Belfast is a 'distinctive city'

30 October 2008 -

Belfast has been described as a "distinctive city" by an architectural charity, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

People keen to travel in Northern Ireland will be interested to hear the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism believes the city is a unique-looking place.

Robert Adam, chairman of the organisation, told the news provider one of the key issues threatening other conurbations around the world is the fact they are beginning to look like one another.

He believes Belfast still has its own identity.

"Walking through the streets, there are a lot of traditional buildings and it couldn't be anywhere but the British Isles. You recognise very quickly that you are in Belfast," Mr Adam said.

The city's charm has also been praised by Snow Patrol star Gary Lightbody, who recently revealed to the Belfast Telegraph it inspired one of the band's new songs.

He stated his view of other locations around the world has been tinted by his experiences in the conurbation.