Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. Most of Belfast, including the city centre, is in County Antrim, but parts of East and South Belfast are in County Down. It is on the flood plain of the River Lagan. The city's motto is Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus (roughly Latin for "what shall we give in return for so much").

IT IS AN INTERESTING CITY

The centre of the city is an island between two channels of the River Lee. The channels meet downstream at the eastern end of the city centre, where the quays and docks along the river lead outwards towards Lough Mahon and Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world.

I REALLY ENJOY MY VISITS

The city dates from 812 which is the earliest probable settlement; however, history suggests the presence of earlier settlements in the area surrounding King's Island, the island at the historical city centre. Antiquity's map-maker, Ptolemy, produced in 150 the earliest map of Ireland, showing a place called "Regia" at the same site as King's Island.

GREAT REATAURANTS AND HOTELS

There are a number of really colourful houses in an area of the Claddagh in Galway called The Long Walk. Facing Galway Bay, they are mainly private residences but there are a couple of restaurants at the street entrance as well as the Galway Art Museum.

IN MY OPINION THE HOTELS ARE OVERPRICED

Each year they invite world-class national and international street artists to join them and paint the city’s walls with stunning large scale artwork and 2020 will be no different.

I VISIT IN ORDER TO PHOTOGRAPH THE STREET ART

Kilkenny is a tourist destination, and its environs include historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, Black Abbey, St. Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny Town Hall, St. Francis Abbey, Grace's Castle, and St. John's Priory.

I WAS UNABLE TO VISIT DURING 2019