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 means of the paths of the Botanic Gardens. We took a journey by means 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, refill in your British kilos and learn 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 leap from Ireland’s extra well-known metropolis, however it feels worlds away. Check RentalCars.com for automobile rental comparisons.
1. Titanic Belfast
Undoubtedly, probably the most widespread 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 big 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 means of its galleries showcasing replicas of rooms on the Titanic and relics salvaged from the positioning.
There’s a Disney-like trip in the midst of the self-guided tour the place you hop on a trip as you journey to the underside of the ship, gliding by means of the bowels of the mighty ship. We have visited this museum 3 times, and we at all times 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 with the intention 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 attention-grabbing 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, supplying 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 precisely 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 observe the Titanic’s destiny, nonetheless, 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 most likely spend an excellent chunk of your time within the Titanic Quarter studying in regards to the metropolis’s maritime historical past. The Titanic Quarter facilities across the former Harland & Wolff shipyard and it’s value spending a number of hours on this space taking in its fascinating historical past. You don’t essentially have to 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 may stroll its complete footprint. Visitors can descend 44 toes (13 meters). Located proper subsequent door is the pumphouse that was used to empty water from the dock that was then often called the Thompson Dry Dock at this time there are displays 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 in case you are not staying within the Titanic Hotel, it’s value going inside for a drink or to seize some lunch. Half lodge, half museum, this historic lodge is positioned straight throughout the road from Titanic Belfast. Located within the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, the builders of the Titanic, there are historic images, classic posters, and memorabilia from the heydays of the White Star Lines.
The Drawing Offices and half a dozen key heritage rooms throughout the lodge 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 might be booked to see the artwork deco themed rooms, and former workplaces together with Lord Pirries Office and the Corridor of Power.
5. Titanic Studios
One of Europe’s largest movie studios is positioned 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 possibly can go to a different studio tour simply half-hour exterior the town. But when 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 had been filmed proper in these studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. This is among the greatest museums we’ve ever visited and Game of Thrones followers will need to spend not less than a number of hours collaborating within the displays. Read about our full expertise right here.
Walk by means 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 personal sigil, and check out your hand at seize movement. It’s actually a film buff’s dream. Read extra: A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
There is even a present store the place you possibly can 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 Tour
Address: 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 study its historical past and what life was like on board the final remaining British WW1 mild cruiser nonetheless afloat. It can also be the only survivor of the Battle of Jutland. It has been closed since 2020 however is scheduled to reopen later this summer season.
- 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 change into an emblem of Belfast hailing to a time when it was dwelling to the biggest shipbuilders on this planet.
They will not be in operation anymore, however they’re protected and can stay part of Belfast’s heritage for years to come back. When in operation, they may raise 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 typical waterfront stroll. There are loads of stops and sights alongside the best way, most notably the Glass of Thrones. Paying tribute to Game of Thrones, there are six stained glass displays 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 displays line the waterfront trails. Many folks stroll in the other 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 throughout 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 value taking a stroll round Belfast City Hall to see its beautiful 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 certain 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 the town’s increasing prosperity,
You may guide excursions of Belfast City Hall, they occur day-after-day and are free. The skilled information will take you on an hour-long tour by means 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 accidentally. Wanting to take a shortcut again to our lodge, 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 beautiful procuring centre with name-brand shops in a lined gallery.
When we entered the trendy procuring middle we observed a high-tech dome in its middle. We’d already been strolling quite a bit that day and had been completely happy to see an elevator to the highest. We got here out to a panoramic view of the town of Belfast.
13. Victoria Square lookout
There are in-house tour guides to supply steerage on the sights, however fortunately for us, there was an area man along with his daughter up there with us who identified Belfast sights 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 suggest.
From the Victoria Square lookout, we had a panoramic view of Belfast metropolis and the encompassing 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 means of Shankhill Roads and Falls Road. This was a captivating tour by means of the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast which can be nonetheless divided at this time. The 25-foot-high partitions divide the areas the place sturdy strains are drawn between Loyalists and nationalists.
The gates are nonetheless locked at this time, 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 considering of Belfast in Northern Ireland, folks typically envision The Troubles of the Twentieth century, the place religions fuelled violence and divided the town (fairly actually). The lengthy partitions separating the areas of Shankhill Road and Falls Road are nonetheless standing at this time. However, the Northern Ireland Executive is working to dismantle them. It has been a sluggish course of, so for now, they’re nonetheless standing.
During our first few visits to Belfast, we had 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 essentially uncover issues to do in Belfast that set it other than different European cities. Today, Belfast is a lot greater than a metropolis scuffling with non secular 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 season 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 bear in mind.
Our driver mentioned that they’re attempting to create new function fashions and construct the group. It was good to take two completely different excursions, because the Black Taxi excursions don’t solely deal with politics. We went by means of all of the quarters of Belfast getting an outline of the 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 certain that 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 had been held right here together with girls and kids.
Here, we discovered the place the phrase, “take him down originated” The Crumlin Road Gaol is positioned straight throughout from the Crumlin Road Courthouse. When an individual was condemned, they had been taken all the way down to an underground tunnel linked 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 nearly all of the 17 males had 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 we have now 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 had been all political murals, however they’re now interspersed with road artwork and constructive messages of trying 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 automobile and drove across the neighborhoods, looking for murals and memorials. One of the best methods to seek out murals we didn’t know of was to search for the black taxis. They had been fairly straightforward to seek out.
If you don’t have a rental automobile, this tour is a superb choice 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 fortress stands excessive above Belfast on a hill throughout the grounds of Cave Hill Country Park. It is free to enter and inside you possibly can tour its rooms and seize a chunk to eat on the cafe.
We felt like we had the rooms to ourselves as we walked by means of the flooring. It didn’t take lengthy, however it’s at all times cool to go inside. We additionally explored a little bit of the climbing trails and in case you are into that kind of factor, the Belfast Zoo is positioned close by.
There is free parking for the fortress 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 outside lovers, this is among the greatest issues to do in Belfast. It can simply be mixed with a tour of Belfast Castle. discover the caves however you possibly can 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 climbing trails to archaeological websites and gardens resulting in Belfast Castle. Whether you’re within the temper for a critical hike or an off-the-cuff stroll, there’s one thing for everybody.
A enjoyable reality 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 superb place for households. As a sprawling woodland positioned 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 among Belfast’s hottest sights as vacationers and locals alike spend a day Colin Glen Forest Park to get pleasure from outside actions like {golfing} on the state-of-the-art Toptracer driving vary. Whether you’re climbing by means of its forest paths, taking within the panoramic views, or in search of adrenaline-pumping actions, Colin Glen is a must-visit vacation spot on any Belfast itinerary.
21. Belfast’s Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are positioned within the college district, and a go to right here might 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 throughout the busy college space of bustling Belfast. Don’t miss stopping by its greenhouse to see an early instance of this iron glasshouse.
Make certain 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, dwelling to temperate vegetation worldwide, and the tropical wing, the place unique vegetation and towering palm timber thrive. There can also be a espresso store within the Botanic Gardens the place you possibly can seize a espresso and chill out.
22. Lady Dixon Park
If you need extra outside experiences in Belfast, Lady Dixon Park is an alternative 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 vital contribution to the town’s greenery.
Lady Dixon Park contains a rose backyard that hosts an annual Rose Week competition, drawing guests from throughout. Ideal for households, nature lovers, and people seeking to unwind, the park provides a wide range of actions.
Visitors can get pleasure from strolling trails that wind by means of woodland and alongside the River Lagan, spacious picnic areas for a leisurely lunch, and playgrounds for youthful visitors. The park can also be geared up with a café for refreshments. Whether you’re keen on a peaceable stroll, hen watching, or just having fun with the outside.
23. Ulster Museum
Located throughout the Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum is the biggest museum in Northern Ireland. When visiting the Ulster Museum, you’ll take a stroll by means of historical past relationship again to the dinosaurs by means of to the historical past of Northern Ireland to at this time.
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 value 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 superb place to hang around and the buildings of Queen’s University provide a number of the biggest architectural designs within the nation. In reality, 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 the town with attractive 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 called the Belfast Cathedral) is aptly positioned 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 reality, 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 guide excursions of the Cathedral Quarter.
26. Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)
Located straight 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 dwell theatre. If you’re in search of issues to do in Belfast at night time, try one of many performances right here.
Or you possibly can go inside throughout your cease on the Belfast Cathedral to peruse its galleries. Exhibitions are free, and you may strive your hand at creating a few of your personal 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 superb place to cross the Lagan River to start your stroll in the direction of Belfast City Centre as from the fish, there are many sights. 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 precipitated it to sing into the bottom. Whether you’re strolling or taking a tour, it’s straightforward 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’re in search of issues to do in Belfast at night time, head out to the bars round Belfast metropolis middle and go pub hopping. Make certain to start out at McHughs Bar positioned only a hop skip and a leap 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 fantastically 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 all over the world, and inside, it has been meticulously restored by the nationwide belief. It might be probably the most lovely pubs you’ll ever go to.
31. St. George’s Market
Who doesn’t love a market? St George’s Market is one among Belfast’s oldest sights. If you occur to be in Belfast on a Friday, try St George’s market that has been working on this precise website since 1604. It can also 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 numerous culinary delights, from gourmand road meals to recent, native produce, making it a really 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 an important a part of any Belfast itinerary.
32. Parliament Buildings (Stormont)
The Parliament Buildings of Northern Ireland are positioned 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 without spending a dime guided excursions from 9:00AM to 4:00PM every day. (closed on public and financial institution holidays). It is an attention-grabbing factor to tour parliament buildings, we have now carried out so a few occasions in our nation’s capital of Ottawa Canada.
The Parliament Buildings are positioned in Stormont Park, the place you possibly can get pleasure from an escape from the hustle and bustle of Belfast. There is a 4km lengthy woodland stroll and even a 1.6km health path with outside gymnasium tools.
33. Grand Opera House Belfast
If you need to catch a dwell 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 the town’s historical past. The Grand Opera House has a 125 12 months 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
A fantastic 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 value 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 means of a meticulously recreated early Twentieth-century city, full with costumed actors and conventional crafts, and the Transport Museum, which homes a powerful 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 supplies an academic and pleasing time out. With its interactive displays 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 superb place to make a base in Northern Ireland and since lots of the prime Belfast sights are only a quick drive away, you possibly can see a whole lot of the nation rapidly.
37. Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges aren’t as lush and enticing as they as soon as had been after pruning in recent times, however they’re nonetheless one among Northern Ireland’s most photographed sights. This lovely row of beech timber strains an previous nation lane. It has gained in reputation 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 positioned on Bregagh Road on privately owned land. So please be respectful as they’re in unhealthy form. In an impartial knowledgeable overview, it was revealed that 11 out of 86 timber alongside the street had been in deteriorating situation, presenting a doable hazard to the general public. 6 timber have been eliminated, and 4 others are being monitored.
38. Derry
Derry ended up being one among our favourite locations to go to in Northern Ireland and it may be carried out on a day journey from Belfast. Officially often called 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 means 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 the town centre and is taken into account one of many best-preserved walled cities in Europe. A go to to Derry is a captivating strategy to study 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 can be stacked completely, main out to the ocean.
It seems as if every pillar has been laid there by some kind of big entity. In reality, there’s a legend in regards to 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 among the hottest day journeys from Belfast and it could simply be carried out in simply someday. However, we propose staying in a single day on the Causeway Hotel with the intention to go to at dawn and sundown earlier than the tour busses arrive.
If you don’t have the time or the finances, you possibly can guide this extremely rated day journey from Belfast to Giant’s Cause to discover it and different sights on the Causeway Coast.
Where to Eat in Belfast
Dining in Northern Ireland has come a good distance child and we completely loved our eating experiences in Belfast. These venues had been trendy with sophistaced meals and wine pairings.
- Deane’s Meat Locker – Meat lovers will get pleasure from this restaurant however there are vegetarian selections as nicely.
- James Street & Co – unbelievable cocktails, nice wine and grilled dishes with a contemporary really feel
- Drawing Office – Located within the Titanic Belfast Hotel this can be a nice cease for lunch or a chic dinner.
Where to Stay in Belfast
Ten Square Hotel Belfast – We stayed on the Ten Square Hotel and may extremely suggest it. Located straight throughout from Belfast City Hall, we liked this lodge. We had been inside strolling distance of many sights and the rooms had 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 wonderful location. It’s not positioned within the metropolis middle, so that you’ll actually solely be close to Titanic Quarter sights, however this historic lodge 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’s only 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 get to Belfast by bus and practice. There is a direct practice that connects Dublin from Dublin Connolly and arrives at Belfast Central.
International vacationers will fly into Belfast International Airport.
If you’re flying from Europe or anyplace throughout the United Kingdom, you’ll land at George Best Belfast City Airport, which is positioned 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 may see a whole lot of the town in a brief period of time. We’ve visited Belfast on three separate events and located renting a automobile to be one of the best ways to get round, however Black Taxi Tours and the Hop on Hop Off busses are additionally a unbelievable strategy to see the highest vacationer sights.
Belfast is a small metropolis that’s straightforward to get round. We discovered that lots of the prime Belfast sights had been inside strolling distance of the Belfast metropolis middle. Belfast is split into 4 quarters that each one meet at Belfast City Centre. North Belfast, East Belfast, South Belfast, and West Belfast.
A fantastic place to start out your journey to Belfast is to cease on the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre the place you will get in depth info on excursions and you may 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
- Titanic Quarter – Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is among the hottest locations to go to in Belfast. Titanic Museum
- Cathedral Quarter – St. Anne’s Cathedral, road artwork of Hill Street, loads of pubs and occasional outlets.
- Queen’s Quarter – Named after Queen’s University, right here is the place you’ll discover Ulster Museum and Belfast Botanic Gardens.
- Linen Quarter – The metropolis’s middle is located round Belfast City Hall. Here you’ll discover the Grand Opera House, the Crown Bar and loads of different pubs and eating places.
- Castle District – Belfast Castle, Cave Hill Country Park
- Gaeltacht Quarter – Murals and Peace Wall, Black Taxi Tours
- Smithfield and Union Quarter and Market Quarter
We have visited Belfast Northern a number of occasions on our personal, with completely different tour corporations and with the help of Tourism Ireland.
Ulster museum picture 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 find out about it.
- Read extra about Northern Ireland and Ireland Travel