Parliament Buildings, Parliament building in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Parliament Buildings is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast, featuring a large central dome built from Portland stone and a main entrance reached by a wide staircase. Wings extend on either side of the main structure, each with tall windows and columns spanning several floors.
The building opened in 1932, designed by architect Arnold Thornely to give the regional parliament a permanent home after partition. After years without sittings, the Assembly returned in 1998 following the Good Friday Agreement.
The main chamber is known as the Carson Chamber, named after Edward Carson, one of the founders of Northern Ireland. Portraits and photographs of former speakers and ministers line the corridors, offering insight into the political figures who shaped the region.
Guided tours run on certain weekdays, showing the chambers and public spaces inside. Booking ahead is recommended, as spots are limited and sometimes closed for sittings.
The Prince of Wales Wing was added in 1960, set some distance from the main building and linked by a covered walkway. The entrance columns were cut from single blocks of stone rather than assembled from sections, which was unusually costly in the 1930s.
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