The Big Fish, Belfast

The Big Fish鈥攁lso known locally and lovingly as the Big Blue Fish鈥攊s one of Belfast鈥檚 most eye-catching and cherished public art pieces. Created by artist John Kindness in 1999, this 10-meter-long ceramic mosaic sculpture was installed at Donegall Quay, near the Lagan Lookout and Customs House, to mark the regeneration of the River Lagan. Officially a salmon (yes, the signs confirm it!), it stands right where the River Farset, from which Belfast gets its name (B茅al Feirste meaning "mouth of the Farset"), meets the Lagan. The sculpture is hard to miss鈥攏ot just because of its size, but because it sits at the very heart of the city鈥檚 history.

What makes The Big Fish truly special is its skin. Each shimmering blue ceramic tile is printed with texts, illustrations, and images that collectively tell the story of Belfast. From Tudor-era maps to 20th-century headlines, it鈥檚 like a visual time capsule. There are even drawings by schoolchildren and community members, adding a personal and playful layer to the piece鈥攊ncluding an Ulster Fry and a cheerful soldier. Contributions came from local schools and day centres, while historic imagery was provided by the Ulster Museum. Inside the fish, there鈥檚 a literal time capsule too, containing images, poetry, and documents about the city.

More than just a quirky photo spot, the Big Fish is a symbol of Belfast鈥檚 cultural rebirth and deep connection to the water that shaped it. Locals might chuckle at its playful nicknames, but there鈥檚 no denying that this gleaming salmon has swum its way into the city鈥檚 heart鈥攁nd become one of its most iconic landmarks.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Belfast. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: The Big Fish
Sight Location: Belfast, Ireland (See walking tours in Belfast)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Belfast Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Belfast, Ireland

Create Your Own Walk in Belfast

Creating your own self-guided walk in Belfast is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

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