Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a metropolis that have to be added to any Ireland Itinerary. It’s a spot the place the mix of previous and current gives 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 listing of issues to do in Belfast unfolds with a treasure trove of experiences. So, refill in your British kilos and find out how 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 soar from Ireland’s extra well-known metropolis, nevertheless it feels worlds away. Check RentalCars.com for automobile rental comparisons.
1. Titanic Belfast
Undoubtedly, some of the well-liked 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 in the shipyards of Belfast. This large 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 enjoying 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 trip in the center of the self-guided tour the place you hop on a trip 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 at all times discover one thing new. The finest time to go to Titanic Belfast is early in the morning. This is the preferred attraction in Belfast, and tour busses arrive shortly, so keep forward of the crowds by being first in line.
Get your tickets forward of time as a way to stroll proper in as an alternative 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 in the world. It’s an fascinating cease to see firsthand what it was like 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 take a look at what it was like for passengers on the Titanic.
It was typically referred to because the mini Titanic because it was constructed alongside the ship and is strictly one-third its measurement. 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 one more 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 a very good chunk of your time in 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 price spending a number of hours in this space taking in its fascinating historical past. You don’t essentially want to go inside Titanic Belfast for the Titanic Experience.
See the place the large ship sat in the dry dock earlier than launching. This is the place the Titanic was constructed and you’ll stroll its whole footprint. Visitors can descend 44 toes (13 meters). Located proper subsequent door is the pumphouse that was used to drain water from the dock that was then generally known as the Thompson Dry Dock immediately 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 in the Titanic Hotel, it’s price going inside for a drink or to seize some lunch. Half lodge, half museum, this historic lodge is positioned immediately throughout the road from Titanic Belfast. Located in the previous 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 chance to view the artifacts, restoration works, and inside ornament of this necessary 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 positioned in 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’ll be able to go to one other studio tour simply half-hour exterior town. But should you take a stroll by, you simply could 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 among the finest museums we’ve ever visited and Game of Thrones followers will need to spend at the very least a number of hours taking part in the reveals. Read about our full expertise right here.
Walk by way of genuine units and stand facet by facet with John Snow and Arya Stark as you admire recreations of iconic units corresponding to 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’ll be able to choose up a few of your favorite Game of Thrones memorabilia.
Opening Hours: August 9:30am- 7:30pm / Nov – Dec 10:00 am to 5:30 pm / All different months 10:00am to 6:30 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 web site.
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 also be the only real 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 large yellow cranes towering above the Titanic Quarter. The cranes have change into a logo of Belfast hailing to a time when it was house to the most important shipbuilders in the world.
They are usually not in operation anymore, however they’re protected and can stay part of Belfast’s heritage for years to come. 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 regular 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 unique home or key second in 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 other way beginning at AC Belfast and ending at HMS Caroline. Here is a listing 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 price 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 mirror town’s increasing prosperity,
You may e-book excursions of Belfast City Hall, they occur each 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 lodge, we seen Victoria Square among the many strolling streets of downtown Belfast. Located in the guts of Belfast City Centre, Victoria Square was a beautiful buying centre with name-brand shops in a coated gallery.
When we entered the trendy buying middle we seen a high-tech dome in its middle. We’d already been strolling so much that day and have been glad 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 steerage on the sights, however fortunately for us, there was a neighborhood man together with his daughter up there with us who identified Belfast points of interest corresponding to 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 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 interesting tour by way of the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast which are nonetheless divided immediately. The 25-foot-high partitions divide the areas the place sturdy strains are drawn between Loyalists and nationalists.
The gates are nonetheless locked immediately, and for the reason that 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 in the neighborhoods. There is a tenuous peace between the 2 communities in Northern Ireland, and so they nonetheless really feel the division, however these partitions maintain that feeling of security. Book your tour at TouringBelfast.com
The Troubles
When considering of Belfast in Northern Ireland, individuals typically 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 immediately. 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 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 in town 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 scuffling with non secular variations. There are many issues to do in Belfast that set it other than its troubling previous and make for an incredible metropolis to go to.
15. Taxi Tour Today
We took one other tour this summer time and seen 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 making an attempt 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 concentrate on 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 make certain 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 discovered the place the phrase, “take him down originated” The Crumlin Road Gaol is positioned immediately throughout from the Crumlin Road Courthouse. When an individual was condemned, they have been taken down to an underground tunnel related immediately 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 we’ve got 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 trying ahead whereas nonetheless paying tribute to the previous and those that gave their lives for his or her trigger.
The murals are necessary in Belfast tradition, depicting historic occasions from Shankhill Road to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Gardens and the partitions alongside Falls Road. We received in our rental automobile and drove across the neighborhoods, looking for murals and memorials. One of the simplest methods to discover murals we didn’t know of was to search for the black taxis. They have been fairly simple to discover.
If you don’t have a rental automobile, this tour is a good possibility when visiting Belfast to be taught 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 throughout the grounds of Cave Hill Country Park. It is free to enter and inside you’ll be able to 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, nevertheless it’s at all times cool to go inside. We additionally explored a little bit of the mountaineering trails and if you’re into that form of factor, the Belfast Zoo is positioned 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 really discover Cave Hill Country Park, however for out of doors lovers, this is among the finest issues to do in Belfast. It can simply be mixed with a tour of Belfast Castle. discover the caves however you’ll be able to 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 mountaineering trails to archaeological websites and gardens main to Belfast Castle. Whether you might be in the temper for a critical hike or an informal 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 good place for households. As a sprawling woodland positioned in 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 all 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 mountaineering by way of its forest paths, taking in the panoramic views, or looking 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 positioned in 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 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, house to temperate crops worldwide, and the tropical wing, the place unique crops and towering palm bushes thrive. There can also be a espresso store in the Botanic Gardens the place you’ll be able to 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 intensive park devoted to the reminiscence of Lady Edith Dixon, who’s famend for her vital contribution to town’s greenery.
Lady Dixon Park incorporates a rose backyard that hosts an annual Rose Week pageant, drawing guests from throughout. Ideal for households, nature lovers, and people trying to unwind, the park gives 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 also be outfitted with a café for refreshments. Whether you’re in a peaceable stroll, hen watching, or just having fun with the outside.
23. Ulster Museum
Located throughout 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 courting again to the dinosaurs by way of to the historical past of Northern Ireland to immediately.
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 one other 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 few of the biggest architectural designs in 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 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 can be full with out visiting its cathedral, and Belfast is not any exception. St. Anne’s Cathedral (Also generally known as the Belfast Cathedral) is aptly positioned in 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 in town.
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 full. 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 in the guts of the Cathedral Quarter, The Metropolitan Arts Centre is a spot for music, artwork exhibitions, and stay theatre. If you might be searching for issues to do in Belfast at night time, try one of many performances right here.
Or you’ll be able to go inside throughout your cease on the Belfast Cathedral to peruse its galleries. Exhibitions are free, and you’ll strive 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 stroll alongside the waterfront taking in 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 direction of Belfast City Centre as from the fish, there are many points of interest. Take in the views of the river, earlier than heading up Queen’s Square to see the Albert Memorial Clock.
28. Albert Memorial Clock
Pisa often is the most well-known leaning tower in the world, 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 prompted 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) can be full with out visiting its pubs all through central Belfast. If you might be searching for issues to do in Belfast at night time, head out to the bars round Belfast metropolis middle and go pub hopping. Make certain to begin at McHughs Bar positioned only a hop skip and a soar 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 clients from all over the world, and inside, it has been meticulously restored by the nationwide belief. It might be some of the 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 all Belfast’s oldest points of interest. If you occur to be in Belfast on a Friday, try St George’s market that has been operating on this actual web site 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 indulge in numerous culinary delights, from connoisseur avenue meals to contemporary, 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 a vital 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 merely as Stormont. The seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly gives guests an opportunity to discover Northern Ireland’s political historical past and luxuriate in strolling trails in the encircling parkland.
The parliament buildings are open to the general public totally free guided excursions from 9:00AM to 4:00PM every day. (closed on public and financial institution holidays). It is an fascinating factor to tour parliament buildings, we’ve got finished so a few instances in our nation’s capital of Ottawa Canada.
The Parliament Buildings are positioned in Stormont Park, the place you’ll be able to 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 fitness center gear.
33. Grand Opera House Belfast
If you need to catch a stay efficiency in Belfast, take into account 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, take into account 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 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
An excellent complement to your Titanic Belfast tour is to go to the Belfast Barge Museum. This everlasting exhibit showcases what is 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 gives a singular 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 cars, showcasing the evolution of transport in the area.
Ideal for historical past buffs, households, and anybody in the cultural heritage and technological developments of Northern Ireland, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum offers an academic and pleasing time out. With its interactive reveals and picturesque setting, it ranks excessive on the listing 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 brief drive away, you’ll be able to see quite a lot of the nation shortly.
37. Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges aren’t as lush and engaging as they as soon as have been after pruning in current years, however they’re nonetheless one in all Northern Ireland’s most photographed points of interest. This lovely row of beech bushes strains an previous nation lane. It has gained in reputation thanks 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 dangerous form. In an unbiased skilled 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 all our favourite locations to go to in Northern Ireland and it may be finished on a day journey from Belfast. Officially generally 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 interesting means 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 shaped by a volcanic eruption 60 million years in the past. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases greater than 40 thousand basalt pillars which are stacked completely, main out to the ocean.
It seems to be as if every pillar has been laid there by some form of large entity. In reality, there’s a legend in regards to the Giant’s Causeway and the way the enormous 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 finished in simply in the future. However, we advise staying in a single day on the Causeway Hotel as a way 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’ll be able to 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 good distance child and we completely loved our eating experiences in Belfast. These venues have been fashionable with sophistaced meals and wine pairings.
Deane’s Meat Locker – Meat lovers will take pleasure in this restaurant however there are vegetarian selections as nicely. James Street & Co – unbelievable cocktails, effective wine and grilled dishes with a contemporary really feel Drawing Office – Located in 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 immediately throughout from Belfast City Hall, we liked this lodge. We have been inside strolling distance of many points of interest and the rooms have been fashionable and stylish.
Titanic Hotel Belfast – We didn’t keep right here, however we did tour it and if you’d like to discover extra of Titanic Belfast, this is a superb location. It’s not positioned in town middle, so that you’ll actually solely be close to Titanic Quarter points of interest, 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 might be flying from Europe or wherever 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 preferred to say, it’s cozy. Belfast is straightforward 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 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 means 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 excellent place to begin your journey to Belfast is to cease on the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre the place you may get in depth info on excursions and you’ll choose 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 instances on our personal, with completely different tour corporations and with the help of 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 find out about it.
Read extra about Northern Ireland and Ireland Travel