Big Fish
A giant ceramic fish sculpture covered in tiles telling Belfast's history, symbolizing regeneration and folklore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for viewing tile details
Big Fish
Best Time
Best for viewing tile details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A giant ceramic fish sculpture covered in tiles telling Belfast's history, symbolizing regeneration and folklore.
"Unique and Iconic Landmark! The Big Fish is an absolutely delightful and quirky piece of public art."
🚗 Affordable Parking
Station Street car park is a budget-friendly option, just across the bridge. :car:
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Big Fish is an iconic landmark for unique Belfast photos. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ceramic Tile Skin
Exterior of the sculpture
Over 2,000 ceramic tiles depict Belfast's history, from industry to school projects. A visual storybook!
Salmon of Knowledge Legend
Symbolic meaning
Represents an ancient Irish myth, adding a layer of cultural depth and wisdom to this iconic landmark.
River Lagan Waterfront
Donegall Quay
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the river, with the Big Fish as a central, iconic feature of the regenerated quay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Near the Big Fish
A Quick & Rewarding Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Parking near big fish - Hudson House sq in Belfast
🚗 Affordable Parking
Station Street car park is a budget-friendly option, just across the bridge. :car:
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Big Fish is an iconic landmark for unique Belfast photos. :camerawithflash:
tips for northern ireland
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Lagan River with this sculpture as your centerpiece. :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Discover Belfast's Past
Examine the detailed tiles for a glimpse into the city's rich history. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Affordable Parking
Station Street car park is a budget-friendly option, just across the bridge. :car:
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Big Fish is an iconic landmark for unique Belfast photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Lagan River with this sculpture as your centerpiece. :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Discover Belfast's Past
Examine the detailed tiles for a glimpse into the city's rich history. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Big Fish as a unique, iconic, and quirky landmark that adds character to Belfast's riverfront. Its detailed ceramic tiles, depicting the city's history, are a major highlight, offering a fascinating visual narrative. It's a popular and accessible spot for photos and a pleasant addition to any city exploration.
"Unique and Iconic Landmark!
The Big Fish (or Salmon of Knowledge) is an absolutely delightful and quirky piece of public art right by the Lagan River! It's impossible to miss and instantly brings a smile to your face. The detail on the ceramic tiles, depicting scenes from Belfast's history, is fascinating to look at up close. It's a fantastic spot for a unique photo opportunity and adds so much character to the riverfront walk. Definitely worth a stop when exploring Belfast!"
Faisal Imdad
"The Big Fish is a cool and quirky sculpture right by the River Lagan. It’s covered in beautiful ceramic tiles that tell bits of Belfast’s history. Great for a quick visit and photo stop if you’re exploring the city center or Titanic Quarter. Kids and adults alike will enjoy spotting all the details."
Abdulsalam Palakkat
""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 artistic spirit."
Anupam Mishra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Fish is located on Donegall Quay by the River Lagan, easily accessible on foot from Belfast city center. It's a popular landmark for meeting up.
For affordable parking, Station Street car park is recommended. It's open 24 hours and offers hourly rates, located just across the bridge from the sculpture.
While there isn't a direct bus stop at the sculpture itself, it's within walking distance of many city center bus routes and Belfast Central Station.
Yes, there are cycle paths along the riverfront, making it a pleasant destination for cyclists exploring Belfast.
The Big Fish is conveniently located near the Titanic Quarter and the city center, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Big Fish is a public art installation and is free to view and visit at any time.
As an outdoor sculpture, the Big Fish is accessible 24/7.
There is no admission fee to see or photograph the Big Fish. It's a free public artwork.
While it's a public artwork, it's generally advised to look rather than touch to preserve the ceramic tiles.
No, there is no dedicated visitor center. The sculpture itself is the attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the details of the tiles.
Try capturing the full sculpture from across the river for a grand view, or get up close to highlight the intricate tile work.
Absolutely! The tiles are designed to be viewed up close, so feel free to photograph the historical scenes and text.
Regulations for drone usage can vary. It's best to check local bylaws or with Belfast City Council before flying a drone in the area.
Its unique design, historical imagery, and waterfront location make it a distinctive and memorable subject for photographs.
🎫 ℹ️ History & Meaning
Commissioned in 1999, it celebrates the regeneration of the River Lagan and Belfast's maritime heritage, featuring over 2,000 historical ceramic tiles.
It's named after an ancient Irish legend where a salmon gains all the world's knowledge, symbolizing wisdom and learning.
The tiles showcase diverse aspects of Belfast's history, from industrial scenes and newspaper headlines to contributions from local schoolchildren.
The Big Fish was created by artist John Kindness.
It symbolizes Belfast's regeneration, its connection to its waterways, its rich history, and its artistic spirit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Storytelling Tiles
This intricate design not only educates but also serves as a powerful symbol of the city's regeneration and its connection to its waterways. The inclusion of contributions from children highlights a forward-looking perspective, blending historical acknowledgment with community involvement. It’s a testament to Belfast’s evolving identity, celebrating both its roots and its future.
Mythology and Modern Iconography
This dual identity—historical chronicler and mythical figure—makes The Big Fish a truly unique icon. It stands as a prominent tourist attraction and a beloved modern landmark, frequently featured in Belfast's tourism materials. Its striking appearance and central location on Donegall Quay ensure it remains a focal point for both locals and visitors, embodying the city's artistic spirit and its rich cultural tapestry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit