A quick few hours drive up the East coast of Ireland from Dublin brings you to Northern Ireland into the thriving city of Belfast. There was a time when Belfast was known for all the wrong reasons but rest assured, that time has come and past and Belfast is now a city filled with art, amazing food, and fun things to see and do. In fact, Belfast is one of our favorite cities in Ireland! Here are some of our favorite spots in Belfast to visit while you are there:
- Titanic Belfast. Did you know Belfast’s Harland and Wolf shipyard is where the Titanic was built? This area of Belfast is now known as the ‘Titanic Quarter’ and has been completely renovated and reinvigorated with the building of the massive Titanic museum. The building is impressively designed resemble four ship bows and the inside of the museum is filled with floors of multisensory technology to take you through Titanic’s beginnings to its untimely demise.
2. The Peace Walls. Get a glimpse of Belfast’s past, present and future by visiting the peace wall and writing your name or message on it. The walls that once separated partisan sections of Belfast still stand, but are now covered in murals and messages for enduring peace.
- The Crown Liquor Saloon. You can’t miss visiting The Crown for a gin and ginger, a uniquely Belfast cocktail, while in town. The Crown is by far the most famous pub in Belfast and it dates back to 1826. While enjoying a G&G, don’t forget to marvel at the bar’s gorgeous architecture!
- Crumlin Road Gaol. For those who like the strange and spooky things in life, a visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol will be right up your alley. Take a guided tour around this supposedly haunted prison, where you’ll be able to step into a cell…and even an execution chamber.
- St. George’s Market. The market has been open since 1607, so you’ll want to experience it firsthand if you happen to be in Belfast on a Friday! Every Friday morning, the market comes to life as almost 250 trade stalls set up shop and sell their wares.
- City Hall. Belfast has an absolutely striking city hall and you can take a tour of the building Monday-Sunday to see the buildings stunning interior. Outside, you’ll find a Titanic Memorial, stalls and fun activities, and around Christmas time you’ll find a massive tree lit up!
- Take a food tour. What better way to experience the food in Belfast than to take a food tour? We like Taste and Tour NI, guided by fun and knowledgeable guides who will take you around a variety of restaurants and shops. Come hungry, leave full and in a great mood!
- The Dirty Onion. Located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, named for the iconic St. Anne’s Cathedral, The Dirty Onion is Belfast’s oldest building (dating back to 1780) and is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub.
- Botanic Gardens. Belfast’s botanic gardens are located in the Queen’s Quarter, known for the Queen’s University and also where the Irish language and traditions are most evident in the shops and surroundings. The botanic gardens are a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing, taking in the scenery and maybe enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
- CS Lewis Square. Fans of Narnia will love visiting CS Lewis Square, a public space commemorating this famous, Belfast-born author of the Chronicles of Narnia. The square includes seven bronze sculptures of characters from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
- The Merchant Hotel. This 5 star hotel located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is an old bank turned stunning hotel & restaurant. Even if you aren’t staying at The Merchant, enjoy a meal at The Great Room Restaurant where they serve up delicious fine French cuisine.
This is just a taste of all of the wonderful things Belfast has to offer you. Ready to experience it all? We can put together a completely customized vacation for you to experience Belfast and all of the other wonders of Ireland! Contact us for a free quote.
