New guidebook aims to show the better side of west Belfast

A new guidebook to west Belfast aims to show that there is more to the most televised but least visited part of the city than…

A new guidebook to west Belfast aims to show that there is more to the most televised but least visited part of the city than uniforms and unemployment.

For years the mostly nationalist quarter of Belfast demonstrated that there was such a thing as bad publicity. The only image most visitors, and not a few other Northerners, had of "the West" was a long, grey blur seen from a speeding car as they went on a quick tour of the hot spots they had seen on their TV news.

Now, as part of an effort to make the North tourist-friendly, a local community group, the West Belfast Partnership, has produced a glossy 58-page guide to the area.

Those who think they know their Broadway from their Glen Road will still be surprised to read of the Black Mountain Equestrian Centre where visitors can go harness-racing or pony trekking.

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In the city, the historically-minded tourist will want to get to grips with the collection of sectarian murals on offer on both sides of the numerous peacelines which dot the map at the back of the booklet.

Unsurprisingly, the booklet devotes more attention to nationalist murals, with Bobby Sands taking pride of place, but contact details for a tour of loyalist murals are also available.

Milltown cemetery, home of the republican plot, is also worth a visit.

Once tourists have visited there, played nine holes in the Colin Glen Golf Course, visited the Conway Mill Craft Centre, picked up some Irish language tips at a cultural centre and watched hurleys being made, some will no doubt be ready to sink a few pints in one of the 33 pubs, clubs and restaurants detailed by the guide.