Day 36 – Queen’s University Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Walking through the Botanic
Gardens in Belfast

Six days ago I arrived in Belfast from the Isle of Man to walk 10 miles in each of the six counties of Northern Ireland as part of my 2012 mile journey.  Today I was back in Belfast and I walked in the Botanic Gardens, set within the stunning location of Queen’s University, Belfast in County of Antrim.


County Antrim is situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh and is also one of the thirty-two traditional counties of Ireland, lying within the historical province of Ulster.  The Glens of Antrim offer beautiful landscapes including the Giant's Causeway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majority of the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is also in County Antrim, with the remainder being in County Down.

In addition to walking at the Botanic Gardens, I also had the opportunity to walk around parts of the magnificent Queen's University Belfast.  The university has a record of academic achievement which stretches back more than 150 years.

Being interviewed by Graham from the Belfast Community Telegraph

Founded by Queen Victoria, the Queen's University in Ireland, was designed to be a non-denominational alternative to Trinity College Dublin which was controlled by the Anglican Church.  It was founded in 1845, Queen's opened in 1849 when the first students entered the magnificent new college building designed and built by Charles Lanyon. Since then, the University estate has grown to more than 300 buildings - many of them listed for their architectural importance. It was a privilege to walk through that same Lanyon Entrance today.

As a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 20 leading research-intensive universities, it is an international centre of research & education at the heart of Northern Ireland. Queen’s is one of the leading universities in the UK and Ireland, providing world-class education underpinned by world-class research.

Outside the beautiful entrance to
Queen's Univeristy Belfast

The university has more than 17,000 students and 3,500 staff, and a global player in areas ranging from cancer studies to sustainability, and from pharmaceuticals to creative writing. Queen’s is currently investing over £200 million in students, staff and facilities.  I hope to return to Queen’s University again as I would be delighted to see the facilities and meet students studying the wide range of courses available.

This has been a remarkable six days for me and over 6 days and 60 miles, I have walked with students, young people, charities, emergency services and members of communities within all six counties of Northern Ireland.

I have been made to feel welcome wherever I have walked and it has been an absolute pleasure to meet all those who have come out to support me.  Thank you to everyone in Northern Ireland for their hospitality and support.

Before flying tomorrow, I have been invited to visit the Parliament Buildings in Stormont.  This is a real honor for me and will undoubtedly complete a tremendous visit to Northern Ireland.

1726 miles to go!

Best wishes,

Phil