Queen's Bridge

Queen's Bridge is a road bridge across the River Lagan with five granite stone arches that define Belfast's landscape. The structure was later widened and spans multiple sections to handle increased traffic across the waterway.

The bridge was built between 1840 and 1843, replacing an older wooden structure from 1682 that had become too small for the growing city. It received its royal name following a visit by a member of the royal family in the mid-19th century.

The bridge displays 16 ornate lamp posts bearing the Belfast Corporation coat of arms, reflecting the city's industrial past. Visitors can see in these details the Victorian craftsmanship that shaped the urban landscape.

The bridge is straightforward to cross on foot and offers good views of the river and surroundings. It is best visited during quieter times of day when you can observe the architectural details and lamp posts more easily.

The bridge was built with locally sourced granite from the nearby town of Newry, creating a special connection between two important places. Interestingly, parts of the structure were designed as cantilevered segments, an engineering solution added during the widening project of the 1800s.