|
|
Belfast is the capital and chief industrial centre of
Northern Ireland and one of the new administrative districts. Belfast stands
on the banks of the River Lagan, where it flows into the head of a long sea
lough. The city was noted originally for its manufacture of linen, based on
the local cultivation of flax. Much of the raw material is imported now, but
the products continue to be of good quality. The rise
of the linen industry led to the growth of many factory towns round Belfast.
Ship-building was the second great industry of
Belfast, heavily dependent on government assistance. Coal is
brought from Scotland and iron from Canada. The River Lagan was
improved for navigation and extensive docks were constructed.
These handle various commodities, most of the trade being with the ports of
Glasgow and Liverpool.
|
|
