Blackpool is believed to get its name from a long gone drainage channel which ran over a Peat. The water which ran into the sea at Blackpool was black from the peat and formed a “black pool” in waters of the Irish Sea (In Irish, Black Pool is Dubh Linn, which in turn became Dublin). Blackpool rose to prominence as a major centre of tourism during the 19th century, particularly for the inhabitants of northern mill towns. Blackpool is heavily dependent on tourism. In what is often regarded as its heyday (1900-1950), Blackpool thrived as the factory workers of northern England took their annual holidays there en masse.

Gay Blackpool
Blackpool has gained renown as a lesbian and gay destination, (see Gay Blackpool) with clubs such as the Flamingo, Mardi Gras, the Flying Handbag pub, and many gay-run hotels and guest-houses, with some catering exclusively for the gay community. These tend to be inland, nearer to the railway station “Blackpool North” than to the sea. There is also the world famous drag cabaret burlesque show bar.

Blackpool festivals
Blackpool Dance Festival is a world famous annual ballroom dance competition of international significance: Blackpool Illuminations consisting of a series of lighted displays and collages arranged along the entire length of the sea front (11 km/7 miles), attract many visitors in September and October at a time when some resorts’ holiday seasons have already ended.