Belfast

The capital and the largest city of Northern Ireland is Belfast. It’s a real heart of industry, as well as the arts, higher education and business. It’s a legal center, and is the economic engine of the whole Northern Ireland.

   The city of Belfast has a population of 267,500 and lies in the middle of the Belfast urban area. Belfast  traces its roots to a settlement to a French Huguenots. During the 18Th and 19th centuries, Belfast was swept up in the Industrial Revolution and has become a centre for the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope-making and shipbuilding. Belfast has been the capital of Northern Ireland since its establishment in 1921.

    The city of Belfast has the Latin motto "Pro tanto quid retribuamus which means  "In return for so much, what shall we give back?". The precise origins and meanings of the symbols contained on the Coat of Arms are unknown. However, images such as the bell, the seahorse, the ship and the chained wolf were all used by 17th century Belfast merchants on their signs and coinage. 
The seahorse, which is used twice, shows the maritime importance of Belfast, as does the ship at the base of the shield. 
    The name ‘Belfast’ also originates from the Gaelic ‘Beal Feirste’, which means ‘mouth of the river’. 

for friendly citizens, gracious parks, splendid Victorian architecture, and trendy nightlife.
To learn more:
http://www.bc.edu/offices/international/programs/progsemesteryear/europerussia/belfastderry.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfast
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall/coatofarms.asp