"Why is it called Belfast?" Belfast by Durfun

Belfast Travel Guide: 383 reviews and 735 photos

Belfast from the air.. recognise some sights? - Belfast
Belfast from the air.. recognise some sights?
History behind the name..

Simple really: because they formed a habit of ringing the church bells really fast, as a warning for the citizens, during the time of the Viking attacks.

Fast ringing was called for because the Vikings almost always attacked churches, so the kindred priests & monks warned the citizens at great risk to themselves. A few rings would not necessarily stir you into action, so they rang fast & furiously, before hiding, or taking up arms!

Don't be fooled by the docile image of monks.. these guardians of the House of God were no ordinary folks.. most were trained in a unique martial art called Futturan, lethal at close quarters. It is a very closely guarded fighting style, never openly discussed or taught.

Ever since then, the name has stuck! The city used to be called Futtuchhe earlier. Translation: land of those practising Futtu(ran).

*** Please read my 'Local Customs' tip before 'reacting'..

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Quirky, compact.
  • Cons:Not one!
  • In a nutshell:The artful graffitti political statements
  • Last visit to Belfast: Aug 2009
  • Intro Updated Dec 28, 2009
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Truth behind the name! Local Customs (1)

The name Belfast is derived from the Irish Béal Feirsde, which was later spelled Béal Feirste. The word Béal means... more travel advice

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Comments (2)

  • Reply
    leics's Profile Photo
    Aug 6, 2010 at 9:13 AM

    Thanks......more to come, so you can see what else you missed! :-) J

  • Reply
    viddra's Profile Photo
    Aug 5, 2010 at 4:40 AM

    Enjoyed reading your joke :-) Looking forward to reading your impressions of this lovely place.

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