When considering of Belfast in Northern Ireland, folks 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 as we speak. However, Belfast is a lot greater than a metropolis combating 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.
So, fill up in your British kilos and learn the way to convert from kilometers to miles, we’re taking you on a journey of all the perfect locations to go to in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Top Things to do in Belfast
Located simply two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is only a hop skip and a leap from Ireland’s extra well-known metropolis nevertheless it feels worlds away. Belfast is the capital metropolis of Northern Ireland which is a part of the United Kingdom (not the Republic of Ireland). While Dublin looks like a metropolis made for vacationers, Belfast has a extra genuine vibe the place folks hustle to work downtown and pubs are full of locals as a substitute of day excursions coming in on a bus. Read extra: 16 Fun Facts About Ireland To Prepare on your journey
If you’re on the lookout for the quintessential Irish expertise, ensure that to go to Belfast and put aside not less than two days to really discover it. If you’re questioning why? We’re going to share a few of the greatest issues to do in Belfast to peak your curiosity and lure you to the north of the Emerald Isle.
1. Titanic Belfast
Without a doubt, some of the common issues to do in Belfast is to go to Titanic Belfast. This unbelievable interactive museum is devoted to the ill-fated Titanic voyage. The ill-fated RMS Titanic was constructed proper right here in 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. Read extra about one other Titanic Museum in Canada: The Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Titanic Belfast homes multimedia shows that share first-hand account tales taking part in over loudspeakers as you stroll by its galleries showcasing replicas of rooms on the Titanic and relics salvaged from the positioning.
There’s a Disney-like experience in the center of the self-guided tour the place you hop on a experience as your journey to the underside of the ship gliding by the bowels of the mighty ship. We have visited Titanic Belfast thrice and we at all times discover one thing new.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pmWebsite: 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 attention-grabbing 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.
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 was taking 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 one more 50 years seeing many well-known passengers stroll its halls together with Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pmWebsite: Explore SS NomadicAddress: Hamilton Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
3. Titanic’s Dock and Pumphouse
When visiting Belfast, you’ll in all probability spend an excellent chunk of your time in the Titanic Quarter. The Titanic Quarter facilities across the former Harland & Wolff shipyard and it’s value spending a number of hours in this space taking in its wealthy historical past. You don’t essentially want to go inside Titanic Belfast for the Titanic Experience.
See the place the large ship sat in dry dock earlier than launching. This is the place the Titanic was constructed and you may stroll its whole footprint. Visitors can descend 44 ft (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 as we speak 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 value going inside for a drink or to seize some lunch. Half resort, half museum, this historic resort is situated instantly throughout the road from Titanic Belfast. Located in the previous 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 throughout the resort are open to public excursions (topic to availability) offering a possibility 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 situated 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 however you may go to one other studio tour simply half-hour exterior town. But in the event you take a stroll by, you simply might catch a glimpse of your favorite Hollywood or UK film star.
6. Linen Mill Studio Tours
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 likely one of the greatest museums we’ve ever visited and Game of Thrones followers will need to spend not less than a number of hours collaborating in the reveals.
Walk by genuine units and stand aspect by aspect with John Snow and Arya Stark as you admire recreations of iconic units such because 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 really a film buff’s dream. Read extra: A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
Opening Hours: August 9:30am- 7:30pm / Nov – Dec 10:00 am to 5:30 pm / All different months 10:00am to 6:30 pmWebsite: Game of Thrones Studio TourAddress: 245 Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge BT32 3SG, UK
7. HMS Caroline
The HMS Caroline is a restored warship from World War I. It is a floating museum which you can 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 real survivor of the Battle of Jutland. It has been closed since 2020 however is scheduled to reopen later this summer time.
Opening Hours: ClosedAddress: 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 turn out to be an emblem of Belfast hailing to a time when it was dwelling to the biggest 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 elevate 840 tonnes. Goliath stands at 96 meters excessive whereas Samson is 106 metres tall.
9. Glass of Thrones
Taking a stroll alongside the waterfront from the Titanic Quarter to downtown isn’t your ordinary waterfront stroll. There are lots fo 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 in the Game of Thrones representing the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers, and the Iron Throne. Keep an eye fixed out for them as you stroll the Maritime Mile from HMS Caroline to 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 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: Baretheon 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 pretty structure and 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 vibrant lighting.
You may also e book excursions of Belfast City Hall, they occur on daily basis and are free. The skilled information will take you on an hour-long tour by 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 resort, we seen Victoria Square among the many strolling streets of downtown Belfast. Located in the guts of Belfast City Centre, Victoria Square was a stunning buying centre with name-brand shops in a lined gallery.
When we entered the fashionable buying heart we seen a high-tech dome in its heart. We’d already been strolling so much that day and had been completely happy 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 provide 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 similar to Belfast City Hall, and 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 Shankhill Roads and Falls Road. This was an interesting tour by the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast that’s nonetheless divided as we speak. The 25-foot-high partitions divide the areas the place sturdy strains are drawn between Loyalists and nationalists.
The gates are nonetheless locked as we speak and because the 1998 Good Friday Agreement settlement, there have been extra partitions constructed to divide territories. The partitions are known as Peace Walls that are designed to preserve 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 preserve that feeling of security. Book your tour at TouringBelfast.com
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 optimistic messages. While the murals are nonetheless standing, there appeared to be fewer than we keep in mind.
Our driver mentioned that they’re attempting to create new function fashions and construct the group. It was good to take two totally different excursions, because the Black Taxi excursions don’t solely concentrate on politics. We went by 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 ensure 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 ladies and kids.
Here, we discovered the place the phrase, “take him down originated” The Crumlin Road Gaol is situated instantly throughout from the Crumlin Road Courthouse. When an individual was condemned, they had been taken down to an underground tunnel linked instantly 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 perfect methods to see the political murals is to take a black taxi political tour, however we now 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 had been all political murals, however they’re now interspersed with road artwork and optimistic messages of wanting ahead whereas nonetheless paying tribute to the previous and those that gave their lives for his or her trigger.
The murals play an necessary half in Belfast tradition depicting historic occasions from Shankhill street to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Gardens and the partitions alongside Falls Road. We obtained in our rental automobile and drove across the neighborhoods in search of murals and memorials. One of the best methods to discover murals we didn’t know of was to search for the black taxis. They had been fairly straightforward to discover.
If you don’t have a rental automobile, this tour is a superb 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 fort stands excessive above Belfast on a hill throughout 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 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 climbing trails and if you’re into that type of factor, the Belfast Zoo is situated close by.
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 likely 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 preserve you occupied for a day at Cave Hill Country Park together with climbing trails to archaeological websites, and gardens main to Belfast Castle. Whether you’re in the temper for a severe 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. Belfast’s Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are situated in the college district and a go to right here may be mixed with a visit to the Ulster Museum. This space is nearly 1 mile from the Belfast metropolis heart and is inside strolling distance from City Hall.
Established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, the 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. The shows are notably lovely.
21. Ulster Museum
Located throughout the Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum is the biggest museum in Northern Ireland. When visiting Ulster Museum, you’ll take a stroll by historical past relationship again to the dinosaurs by to the historical past of Northern Ireland to as we speak.
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.
22. 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 superb place to hang around and the buildings of Queen’s University provide a few of the best architectural designs in the nation. In reality, the Lanyon Building is commonly 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 attractive structure and Queen’s University in Belfast, reminded us a little bit of Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario.
23. St. Anne’s Cathedral
No go to to any European metropolis can be full with out visiting its cathedral, and Belfast isn’t any exception. St. Anne’s Cathedral (Also generally known as the Belfast Cathedral) is aptly situated in the Cathedral Quarter. The cathedral started development 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 City Centre.
24. Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)
Located instantly behind St. Anne’s Cathedra, The Metropolitan Arts Centre is a spot for music, artwork exhibitions, and dwell theatre. If you’re 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 may strive your hand at creating a few of your personal artwork at its interactive creativeness stations. (Donations welcome)
25. 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 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 points of interest. Take in the views of the river, earlier than heading up Queen’s Square to see the Albert Memorial Clock.
26. Albert Memorial Clock
Pisa will be 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 triggered it to sing into the bottom. Whether you’re strolling or taking a tour, it’s straightforward to see the lean of the tower
27. Go, Pub Hopping
No journey to Belfast, (or Ireland for that matter) can be full with out visiting its pubs. If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Belfast at night time, head out to the bars round Belfast metropolis centre and go pub hopping. Make certain to begin at McHughs Bar situated only a hop skip and a leap from Albert Memorial Clock. It dates again to 1711 making it the oldest surviving pub in Belfast.
28. Crown Liquor Saloon
One of Northern Ireland’s greatest recognized pubs is the Crown and Liquor Saloon. It dates again to 1826 and was as soon as the mightiest of Victorian gin palaces. It’s 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.
29. St. George’s Market
Who doesn’t love a market and St. George’s Market is considered one of Belfast’s oldest points of interest. If you occur to be in Belfast on a Friday, take a look at this market that has been operating on this precise web site since 1604. It can also be open on Saturdays and Sundays with rotating craft, meals, vintage and backyard markets.
30. Parliament Buildings (Stormont)
The Parliament Buildings of Northern Ireland are situated on the Stormont Estate and are sometimes referred to merely as Stormont. The parliament buildings are open to the general public free of charge guided excursions 9:00AM to 4:00PM day by day. (closed on public and financial institution holidays). It is an attention-grabbing factor to tour parliament buildings, we now have executed 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 gear.
31. 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 the 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 12 months historical past the place the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Luciano Pavarotti have walked its halls.
32. Belfast Barge Museum
An excellent 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 noteabely 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.
33. Where to Eat in Belfast
Dining in Northern Ireland has come a great distance child and we totally loved our eating experiences in Belfast. These venues had 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 – incredible cocktails, nice wine and grilled dishes with a contemporary really feelDrawing Office – Located in 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 might extremely suggest it. Located instantly throughout from Belfast City Hall, we cherished this resort. We had been inside strolling distance of many points of interest and the rooms had been fashionable and stylish.
Titanic Hotel Belfast – We didn’t keep right here, however we did tour it and if you would like to discover extra of Titanic Belfast, this is a wonderful location. It’s not situated in town centre, 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 artwork 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 must you 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’re flying from Europe or anyplace throughout 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 favored to say, it’s cozy. Belfast is straightforward to get round by strolling, driving or taxi, and you may see plenty of town in a brief period of time. We’ve visited Belfast on three separate events and located renting a automobile to be the easiest way to get round, however Black Taxi Tours and the Hop on Hop Off busses are additionally a incredible manner to see the highest vacationer points of interest.
Belfast is a small metropolis that’s straightforward to get round. We discovered that most of the prime Belfast points of interest had been inside strolling distance of the Belfast metropolis centre. 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 will get in depth info on excursions and you may 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
Best Day Trips from Belfast
Belfast is a superb place to make a base in Northern Ireland and since most of the prime Belfast points of interest are only a brief drive away, you may see plenty of the nation in a short while.
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 appears to be like as if every pillar has been laid there by some type of large entity. In reality, there’s a legend concerning the Giant’s Causeway and the way it was constructed by the large Fionn McCool.
Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges aren’t as lush and enticing as they as soon as had been after pruning in latest years however they’re nonetheless considered one of 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.
Derry
Derry ended up being considered one of our favourite locations to go to in Northern Ireland and it may be executed 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 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 surrounded town centre and is taken into account among the finest preserved walled metropolis in Europe. A go to to Derry is an interesting manner to study Northern Ireland’s historical past.
Ulster museum photograph is courtesy of 27 Best Things to Do in Northern IrelandA Game of Thrones Tour of Northern IrelandThe Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and What you Need to Know34 of the Best Things to do in Dublin, IrelandWhere to Stay in Dublin, Ireland: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget23 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland