A unlikely tourist attraction (Stormont Government Buildings)

Member Name: byblox

Product:	Stormont Government Buildings
Date:	11/10/08 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The scale

Disadvantages: The politics!

I visited Stormont a few months ago and was impressed by the welcome we received. It isn't that long ago that the building had a faintly menacing air despite its grandeur, it was most certainly off limits. Not so any more, in the spirit of the 'new' Northern Ireland, groups of the public are welcome by arrangement.

Known as Stormont, this is the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly and is the main building is actually Parliment Buildings. Begun in 1922 and opened in 1932 it has a suitably grand, classical style, quite reminiscent of the U.S Capitol in Washington. It sits on the side of a shallow valley with a long straight driveway in front.

Bizarrely during the blitz, which hit Belfast, the gleaming stone of the building was covered in a mixture of tar and manure, perhaps there's a message there somewhere....

The interior is predictably grand, all marble, brass and plasterwork. The debating chambers are worth a visit and are in daily use. It is difficult to believe that there was a disasterous (accidental) fire in the central part of the building several years ago such is the quality of the restoration. Outside the steps and entrance front are of a scale that is breathtaking, the grounds are open to the public and have hosted concerts by the likes of Elton John and Pavarotti.

It is outside Belfast in a residential suburb and so may mean a bus or taxi trip, so only perhaps only truly for serious politics or architecture fans.

Summary: Worth a visit