• Home
• Officers
• Diary
• Locale
  • Belfast
• Past
  • History
  • Past Masters
  • First Minutes
• Social
  • Clay Pigeon Shoots
  • Social Events
  • Paddy Master
• Visits
• Trips
  • Dublin 2007
  • Scotland 2009
• Misc
  • Joining Information
  • Site Awards
  • Website Advice
  • Links
• Contact
  • Guestbook
  • Email

Belfast Welcome Centre

Lodge 169 meets in Freemasons' Hall, Arthur Square. Belfast. A very short walk from the City Hall in the heart of the pedestrian shopping and entertainment area. In recent years the City of Belfast has become much more modern, and now offers the visitor many varied sources of entertainment and refreshment. The overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Indeed Lodge 169 is delighted with the upsurge in Masonic visitors keen to visit both us and the delights of the City. This page is designed to assist visitors to find other outlets and experience the warmth on offer to visitors. We do of course hope you will include a visit to Lodge 169 in your agenda (or some of our other available Lodges). Our thanks must go to those venues that have supplied graphics and details regarding what is on offer. Enjoy this page, it is not designed to advertise favoured venues, but to assist the visitor to pin-point items of interest.

TRANSPORT
Journeying to, from, and around the City is easy. Two airports ... Belfast International is a short bus ride away and services most International air traffic, plus some UK flights. Belfast City Airport (better known as George Best Airport) is closer to the City Centre and again a short bus ride. Stena Line also run a HSS (High Speed Service) by sea from Scotland.

Train services are available from the three main stations (all linked). Great Victoria Street, York Street and Belfast Central. All are operated by Translink.

Bus services: Most local Belfast buses run to, and from, the City Hall. Local buses are coloured a shade of red or pink. Two bus stations situated at Great Victoria Street (Europa Hotel), and Laganside, feed routes outside the City. These are coloured blue and white. Again operated by Translink.

HISTORIC BELFAST
Belfast City is steeped in history and you do not need to stray far to encounter it.

The City Hall is impossible to miss, being situated right in the City centre. Recently refurbished, the building is open to the public and guided tours leave reception regularly. The grounds contain many seats and areas to stretch your legs. At the west side is the War Memorial, a magnificent stone pillared area. On the east side is the memorial to the Titanic.

There are several regular bus tours of the historic parts of the City, including Harland and Wolff, the shipbuilders famous for the Titanic. Also themed tours regarding C. S. Lewis, Titanic and the famous Belfast murals.

Within easy reach is the Ulster Museum, housing many worldwide artifacts, an art gallery, and frequent exhibitions. The museum is situated in the Botanic Gardens home to a huge Victorian Palm House. Indeed take a packed lunch on a good day, and have a completely free day out with both attractions.

MASONIC BELFAST Masonically Belfast is served by two Provinces (separated by the River Lagan). Lodge169 meets under the Province of Antrim while across the river the Province of Down holds power. Both sides of the river have a number of Masonic Halls. On the Lodge169 side we are governed by Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim, 15 Rosemary Street, where the Province has its own building.

Around the City are a number of indications of the City's Masonic links. The lamp posts outside the Ulster Hall in Bedford Street, and at the front of City Hall, show various Masonic symbols. St. Ann's Cathedral in the Cathedral Quarter also has a number of Masonic references within its walls.

BELFAST ENTERTAINMENT
In recent years nightlife in Belfast has rocketed. New venues were constructed and many older ones were redeveloped.

The largest is the Odyssey Arena. On the bank of the river Lagan this entertainment centre houses nightclubs, restaurants, bars, cinema, 10 pin bowling, a science exploration centre called W5, and the Arena area, hosts many major concerts and most important is home to the Belfast Giants ice-hockey team. On the Lagan shore it also offers some of the most breath taking views of the waterside.

Belfast Waterfront Hall is a new building (similar to the London Albert Hall). Events are both theatrical and concerts (many of the "oldies"play here to smaller audiences). Two theatre area are available there are bar and restraint facilities. Built alongside is the Belfast Hilton Hotel for "star watching".

The Grand Opera House in Great Victoria Street is a very old theatre, which has recently been refurbished. Mainly theatrical performances but occasional music concerts. A newly added bar and restaurant add to the evening.

Dotted round the city centre area are numerous bars, clubs and restaurants. Indeed the City has become vibrant. Late buses and taxi services are readily available until the early hours. Please do not forget that, on Lodge nights, Freemasons' Hall, Arthur Square is open for bar refreshments (make sure someone signs you in).

DISCLAIMER .. .. The above page is designed to help the new visitor to Belfast. The list is very far from complete and inclusion/exclusion does not indicate a degree of recommendation. The "end user" must solely determine whether a service/venue is suitable to their needs. Lodge 169 cannot accept any liability.
Neither Lodge 169 or its members have any vested interests in any of the services/venues and do not receive any grace, favour or direct payment in regard to the links above.