Albert Memorial Clock Belfast
Belfast's iconic leaning clock tower, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece with a fascinating tilt.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Albert Memorial Clock Belfast
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Belfast's iconic leaning clock tower, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece with a fascinating tilt.
"A must-see for its unique lean and historical charm in the heart of Belfast."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture its famous lean from across the square for the best perspective. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Easy to Find
Located in Queen's Square, you'll likely pass it while exploring central Belfast. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Lean
Queen's Square
Belfast's very own 'Leaning Tower,' a fascinating tilt due to its marshy foundation.
Victorian Gothic Architecture
Queen's Square
Admire the intricate stone carvings and detailed Gothic design of this historic monument.
Statue of Prince Albert
Top of the Clock Tower
A prominent statue of Prince Albert, commemorating his legacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Photo Op
Best Viewed from Afar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture its famous lean from across the square for the best perspective. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Easy to Find
Located in Queen's Square, you'll likely pass it while exploring central Belfast. :world_map:
⏳ Quick Visit
It's a landmark for a quick photo and historical appreciation, not a long stay. :stopwatch:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The area around the clock is accessible for wheelchair users. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture its famous lean from across the square for the best perspective. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Easy to Find
Located in Queen's Square, you'll likely pass it while exploring central Belfast. :world_map:
⏳ Quick Visit
It's a landmark for a quick photo and historical appreciation, not a long stay. :stopwatch:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The area around the clock is accessible for wheelchair users. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Albert Memorial Clock to be an iconic and historically significant landmark in Belfast, particularly noted for its charming lean and Victorian Gothic architecture. While it's a quick stop rather than a destination in itself, its central location makes it an unmissable photo opportunity and a pleasant historical pause.
"The Albert Memorial Clock is a historic landmark located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Built in 1869, it was erected in memory of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Standing about 113 feet tall, the clock tower is known for its slightly leaning structure due to unstable ground. With its Gothic style and detailed carvings, it remains one of Belfast’s most iconic and photographed monuments. A visit to the clock offers a glimpse into the city’s Victorian past and architectural beauty."
Anıl KARADAVUT
"Known as 'Belfasts Leaning Tower', due to it leaning four foot off the perpendicular, the Albert Memorial Clock is a well known historic landmark.
It is not worth a special trip, but as it is near many of Belfasts historic landmarks, you are bound to pass it at some point.
The clock is accessible to people who use a wheelchair."
Shelley C
"The Albert Memorial Clock is one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Standing proudly in Queen’s Square, this striking clock tower is not only an impressive piece of architecture but also a significant part of Belfast’s history. Built in 1869 in memory of Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, the tower showcases beautiful Gothic and Victorian design elements that make it a unique and eye-catching structure.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Albert Memorial Clock is its lean. Due to being built on reclaimed marshland near the River Lagan, the tower has developed a slight tilt over the years, earning it the nickname “Belfast’s Leaning Tower.” While it isn’t as dramatic as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s still a fascinating feature that adds to its charm and character.
The detailing on the tower is stunning, with intricate stone carvings, a statue of Prince Albert himself, and an impressive clock face that dominates the skyline. It’s especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated, giving it a grand and elegant presence in the city center.
Surrounded by bustling streets, shops, and restaurants, the Albert Clock is a great place to stop and take in the history of Belfast. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply exploring the city, this landmark is definitely worth a visit."
Ricardo Alves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Albert Memorial Clock is centrally located in Queen's Square, making it easily accessible on foot from most city center hotels and attractions. Several bus routes also stop nearby. If driving, there are car parks in the vicinity, though they can be busy.
Yes, it's very close to many key Belfast landmarks, including the Titanic Quarter (a short drive or longer walk), St. George's Market, and the Ulster Hall. It's a convenient stop when exploring the historic heart of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Albert Memorial Clock is an outdoor landmark and is free to view from the surrounding public square. There are no tickets or admission fees required.
As an outdoor monument, the Albert Memorial Clock is accessible at all times. However, for the best viewing experience and photography, daytime or early evening when it's illuminated is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring the clock tower's unique lean and Victorian Gothic architecture. It's a popular spot for taking photos and appreciating a piece of Belfast's history. You can also read the informational plaques if available.
Yes, the area around the Albert Memorial Clock in Queen's Square is generally accessible for wheelchair users, allowing for a good view of the monument.
Most visitors spend around 15-30 minutes at the Albert Memorial Clock, primarily for photos and a brief appreciation of its history and unique structure.
📸 📸 Photography
To emphasize its famous lean, try photographing it from across Queen's Square. Consider different angles and times of day; the tower is particularly striking when illuminated at night.
The most popular viewpoint is from the opposite side of Queen's Square, which allows you to capture the full extent of its tilt. Higher vantage points in nearby buildings might offer unique perspectives, but are not publicly accessible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Lean
Despite its lean, the clock tower has stood for over a century, becoming an iconic symbol of Belfast. It was built to commemorate Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, and its Victorian Gothic design, complete with intricate carvings and a statue of the Prince, adds to its historical significance. The lean, often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, adds a unique charm and makes it a popular spot for photographs.
Visitors often find the lean to be a fascinating aspect of the monument. While it's not as dramatic as its Italian counterpart, it's significant enough to be a defining feature. The clock tower remains a beloved landmark, offering a glimpse into Belfast's architectural past and engineering challenges.
Architectural Significance
Standing at approximately 113 feet tall, the tower is crowned with a statue of Prince Albert, adding a regal touch. The intricate detailing on the stonework, from the base to the spire, showcases the craftsmanship of the period. Its presence in Queen's Square, a historically significant area, further enhances its architectural importance within the city's urban landscape.
Even with its famous lean, the clock tower's aesthetic appeal remains strong. It serves as a visual anchor in the city center and a testament to the architectural styles that shaped Belfast during the Victorian era. Its illuminated presence at night adds a dramatic and elegant dimension to the cityscape.
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