The Big Fish — Attraction in Belfast

"The Big Fish," also affectionately known as the "Salmon of Knowledge." It's a hugely important and iconic landmark in Belfast for several reasons. Commissioned in 1999, The Big Fish was created to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan and the surrounding Donegall Quay area. Its location at the confluence of the River Farset (which Belfast is named after) and the River Lagan further emphasizes the city's deep historical connection to its waterways and maritime past. It represents a forward-looking Belfast while acknowledging its roots. One of the most fascinating aspects of The Big Fish is its unique "skin." It's covered in over 2,000 ceramic tiles, each decorated with texts and images that tell a story about Belfast's history. These include everything from Tudor times to present-day newspaper headlines, industrial scenes (like Harland and Wolff, the shipbuilders of the Titanic), and contributions from Belfast schoolchildren. It's essentially a giant, interactive history book for the city. The sculpture is also known as the "Salmon of Knowledge," referencing an ancient Irish legend from the Fenian Cycle. In this myth, a salmon gains all the knowledge in the world, and the first person to eat its flesh will also gain that wisdom. This mythical connection adds a layer of cultural depth and storytelling to the artwork. The Big Fish is a prominent landmark and Tourist Attraction in Belfast. Its striking appearance and central location on Donegall Quay make it a frequent stop for tourists and a popular spot for photos. Its image often appears on tourism materials for Belfast and Northern Ireland. To summarise The Big Fish is much more than just a large stone sculpture. It's a multifaceted symbol representing Belfast's regeneration, its rich maritime history, its connection to ancient Irish folklore, and its vibrant...

Well, what can I say? It's a big fish. Its along the waterfront, right next to one of the big pedestrian bridges on Lanyon. There are public toilets across the traffic lights for 20p a go. And there is parking within about 200 yards. What looks to be a police station right next to the fish. I went there with a crowd and it was a great place to hold an event with speeches at it, but you could just as easily take yourself there for a picnic on a sunny day, or on a break from work, or even a a tourist if you like visiting landmarks. It's about 0.5 or 0.6 miles from Great Victoria Street Station so you could go there from the train or bus station. Takes about 20 minutes if you're walking slow...

The "Big Fish" in Belfast, also known as the "Salmon of Knowledge," is a notable public artwork located on Donegall Quay by the River Lagan. Created by artist John Kindness in 1999, this 10-meter-long mosaic sculpture is adorned with ceramic tiles that depict various aspects of Belfast's history, from its early settlements to its industrial growth. Situated near the Lagan Weir, the sculpture symbolizes the city's deep connection to the river. The "Big Fish" serves not only as a striking piece of public art but also as an educational tool, inviting visitors to explore and learn about Belfast's rich cultural heritage through the images and texts embedded...