Initially designated the Smithfield Market and Library quarter, the current name was adopted in 2011.
The art deco Bank of Ireland is located on the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street.
The area contains entertainment venues such as the Front Page (Donegall Street) which consistently premieres many local bands, it also is home to McElhattons, one of Belfast's traditional bars.
Linen House Backpackers hostel which has accommodation for 130 guests is based in Kent Street.
[3] Smithfield and Union contains many of Belfast's major historic sites including Clifton Street's historic cemetery which contains two of the largest famine graves in Ireland as well as being the final resting place of Henry Joy McCracken who was one of the main leaders of the United Irishmen's rebellion of 1798.