Travel the city's major thoroughfares and see Belfast's many exuberant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, featuring elaborate sculptures over doors and windows. Stone-carved heads of gods, poets, scientists, kings and queens peer down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses. You'll notice two massive cranes, affectionately known as Samson and Goliath, which tower over the skyline. Stop to look at the political murals, moving reminders of Belfast's recent turbulent history. At Hillsborough Castle, enjoy a guided tour of this 18th-century estate, official residence of the British Royal Family in Northern Ireland, and meeting site for foreign dignitaries. Afterward, stroll through the castle gardens or venture into the picturesque village of Hillsborough.