The Big Fish

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!

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.

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.

"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.

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.

This magnificent fish is a must-visit attraction in Belfast. It’s a beautiful and iconic sculpture that stands as a testament to the city’s artistic heritage.

Very unusual Art right by the River Lagan and the Wier. Wirth stopping by in your walk from the city to the Titanic Experience.

It’s well worth taking the time to come and admire this sculpture up close. The detail on the individual tiles is brilliant and it’s great that there’s plenty of signage explaining the history and significance. There’s plenty of other things to do in the area too, so everyone should check it out on their first visit to the city.