The Big Fish - Belfast

The Big Fish

Located at Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3NG, United Kingdom, The Big Fish is a popular tourist attraction that has been delighting visitors for years.

This iconic landmark is a must-visit when exploring Belfast, and its unique design makes it a great spot for photos.

Characteristics and Features

The Big Fish is a large ceramic sculpture that depicts a salmon, known as the Salmon of Knowledge in Irish mythology. The sculpture is made up of over 50,000 ceramic tiles, each one hand-painted with intricate details.

Visitors can see scenes from Belfast's history etched into the tiles, making it a fascinating piece of public art.

The Big Fish is not only a beautiful work of art but also a great spot for people-watching and taking in the views of the Lagan River.

Specialties

The Big Fish specializes in sculpture, monument, and tourist attraction.

Other Points of Interest

On-site services are available, and the attraction is wheelchair-accessible, making it easy for everyone to visit.

Opinions

The Big Fish has received an average rating of 4.4/5 from 2677 reviews on Google My Business, with many visitors praising its unique design and historic significance.

Some visitors have noted that the attraction is 'impossible to miss' and 'instantly brings a smile to your face,' while others have appreciated the opportunity to take unique photos with the sculpture.

Overall, The Big Fish is a great addition to the Belfast riverfront walk and is definitely worth a stop for anyone exploring the city.

👍 Reviews of The Big Fish

Faisal I.

5/5

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!

Abdulsalam P.

4/5

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.

Anupam M.

5/5

"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.

Dan K.

5/5

Pleasant walk through Belfast. Nice spot to sit. Heard that if you kiss the fish you'll gain wisdom, but perhaps it's just the wisdom not to go around kissing public art.

S M.

5/5

Every knows if you say meet at the Big Fish where to go. A modern and beautiful icon and symbolic of the new Belfast.

Alice C.

5/5

is a large mosaic sculpture on the banks of the River Lagan in Donegall Quay. Created by artist John Kindness in 1999, the artwork celebrates the river's regeneration. The sculpture also contains a time capsule storing information, images, and poetry about the city. Love it!

Leon B.

5/5

The Big Fish changed my life. I came expecting a quirky public artwork — I left spiritually moved. This beautiful ceramic mosaic salmon sits gracefully by the River Lagan, covered in tiles that tell the story of Belfast’s rich history. It’s more than just a sculpture — it’s a symbol of resilience, transformation, and cultural pride. Plus, the view from the waterfront is stunning. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just someone in need of inspiration, don’t miss this iconic masterpiece. 10/10 would be emotionally awakened by a fish again.

Shelley C.

5/5

I love this sculpture. It is 33 feet long, beautifully decorated, and just makes you happy.
The sculpute is accessible to people who use a wheelchair.