Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a metropolis that should be added to any Ireland Itinerary. It’s a spot the place the mix of previous and current provides an exhilarating array of issues to do. Trace the steps of historical past on the shipyards the place the Titanic’s story started, discover its iconic landmarks from tales behind the Crumlin Road Gaol, or meander by way of the paths of the Botanic Gardens. We took a journey by way of Belfast, the place every nook has a narrative, and the record of issues to do in Belfast unfolds with a treasure trove of experiences. So, top off in your British kilos and discover ways to convert from kilometers to miles, we’re taking you on a journey of all the very best locations to go to in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Top Things to do in Belfast
Located simply two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is the capital metropolis of Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom (not the Republic of Ireland). Belfast could also be only a hop, skip, and bounce from Ireland’s extra well-known metropolis, but it surely feels worlds away. Check RentalCars.com for automotive rental comparisons.
1. Titanic Belfast
Undoubtedly, one of the vital standard issues to do in Belfast is to go to Titanic Belfast. This unbelievable interactive museum is devoted to the ill-fated Titanic voyage. The RMS Titanic was constructed proper right here within the shipyards of Belfast. This enormous museum takes you thru the journey of constructing the Titanic to the rescue of survivors off the coast of Canada.
Titanic Belfast homes multimedia shows that share first-hand account tales taking part in over loudspeakers as you stroll by way of its galleries showcasing replicas of rooms on the Titanic and relics salvaged from the location.
There’s a Disney-like journey in the course of the self-guided tour the place you hop on a journey as you journey to the underside of the ship, gliding by way of the bowels of the mighty ship. We have visited this museum thrice, and we all the time discover one thing new. The greatest time to go to Titanic Belfast is early within the morning. This is the most well-liked attraction in Belfast, and tour busses arrive rapidly, so keep forward of the crowds by being first in line.
Get your tickets forward of time so as to stroll proper in as a substitute of standing in line for entry tickets. Read extra about one other Titanic Museum in Canada: The Best Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Website: Titanic Belfast Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK
2. SS Nomadic
Once you end off in Titanic Belfast, your ticket features a self-guided tour of the SS Nomadic, the final remaining White Star Line ship on this planet. It’s an fascinating cease to see firsthand what it was prefer to step aboard the Titanic.
The SS Nomadic was used to ferry passengers to the Titanic and was constructed with the identical finishes because the Titanic herself, providing you with a first-hand have a look at what it was like for passengers on the Titanic.
It was sometimes called the mini Titanic because it was constructed alongside the ship and is strictly one-third its dimension. Its most well-known voyage took first and second-class passengers from Cherbourg, France, to the deeper waters to board the Titanic. It didn’t comply with the Titanic’s destiny, nevertheless, and served for an additional 50 years, seeing many well-known passengers stroll its halls, together with Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
3. Titanic’s Dock and Pumphouse
When visiting Belfast, you’ll in all probability spend an excellent chunk of your time within the Titanic Quarter studying concerning the metropolis’s maritime historical past. The Titanic Quarter facilities across the former Harland & Wolff shipyard and it’s price spending a number of hours on this space taking in its fascinating historical past. You don’t essentially must go inside Titanic Belfast for the Titanic Experience.
See the place the large ship sat within the dry dock earlier than launching. This is the place the Titanic was constructed and you’ll stroll its total footprint. Visitors can descend 44 ft (13 meters). Located proper subsequent door is the pumphouse that was used to empty water from the dock that was then often known as the Thompson Dry Dock in the present day there are reveals and equipment used when constructing the Titanic on show.
Address: NI Science Park, Queens Rd, Queen’s Island, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
4. Titanic Hotel
Even if you’re not staying within the Titanic Hotel, it’s price going inside for a drink or to seize some lunch. Half resort, half museum, this historic resort is situated immediately throughout the road from Titanic Belfast. Located within the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, the builders of the Titanic, there are historic pictures, classic posters, and memorabilia from the heydays of the White Star Lines.
The Drawing Offices and half a dozen key heritage rooms inside the resort are open to public excursions (topic to availability) offering a possibility to view the artifacts, restoration works, and inside ornament of this vital maritime heritage constructing. Tours may be booked to see the artwork deco themed rooms, and former places of work together with Lord Pirries Office and the Corridor of Power.
5. Titanic Studios
One of Europe’s largest movie studios is situated within the Titanic Quarter. Game of Thrones was filmed proper inside these partitions. While it’s nonetheless a working studio and there aren’t any excursions, you may go to a different studio tour simply half-hour exterior town. But in case you take a stroll by, you simply might catch a glimpse of your favorite Hollywood or UK film star.
6. Linen Mill Studio Tours – Game of Thrones
Linen Mill Studios is an unbelievable interactive museum devoted to Game of Thrones. During its filming, many integral scenes have been filmed proper in these studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. This is without doubt one of the greatest museums we’ve ever visited and Game of Thrones followers will need to spend no less than a number of hours taking part within the reveals. Read about our full expertise right here.
Walk by way of genuine units and stand aspect by aspect with John Snow and Arya Stark as you admire recreations of iconic units resembling The Night’s Watch and Kings Landing. You can sit on the Iron Throne, create your individual sigil, and check out your hand at seize movement. It’s really a film buff’s dream. Read extra: A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
There is even a present store the place you may decide up a few of your favorite Game of Thrones memorabilia.
Opening Hours: August 9:30am- 7:30pm / Nov – Dec 10:00 am to five:30 pm / All different months 10:00am to six:30 pm Website: Game of Thrones Studio TourAddress: 245 Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge BT32 3SG, UK Free parking with shuttle to museum and there’s a espresso store on website.
7. HMS Caroline
The HMS Caroline is a restored warship from World War I. It is a floating museum that you are able to do self-guided excursions on to find out about its historical past and what life was like on board the final remaining British WW1 mild cruiser nonetheless afloat. It can be the only survivor of the Battle of Jutland. It has been closed since 2020 however is scheduled to reopen later this summer time.
Opening Hours: Closed Address: Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
8. Samson & Goliath Cranes
You can’t assist however discover the 2 big yellow cranes towering above the Titanic Quarter. The cranes have develop into a logo of Belfast hailing to a time when it was residence to the most important shipbuilders on this planet.
They are usually not in operation anymore, however they’re protected and can stay part of Belfast’s heritage for years to return. When in operation, they might carry 840 tonnes. Goliath stands 96 meters excessive, whereas Samson is 106 metres tall.
9. Glass of Thrones
Strolling alongside the waterfront from the Titanic Quarter to downtown isn’t your normal waterfront stroll. There are loads of stops and points of interest alongside the best way, most notably the Glass of Thrones. Paying tribute to Game of Thrones, there are six stained glass reveals housing scenes from the favored HBO Series. Check out Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real-life
Each stained glass shows a special home or key second within the Game of Thrones, representing the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers, and the Iron Throne. Watch for them as you stroll the Maritime Mile from HMS Caroline previous Titanic Studios to the AC Hotel throughout the river.
Address for show close to HMS Caroline 11 Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9AD, UK
All Glass of Thrones Locations
The six stained-glass reveals line the waterfront trails. Many individuals stroll in the wrong way beginning at AC Belfast and ending at HMS Caroline. Here is an inventory of all of the home windows.
Glass 1: Stark at AC Belfast Glass 2: Baratheon at Lagan Weir Glass 3: Targaryeon at Odyssey Glass 4: White Walkers at SS Nomadic Glass 5: The Iron Throne at Titanic Slipway Glass 6: Lannister at HMS Caroline
10. Titanic Walkway
Located inside the Maritime Mile is the Titanic Walkway that spans from Victoria Wharf which connects the Titanic Slipways and Alexandra Dock. The Mew Lighthouse is featured on the finish of the wharf with a contemporary set up housing the 130-year-old lighthouse that in its time was one of many largest optics ever made.
Address: Titanic Quarter, The Maritime Mile, Belfast BT3 9FH, UK
11. Belfast City Hall
It’s price taking a stroll round Belfast City Hall to see its pretty structure and the grounds of the civic buildings of Belfast City Council. There are loads of shows and memorials round City Hall, together with the Titanic Memorial Gardens. Make positive to go to it at nightfall to see it lit up with colourful lighting.
Due to its booming inhabitants, financial system, and industrial developments, Queen Victoria granted Belfast metropolis standing in 1888. Soon after, City Hall was constructed to reflect town’s increasing prosperity,
You may also e-book excursions of Belfast City Hall, they occur day by day and are free. The skilled information will take you on an hour-long tour by way of the constructing. No reservations are wanted, excursions can be found on a primary come first served foundation.
12. Victoria Square Shopping Center
We stumbled upon this Belfast attraction by chance. Wanting to take a shortcut again to our resort, we observed Victoria Square among the many strolling streets of downtown Belfast. Located within the coronary heart of Belfast City Centre, Victoria Square was a stunning procuring centre with name-brand shops in a coated gallery.
When we entered the trendy procuring middle we observed a high-tech dome in its middle. We’d already been strolling loads that day and have been comfortable to see an elevator to the highest. We got here out to a panoramic view of town of Belfast.
13. Victoria Square lookout
There are in-house tour guides to supply steering on the sights, however fortunately for us, there was a neighborhood man along with his daughter up there with us who identified Belfast points of interest resembling Belfast City Hall, The Titanic Quarter, and Cave Hill. It’s free to enter and one of many issues to do in Belfast that we extremely advocate.
From the Victoria Square lookout, we had a panoramic view of Belfast metropolis and the encircling space. You can stroll up or take the elevator to the highest of the lookout.
14. Black Taxi Tour
During our first journey to Belfast, we took a Black Taxi political tour by way of Shankhill Roads and Falls Road. This was an enchanting tour by way of the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast which might be nonetheless divided in the present day. The 25-foot-high partitions divide the areas the place sturdy strains are drawn between Loyalists and nationalists.
The gates are nonetheless locked in the present day, and because the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, extra partitions have been constructed to divide territories. The partitions are known as Peace Walls that are designed to maintain the peace within the neighborhoods. There is a tenuous peace between the 2 communities in Northern Ireland, they usually nonetheless really feel the division, however these partitions hold that feeling of security. Book your tour at TouringBelfast.com
The Troubles
When pondering of Belfast in Northern Ireland, individuals usually envision The Troubles of the Twentieth century, the place religions fuelled violence and divided town (fairly actually). The lengthy partitions separating the areas of Shankhill Road and Falls Road are nonetheless standing in the present day. However, the Northern Ireland Executive is working to dismantle them. It has been a gradual course of, so for now, they’re nonetheless standing.
During our first few visits to Belfast, we have been responsible of focusing solely on the troubles and doing day journeys to the Causeway Coast. When visiting once more, we spent extra time within the metropolis centre to actually uncover issues to do in Belfast that set it other than different European cities. Today, Belfast is a lot greater than a metropolis combating spiritual variations. There are many issues to do in Belfast that set it other than its troubling previous and make for a tremendous metropolis to go to.
15. Taxi Tour Today
We took one other tour this summer time and observed a distinction from our Black Taxi Tour a number of years in the past. Today, our drive didn’t focus as a lot on the political tour as he did on speaking about constructive messages. While the murals are nonetheless standing, there appear to be fewer than we keep in mind.
Our driver stated that they’re making an attempt to create new position fashions and construct the group. It was good to take two completely different excursions, because the Black Taxi excursions don’t solely give attention to politics. We went by way of all of the quarters of Belfast getting an summary of town which helped us get our bearings and navigate the place to go subsequent on our personal.
16. Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail)
One of the locations you’ll drive by throughout your taxi excursions is the Crumlin Road Gaol, however be sure to return and go to it correctly. Gaol is the phrase for jail in Gaelic. This was a working jail up till 1996 and each republican and loyalist prisoners have been held right here together with girls and kids.
Here, we realized the place the phrase, “take him down originated” The Crumlin Road Gaol is situated immediately throughout from the Crumlin Road Courthouse. When an individual was condemned, they have been taken all the way down to an underground tunnel related on to the jail. Your go to features a stroll to this tunnel. You’ll additionally see the jail cells and execution cells the place the vast majority of the 17 males have been executed.
17. Street Murals and Political Murals
One of the very best methods to see the political murals is to take a black taxi political tour, however now we have additionally explored them on our personal. During our first go to to Belfast greater than a decade in the past, the Shankhill and Falls Roads murals have been all political murals, however they’re now interspersed with avenue artwork and constructive messages of wanting ahead whereas nonetheless paying tribute to the previous and people who gave their lives for his or her trigger.
The murals are vital in Belfast tradition, depicting historic occasions from Shankhill Road to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Gardens and the partitions alongside Falls Road. We obtained in our rental automotive and drove across the neighborhoods, looking for murals and memorials. One of the simplest methods to seek out murals we didn’t know of was to search for the black taxis. They have been fairly simple to seek out.
If you don’t have a rental automotive, this tour is a good possibility when visiting Belfast to study the story of “The Troubles” and occasions in Northern Ireland’s tumultuous historical past. You’ll uncover the Belfast murals and undergo the previous battle areas of The Falls and Shankill Road.
18. Belfast Castle
It took us three visits to Belfast earlier than we lastly stopped at Belfast Castle. Located in Cavehill Country Park, Belfast citadel stands excessive above Belfast on a hill inside the grounds of Cave Hill Country Park. It is free to enter and inside you may tour its rooms and seize a chew to eat on the cafe.
We felt like we had the rooms to ourselves as we walked by way of the flooring. It didn’t take lengthy, but it surely’s all the time cool to go inside. We additionally explored a little bit of the mountain climbing trails and if you’re into that kind of factor, the Belfast Zoo is situated close by.
There is free parking for the citadel and a espresso store inside.
19. Cave Hill Country Park
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to actually discover Cave Hill Country Park, however for out of doors lovers, this is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Belfast. It can simply be mixed with a tour of Belfast Castle. discover the caves however you may discover the historical past and caves alongside this historic 7.2 km path (4.5 miles) in round 3 hours.
There are loads of issues to maintain you occupied for a day at Cave Hill Country Park, together with mountain climbing trails to archaeological websites and gardens resulting in Belfast Castle. Whether you might be within the temper for a critical hike or an informal stroll, there’s one thing for everybody.
A enjoyable truth is that the hill that Cave Hil Country Park is located on is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels.
20. Colin Glen Forest Park
Nestled on the outskirts of Belfast, Colin Glen Forest Park is a good place for households. As a sprawling woodland situated within the Belfast Hills, this park has a SkyTrek excessive ropes course, and the exhilarating Black Bull Run, Ireland’s first official Alpine Coaster.
This is one in every of Belfast’s hottest points of interest as vacationers and locals alike spend a day Colin Glen Forest Park to take pleasure in out of doors actions like {golfing} on the state-of-the-art Toptracer driving vary. Whether you’re mountain climbing by way of its forest paths, taking within the panoramic views, or searching for adrenaline-pumping actions, Colin Glen is a must-visit vacation spot on any Belfast itinerary.
21. Belfast’s Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are situated within the college district, and a go to right here may be mixed with a visit to the Ulster Museum. This space is nearly one mile from the Belfast metropolis centre and is inside strolling distance from City Hall.
Established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, Belfast’s Botanic Gardens are a quiet retreat inside the busy college space of bustling Belfast. Don’t miss stopping by its greenhouse to see an early instance of this iron glasshouse.
Make positive to go contained in the Palm House standing on the coronary heart of the gardens. This iconic Victorian greenhouse invitations guests to discover its two wings: the cool wing, residence to temperate crops worldwide, and the tropical wing, the place unique crops and towering palm bushes thrive. There can be a espresso store within the Botanic Gardens the place you may seize a espresso and chill out.
22. Lady Dixon Park
If you need extra out of doors experiences in Belfast, Lady Dixon Park is another choice. Located in South Belfast, Lady Dixon Park is an in depth park devoted to the reminiscence of Lady Edith Dixon, who’s famend for her important contribution to town’s greenery.
Lady Dixon Park contains a rose backyard that hosts an annual Rose Week pageant, drawing guests from throughout. Ideal for households, nature lovers, and people seeking to unwind, the park provides quite a lot of actions.
Visitors can take pleasure in strolling trails that wind by way of woodland and alongside the River Lagan, spacious picnic areas for a leisurely lunch, and playgrounds for youthful friends. The park can be outfitted with a café for refreshments. Whether you’re excited by a peaceable stroll, fowl watching, or just having fun with the outside.
23. Ulster Museum
Located inside the Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum is the most important museum in Northern Ireland. When visiting the Ulster Museum, you’ll take a stroll by way of historical past relationship again to the dinosaurs by way of to the historical past of Northern Ireland to in the present day.
Ulster Museum is a part of the nationwide museums and galleries of Northern Ireland mixed with the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the Ulster American Folk Art Museum, which is price stopping to see simply exterior of Belfast.
24. Queen’s University
After visiting the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum, take a stroll over to a different well-known Belfast Landmark at Queen’s University. This space is a good place to hang around and the buildings of Queen’s University supply a number of the biggest architectural designs within the nation. In truth, the Lanyon Building is usually seen in promoting for Northern Ireland Tourism.
As with the case of visiting so many cities, we love strolling college grounds. They are the heartbeat of town with beautiful structure, and Queen’s University in Belfast reminded us a little bit of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
25. St. Anne’s Cathedral
No go to to any European metropolis could be full with out visiting its cathedral, and Belfast is not any exception. St. Anne’s Cathedral (Also often known as the Belfast Cathedral) is aptly situated within the Cathedral Quarter. The cathedral started building on the sight of St. Anne’s parish Church in 1895 after deciding {that a} cathedral was wanted within the metropolis.
Fun truth, St. Anne’s Parish church was used till 1903 because the constructing was constructed up round it. It took one other 80 years to finish. Between the World Wars, The Troubles, and inflation there have been a number of delays in finishing St. Anne
St. Anne’s Cathedral is lower than a kilometer from the Belfast metropolis centre. You can e-book excursions of the Cathedral Quarter.
26. Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)
Located immediately behind St. Anne’s Cathedral within the coronary heart of the Cathedral Quarter, The Metropolitan Arts Centre is a spot for music, artwork exhibitions, and stay theatre. If you might be on the lookout for issues to do in Belfast at night time, take a look at one of many performances right here.
Or you may go inside throughout your cease on the Belfast Cathedral to peruse its galleries. Exhibitions are free, and you’ll attempt your hand at creating a few of your individual artwork at its interactive creativeness stations. (Donations welcome)
27. The Salmon of Knowledge (The Big Fish)
One of our favorite issues to do in Belfast is to walk alongside the waterfront taking within the sights from Titanic Belfast to the Belfast City Centre. From Glass of Thrones shows to the opposite murals together with the Big Fish at Lagan Lookout.
This is a good place to cross the Lagan River to start your stroll in the direction of Belfast City Centre as from the fish, there are many points of interest. Take within the views of the river, earlier than heading up Queen’s Square to see the Albert Memorial Clock.
28. Albert Memorial Clock
Pisa will be the most well-known leaning tower on this planet, however Belfast has its personal leaning tower with the Albert Memorial Clock. The tower was constructed on reclaimed land and weighs a whopping 1,000 tonnes which triggered it to sing into the bottom. Whether you might be strolling or taking a tour, it’s simple to see the lean of the tower
29. Go, Pub Hopping
No journey to Belfast (or Ireland for that matter) could be full with out visiting its pubs all through central Belfast. If you might be on the lookout for issues to do in Belfast at night time, head out to the bars round Belfast metropolis middle and go pub hopping. Make positive to begin at McHughs Bar situated only a hop skip and a bounce from Albert Memorial Clock. It dates again to 1711 making it the oldest surviving pub in Belfast.
30. Crown Liquor Saloon
Located on Grand Victoria Street, the Crown Liquor Saloon is a superbly preserved Victorian gin palace owned by the National Trust.
One of Northern Ireland’s best-known pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon, dates again to 1826 and was as soon as the mightiest of Victorian gin palaces. Its ornate exterior attracts prospects from around the globe, and inside, it has been meticulously restored by the nationwide belief. It might be one of the vital lovely pubs you’ll ever go to.
31. St. George’s Market
Who doesn’t love a market? St George’s Market is one in every of Belfast’s oldest points of interest. If you occur to be in Belfast on a Friday, take a look at St George’s market that has been working on this precise website since 1604. It can be open on Saturdays and Sundays for the City Food and Craft Market with rotating craft, meals, vintage and backyard markets.
Food lovers can take pleasure in varied culinary delights, from gourmand avenue meals to recent, native produce, making it a perfect spot for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch.
Meanwhile, craft aficionados will discover themselves enthralled by the number of handmade items, starting from jewellery to ceramics and past. Whether you’re after a style of Northern Ireland’s culinary choices or looking for a one-of-a-kind memento, a go to to St George’s Market is a necessary a part of any Belfast itinerary.
32. Parliament Buildings (Stormont)
The Parliament Buildings of Northern Ireland are situated on the Stormont Estate in East Belfast and are sometimes referred to easily as Stormont. The seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly provides guests an opportunity to discover Northern Ireland’s political historical past and revel in strolling trails within the surrounding parkland.
The parliament buildings are open to the general public at no cost guided excursions from 9:00AM to 4:00PM each day. (closed on public and financial institution holidays). It is an fascinating factor to tour parliament buildings, now we have achieved so a few occasions in our nation’s capital of Ottawa Canada.
The Parliament Buildings are situated in Stormont Park, the place you may take pleasure in an escape from the hustle and bustle of Belfast. There is a 4km lengthy woodland stroll and even a 1.6km health path with out of doors gymnasium tools.
33. Grand Opera House Belfast
If you need to catch a stay efficiency in Belfast, think about reserving tickets to a present on the Grand Opera House Belfast. From ballet to opera to musical theatre, it has all of it.
If you don’t catch a present, think about taking a tour of the Grand Opera House Heritage Exhibition to discover this venue that has been a big a part of town’s historical past. The Grand Opera House has a 125 yr historical past the place the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Luciano Pavarotti have walked its halls.
Located on Great Victoria Street the Grand Opera House is a splendid instance of Victorian structure that has hosted numerous performances since its opening in 1895.
34. Belfast Barge Museum
An amazing complement to your Titanic Belfast tour is to go to the Belfast Barge Museum. This everlasting exhibit showcases what known as “The Greatest Story Never Told.” Learn of the individuals who labored on the River Lagan, most notably Harland & Wolfe, the corporate that constructed The Titanic.
The Museum is free to enter and is price giving a donation to see its artifacts and visible shows from this bygone period.
35. Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Located simply exterior Belfast, The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum provides a novel glimpse into Northern Ireland’s previous. This expansive museum is split into two distinct sections: the Folk Museum, the place guests can wander by way of a meticulously recreated early Twentieth-century city, full with costumed actors and conventional crafts, and the Transport Museum, which homes a formidable assortment of steam locomotives, electrical trams, bikes, and vehicles, showcasing the evolution of transport within the area.
Ideal for historical past buffs, households, and anybody within the cultural heritage and technological developments of Northern Ireland, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum offers an academic and gratifying time out. With its interactive reveals and picturesque setting, it ranks excessive on the record of must-visit locations for these exploring the very best issues to do in Belfast and its surrounding areas.
36. Mussenden Temple
Belfast is a good place to make a base in Northern Ireland and since lots of the high Belfast points of interest are only a quick drive away, you may see quite a lot of the nation rapidly.
37. Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges aren’t as lush and engaging as they as soon as have been after pruning lately, however they’re nonetheless one in every of Northern Ireland’s most photographed points of interest. This lovely row of beech bushes strains an previous nation lane. It has gained in recognition due to Game of Thrones which featured it in season one as Arya Stark rode away from King’s Landing alongside the King’s Road. Read extra: The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and What you Need to Know
The Dark Hedges are situated on Bregagh Road on privately owned land. So please be respectful as they’re in dangerous form. In an impartial professional evaluate, it was revealed that 11 out of 86 bushes alongside the highway have been in deteriorating situation, presenting a potential hazard to the general public. 6 bushes have been eliminated, and 4 others are being monitored.
38. Derry
Derry ended up being one in every of our favourite locations to go to in Northern Ireland and it may be achieved on a day journey from Belfast. Officially often known as Londonderry by the British Government, Derry is a small metropolis that may be explored in a day or two. Derry was floor zero for the troubles and when strolling by way of the Bogside space of Derry, you’ll nonetheless see murals and monuments to victims of Bloody Sunday and the battle.
The partitions of Derry are our favorite Londonderry attraction. It surrounds town centre and is taken into account one of many best-preserved walled cities in Europe. A go to to Derry is an enchanting approach to find out about Northern Ireland’s historical past. Read extra: Things to do in Derry – Londonderry, Northern Ireland
39. Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most well-known attraction, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Belfast City Hall. This extraordinary pure phenomenon was fashioned by a volcanic eruption 60 million years in the past. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases greater than 40 thousand basalt pillars which might be stacked completely, main out to the ocean.
It appears as if every pillar has been laid there by some kind of big entity. In truth, there’s a legend concerning the Giant’s Causeway and the way the large Fionn McCool constructed it. Read extra: How To Visit the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys from Belfast and it will possibly simply be achieved in simply in the future. However, we recommend staying in a single day on the Causeway Hotel so as to go to at dawn and sundown earlier than the tour busses arrive.
If you don’t have the time or the price range, you may e-book this extremely rated day journey from Belfast to Giant’s Cause to discover it and different points of interest on the Causeway Coast.
Where to Eat in Belfast
Dining in Northern Ireland has come a great distance child and we completely loved our eating experiences in Belfast. These venues have been trendy with sophistaced meals and wine pairings.
Deane’s Meat Locker – Meat lovers will take pleasure in this restaurant however there are vegetarian decisions as properly. James Street & Co – incredible cocktails, wonderful wine and grilled dishes with a contemporary really feel Drawing Office – Located within the Titanic Belfast Hotel it is a nice cease for lunch or a sublime dinner.
Where to Stay in Belfast
Ten Square Hotel Belfast – We stayed on the Ten Square Hotel and may extremely advocate it. Located immediately throughout from Belfast City Hall, we beloved this resort. We have been inside strolling distance of many points of interest and the rooms have been trendy and stylish.
Titanic Hotel Belfast – We didn’t keep right here, however we did tour it and if you wish to discover extra of Titanic Belfast, this is a superb location. It’s not situated within the metropolis middle, so that you’ll actually solely be close to Titanic Quarter points of interest, however this historic resort will take you again in time with restored art-deco themed rooms and the grand magnificence from the period of the Titanic.
How to Get to Belfast
We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it is just a two-hour drive between the cities. There are even day excursions that can take you from Dublin do you have to solely have a brief period of time.
You may also get to Belfast by bus and prepare. There is a direct prepare that connects Dublin from Dublin Connolly and arrives at Belfast Central.
International vacationers will fly into Belfast International Airport.
If you might be flying from Europe or wherever inside the United Kingdom, you’ll land at George Best Belfast City Airport, which is situated simply 5 minutes from Belfast City Centre.
Getting Around Belfast
Belfast is small, or as our taxi driver appreciated to say, it’s cozy. Belfast is simple to get round by strolling, driving or taxi, and you’ll see quite a lot of town in a brief period of time. We’ve visited Belfast on three separate events and located renting a automotive to be one of the simplest ways to get round, however Black Taxi Tours and the Hop on Hop Off busses are additionally a incredible approach to see the highest vacationer points of interest.
Belfast is a small metropolis that’s simple to get round. We discovered that lots of the high Belfast points of interest have been inside strolling distance of the Belfast metropolis middle. Belfast is split into 4 quarters that every one meet at Belfast City Centre. North Belfast, East Belfast, South Belfast, and West Belfast.
An amazing place to begin your journey to Belfast is to cease on the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre the place you may get in depth data on excursions and you’ll decide up bus and rail tickets.
Belfast Districts
Belfast is then divided into 7 districts, The well-known Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Queen’s Quarter, Linen Quarter, Market Quarter, Gaeltacht Quarter, and Smithfield and Union Quarter
We have visited Belfast Northern a number of occasions on our personal, with completely different tour corporations and with assistance from Tourism Ireland.
Ulster museum photograph is courtesy of Wikipedia, we didn’t go to this museum when visiting Belfast, however included it as a result of museum lovers will need to learn about it.
Read extra about Northern Ireland and Ireland Travel
