up to the Landlord Registration Scheme.

• Local health services

  Registering with a GP practice

  If you are moving to Northern Ireland, you should register with a local GP practice (doctor).

  Find your local GP practice here.

  Registering with a dentist

  If you are moving to Northern Ireland, you should also register with a dentist. More information on how to register with a dentist is available here.