Britannia was the Roman and Greek term for the geographical region of Great Britain which was inhabited by the Britons and is the name given to the female personification of the island. It is a term still used to refer to the island today.
A 20 feet tall Portland stone sculpture of Britannia guarded by two lions, stands proudly atop Stormont Parliment Building in Stormont Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
"Stormont Parliament Buildings is one of the best known and most striking pieces of architecture in Northern Ireland. The architect Sir Arnold Thornely, who was knighted by King George V in recognition of his architectural work, designed the building with perfect symmetry and symbolism, such as the building being 365ft wide representing one foot for every day of the year; having six floors and six pillars at the entrance, one for each county in Northern Ireland.
Parliament Buildings is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative authority for Northern Ireland established under the terms of the Belfast Agreement 1998 (aka. the Good Friday Agreement).
The building was originally constructed to accommodate the newly formed Government of Northern Ireland, established under the Government of Ireland Act, 1921.
The grounds of Stormont Estate (224 Acres at the time of purchase) cost approximately £20,000 and the cost of constructing Parliament Buildings came close to £1.7 million. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, declared Parliament Buildings open on 16th November 1932 on behalf of King George V.
Visit Parliament Buildings
You are welcome to come and visit Parliament Buildings Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm to view the Great Hall or visit the gift and coffee shop.
During the Summer months (July and August) tour times will differ from day-to-day as we try to increase the frequency of our tours to accommodate as many visitors as possible."
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Historical Note: The Island of Ireland, consists of two Country's,
The largest being the "Republic of Ireland" (aka - Eire - Galic) mainly to the South of Ireland. The other is Northern Ireland.
Contary to popular belief there are four countries, states or kingdoms in the United Kingdom.
"Northern Ireland" is one of the four country's that make up the United Kingdom. The other three Country's in the UK. are, Scotland, Wales, Ohh I forgot the other, ahh Yes its England. You may have heard of one or two of them.
Hours of Operation:
Parliment buildings - Stormont - Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm Parliment Building Tours 11.00am to 3.00pm Storemont Estate & Gardens Monday 07:30-18:00 Tuesday 07:30-18:00 Wednesday 07:30-18:00 Thursday 07:30-18:00 Friday 07:30-18:00 Saturday 09:00-17:00 Sunday 09:00-17:00
Admission Prices:
Free : I highly recommend:
A must do if you visit Stormont: The Members’ Dining Room is open to the public all year round between Monday – Friday, 12.00pm-2:00pm
All the food is lovingly prepared by talented and award winning chefs who are committed to using only locally available fresh produce and ingredients.
Booking is advisable. For reservations please call: 02890 521 041.