38 Greatest Issues to Do in Belfast, Northern Eire

Belfast, Northern Eire, is a metropolis that have to be added to any Eire Itinerary. It’s a spot the place the mix of previous and current provides an exhilarating array of issues to do. Hint the steps of historical past on the shipyards the place the Titanic’s story started, discover its iconic landmarks from tales behind the Crumlin Street Gaol, or meander by way of the paths of the Botanic Gardens. We took a journey by way of Belfast, the place every nook has a narrative, and the record of issues to do in Belfast unfolds with a treasure trove of experiences. So, fill up in your British kilos and discover ways to convert from kilometers to miles, we’re taking you on a journey of all one of the best locations to go to in Belfast, Northern Eire.

High Issues to do in Belfast

Situated simply two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is the capital metropolis of Northern Eire, which is a part of the UK (not the Republic of Eire). Belfast could also be only a hop, skip, and bounce from Eire’s extra well-known metropolis, nevertheless it feels worlds away. Verify RentalCars.com for automotive rental comparisons.

1. Titanic Belfast

Undoubtedly, one of the fashionable issues to do in Belfast is to go to Titanic Belfast. This unbelievable interactive museum is devoted to the ill-fated Titanic voyage. The RMS Titanic was constructed proper right here within the shipyards of Belfast. This enormous museum takes you thru the journey of constructing the Titanic to the rescue of survivors off the coast of Canada.

Titanic Belfast homes multimedia shows that share first-hand account tales 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 experience in the midst of the self-guided tour the place you hop on a experience as you journey to the underside of the ship, gliding by way of the bowels of the mighty ship. We now have visited this museum 3 times, and we at all times discover one thing new. The very best time to go to Titanic Belfast is early within the morning. That is the most well-liked attraction in Belfast, and tour busses arrive rapidly, so keep forward of the crowds by being first in line.

Get your tickets forward of time so to stroll proper in as an alternative of standing in line for entry tickets. Learn extra about one other Titanic Museum in Canada: The Greatest Issues to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Opening Hours: 9 am – 7 pm
• Web site: Titanic Belfast
• Tackle: 1 Olympic Approach, Queen’s Street, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK

2. SS Nomadic

When 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 take a look at what it was like for passengers on the Titanic.

It was also known as 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, 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.

3. Titanic’s Dock and Pumphouse

When visiting Belfast, you’ll in all probability spend a very good chunk of your time within the Titanic Quarter studying concerning the metropolis’s maritime historical past. The Titanic Quarter facilities across the former Harland & Wolff shipyard and it’s 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 Expertise.

See the place the huge ship sat within the dry dock earlier than launching. That is the place the Titanic was constructed and you’ll stroll its complete footprint. Guests can descend 44 ft (13 meters). Situated proper subsequent door is the pumphouse that was used to empty water from the dock that was then generally known as the Thompson Dry Dock as we speak there are displays and equipment used when constructing the Titanic on show.

Tackle: NI Science Park, Queens Rd, Queen’s Island, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK

4. Titanic Resort

Even if you’re not staying within the Titanic Resort, it’s value 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. Situated within the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, the builders of the Titanic, there are historic pictures, classic posters, and memorabilia from the heydays of the White Star Strains.

The Drawing Workplaces 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 necessary maritime heritage constructing. Excursions will be booked to see the artwork deco themed rooms, and former places of work together with Lord Pirries Workplace and the Hall of Energy.

5. Titanic Studios

One among Europe’s largest movie studios is positioned within the Titanic Quarter. Sport of Thrones was filmed proper inside these partitions. Whereas it’s nonetheless a working studio and there aren’t any excursions, you possibly can go to a different studio tour simply half-hour outdoors town. However if you happen to take a stroll by, you simply could catch a glimpse of your favorite Hollywood or UK film star.

6. Linen Mill Studio Excursions – Sport of Thrones

Linen Mill Studios is an unbelievable interactive museum devoted to Sport of Thrones. Throughout its filming, many integral scenes had been filmed proper in these studios in Banbridge, Northern Eire. This is without doubt one of the finest museums we’ve ever visited and Sport of Thrones followers will wish to spend no less than a number of hours collaborating within the displays. Examine our full expertise right here.

Stroll by way of genuine units and stand facet by facet with John Snow and Arya Stark as you admire recreations of iconic units comparable to The Evening’s Watch and Kings Touchdown. You may sit on the Iron Throne, create your individual sigil, and check out your hand at seize movement. It’s actually a film buff’s dream. Learn extra: A Sport of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire

There’s even a present store the place you possibly can choose up a few of your favorite Sport 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
• Web site: Sport of Thrones Studio Tour
  Tackle: 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 Conflict I. It’s 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 gentle cruiser nonetheless afloat. It’s also 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
• Tackle: Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK

8. Samson & Goliath Cranes

You may’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 residence to the most important shipbuilders on this planet.

They don’t seem to be in operation anymore, however they’re protected and can stay part of Belfast’s heritage for years to return. 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 normal waterfront stroll. There are many stops and points of interest alongside the way in which, most notably the Glass of Thrones. Paying tribute to Sport of Thrones, there are six stained glass displays housing scenes from the favored HBO Collection. Try Sport of Thrones Filming Areas You Can Go to in Actual-life

Every stained glass shows a special home or key second within the Sport of Thrones, representing the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers, and the Iron Throne. Look ahead to them as you stroll the Maritime Mile from HMS Caroline previous Titanic Studios to the AC Resort throughout the river.

• Tackle for show close to HMS Caroline 11 Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9AD, UK

All Glass of Thrones Areas

The six stained-glass displays line the waterfront trails. Many individuals stroll in the other way beginning at AC Belfast and ending at HMS Caroline. Here’s a record 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

Situated 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.

• Tackle: Titanic Quarter, The Maritime Mile, Belfast BT3 9FH, UK

11. Belfast Metropolis Corridor

It’s value taking a stroll round Belfast Metropolis Corridor to see its beautiful structure and the grounds of the civic buildings of Belfast Metropolis Council. There are many shows and memorials round Metropolis Corridor, together with the Titanic Memorial Gardens. Be sure that to go to it at nightfall to see it lit up with colourful lighting.

As a result of its booming inhabitants, financial system, and industrial developments, Queen Victoria granted Belfast metropolis standing in 1888. Quickly after, Metropolis Corridor was constructed to reflect town’s increasing prosperity,

You can even e-book excursions of Belfast Metropolis Corridor, 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 Sq. Buying Heart

We stumbled upon this Belfast attraction by chance. Eager to take a shortcut again to our lodge, we seen Victoria Sq. among the many strolling streets of downtown Belfast. Situated within the coronary heart of Belfast Metropolis Centre, Victoria Sq. was a stunning procuring centre with name-brand shops in a lined gallery.

After we entered the fashionable procuring heart we seen a high-tech dome in its heart. We’d already been strolling so much that day and had been joyful to see an elevator to the highest. We got here out to a panoramic view of town of Belfast.

13. Victoria Sq. lookout

There are in-house tour guides to supply steering on the sights, however fortunately for us, there was an area man together with his daughter up there with us who identified Belfast points of interest comparable to Belfast Metropolis Corridor, The Titanic Quarter, and Cave Hill. It’s free to enter and one of many issues to do in Belfast that we extremely advocate.

From the Victoria Sq. lookout, we had a panoramic view of Belfast metropolis and the encircling space. You may stroll up or take the elevator to the highest of the lookout.

14. Black Taxi Tour

Throughout our first journey to Belfast, we took a Black Taxi political tour by way of Shankhill Roads and Falls Street. This was an enchanting tour by way of the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Belfast which might be 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 for the reason that 1998 Good Friday Settlement, extra partitions have been constructed to divide territories. The partitions are known as Peace Partitions that are designed to maintain the peace within the neighborhoods. There’s a tenuous peace between the 2 communities in Northern Eire, they usually nonetheless really feel the division, however these partitions maintain that feeling of security. E-book your tour at TouringBelfast.com

The Troubles

When pondering of Belfast in Northern Eire, individuals usually envision The Troubles of the Twentieth century, the place religions fuelled violence and divided town (fairly actually). The lengthy partitions separating the areas of Shankhill Street and Falls Street are nonetheless standing as we speak. Nonetheless, the Northern Eire Govt is working to dismantle them. It has been a sluggish course of, so for now, they’re nonetheless standing.

Throughout 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 aside from different European cities. As we speak, Belfast is a lot greater than a metropolis fighting spiritual variations. There are numerous issues to do in Belfast that set it aside from its troubling previous and make for an incredible metropolis to go to.

15. Taxi Tour As we speak

We took one other tour this summer season and seen a distinction from our Black Taxi Tour a number of years in the past. As we speak, our drive didn’t focus as a lot on the political tour as he did on speaking about optimistic messages. Whereas the murals are nonetheless standing, there appear to be fewer than we keep in mind.

Our driver stated that they’re making an attempt to create new 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 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 Street Gaol (Jail)

One of many locations you’ll drive by throughout your taxi excursions is the Crumlin Street Gaol, however ensure 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.

Right here, we realized the place the phrase, “take him down originated” The Crumlin Street Gaol is positioned immediately throughout from the Crumlin Street Courthouse. When an individual was condemned, they had been taken all the way down to an underground tunnel related on to the jail. Your go to features a stroll to this tunnel. You’ll additionally see the jail cells and execution cells the place the vast majority of the 17 males had been executed.

17. Road Murals and Political Murals

Top-of-the-line methods to see the political murals is to take a black taxi political tour, however we’ve additionally explored them on our personal. Throughout 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 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 Street to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Gardens and the partitions alongside Falls Street. We acquired in our rental automotive and drove across the neighborhoods, looking for murals and memorials. One of many best methods to search out murals we didn’t know of was to search for the black taxis. They had been fairly simple to search out.

If you happen to don’t have a rental automotive, this tour is a superb possibility when visiting Belfast to be taught the story of “The Troubles” and occasions in Northern Eire’s tumultuous historical past. You’ll uncover the Belfast murals and undergo the previous battle areas of The Falls and Shankill Street.

18. Belfast Fortress

It took us three visits to Belfast earlier than we lastly stopped at Belfast Fortress. Situated in Cavehill Nation Park, Belfast fortress stands excessive above Belfast on a hill throughout the grounds of Cave Hill Nation Park. It’s 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 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 climbing trails and if you’re into that form of factor, the Belfast Zoo is positioned close by.

There’s free parking for the fortress and a espresso store inside.

19. Cave Hill Nation Park

Sadly, we didn’t have time to actually discover Cave Hill Nation Park, however for out of doors lovers, this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Belfast. It could simply be mixed with a tour of Belfast Fortress. 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 many issues to maintain you occupied for a day at Cave Hill Nation Park, together with climbing trails to archaeological websites and gardens resulting in Belfast Fortress. Whether or not you might be within the temper for a critical hike or an informal stroll, there’s one thing for everybody.

A enjoyable truth is that the hill that Cave Hil Nation 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, Eire’s first official Alpine Coaster.

That is one in every of Belfast’s hottest points of interest as vacationers and locals alike spend a day Colin Glen Forest Park to get pleasure from out of doors actions like {golfing} on the state-of-the-art Toptracer driving vary. Whether or not you’re climbing by way 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 will 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 Metropolis Corridor.

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.

Be sure that to go contained in the Palm Home standing on the coronary heart of the gardens. This iconic Victorian greenhouse invitations guests to discover its two wings: the cool wing, residence to temperate crops worldwide, and the tropical wing, the place unique crops and towering palm timber thrive. There’s additionally a espresso store within the Botanic Gardens the place you possibly can seize a espresso and chill out.

22. Girl Dixon Park

In order for you extra out of doors experiences in Belfast, Girl Dixon Park is another choice. Situated in South Belfast, Girl Dixon Park is an intensive park devoted to the reminiscence of Girl Edith Dixon, who’s famend for her vital contribution to town’s greenery.

Girl Dixon Park contains a rose backyard that hosts an annual Rose Week pageant, drawing guests from throughout. Preferrred for households, nature lovers, and people seeking to unwind, the park provides a wide range of actions.

Guests can get pleasure from strolling trails that wind by way 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 or not you’re interested by a peaceable stroll, chook watching, or just having fun with the outside.

23. Ulster Museum

Situated throughout the Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum is the most important museum in Northern Eire. When visiting the Ulster Museum, you’ll take a stroll by way of historical past relationship again to the dinosaurs by way of to the historical past of Northern Eire to as we speak.

Ulster Museum is a part of the nationwide museums and galleries of Northern Eire mixed with the Ulster Folks and Transport Museum and the Ulster American Folks Artwork Museum, which is value stopping to see simply outdoors of Belfast.

24. Queen’s College

After visiting the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum, take a stroll over to a different well-known Belfast Landmark at Queen’s College. This space is a superb place to hang around and the buildings of Queen’s College supply among the biggest architectural designs within the nation. In reality, the Lanyon Constructing is usually seen in promoting for Northern Eire Tourism.

As with the case of visiting so many cities, we love strolling college grounds. They’re the heartbeat of town with attractive structure, and Queen’s College in Belfast reminded us a little bit of Queen’s College 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 referred to as 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.

Enjoyable truth, St. Anne’s Parish church was used till 1903 because the constructing was constructed up round it. It took one other 80 years to finish. Between the World Wars, The Troubles, and inflation there have been a number of delays in finishing St. Anne

St. Anne’s Cathedral is lower than a kilometer from the Belfast metropolis centre. You may e-book excursions of the Cathedral Quarter.

26. Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)

Situated immediately behind St. Anne’s Cathedral within the coronary heart of the Cathedral Quarter, The Metropolitan Arts Centre is a spot for music, artwork exhibitions, and reside theatre. If you’re searching for issues to do in Belfast at evening, 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’ll attempt your hand at creating a few of your individual artwork at its interactive creativeness stations. (Donations welcome)

27. The Salmon of Data (The Huge Fish)

One among our favorite issues to do in Belfast is to walk alongside the waterfront taking within the sights from Titanic Belfast to the Belfast Metropolis Centre. From Glass of Thrones shows to the opposite murals together with the Huge Fish at Lagan Lookout.

This can be a excellent spot to cross the Lagan River to start your stroll in the direction of Belfast Metropolis Centre as from the fish, there are many points of interest. Take within the views of the river, earlier than heading up Queen’s Sq. to see the Albert Memorial Clock.

28. Albert Memorial Clock

Pisa stands out as 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 brought about it to sing into the bottom. Whether or not 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 Eire for that matter) can be full with out visiting its pubs all through central Belfast. If you’re searching for issues to do in Belfast at evening, head out to the bars round Belfast metropolis heart and go pub hopping. Be sure that to start out at McHughs Bar positioned only a hop skip and a bounce from Albert Memorial Clock. It dates again to 1711 making it the oldest surviving pub in Belfast.

30. Crown Liquor Saloon

Situated on Grand Victoria Road, the Crown Liquor Saloon is a fantastically preserved Victorian gin palace owned by the Nationwide Belief.

One among Northern Eire’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’s in all probability one 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 every of Belfast’s oldest points of interest. If you happen to 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’s also open on Saturdays and Sundays for the Metropolis Meals and Craft Market with rotating craft, meals, vintage and backyard markets.

Meals lovers can bask in varied culinary delights, from connoisseur road meals to recent, native produce, making it a super spot for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch.

In the meantime, craft aficionados will discover themselves enthralled by the number of handmade items, starting from jewellery to ceramics and past. Whether or not you’re after a style of Northern Eire’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 Eire are positioned on the Stormont Property in East Belfast and are sometimes referred to easily as Stormont. The seat of the Northern Eire Meeting provides guests an opportunity to discover Northern Eire’s political historical past and luxuriate 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 day by day. (closed on public and financial institution holidays). It’s an attention-grabbing factor to tour parliament buildings, we’ve executed 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’s a 4km lengthy woodland stroll and even a 1.6km health path with out of doors fitness center tools.

33. Grand Opera Home Belfast

If you wish to catch a reside efficiency in Belfast, think about reserving tickets to a present on the Grand Opera Home Belfast. From ballet to opera to musical theatre, it has all of it.

If you happen to don’t catch a present, think about taking a tour of the Grand Opera Home Heritage Exhibition to discover this venue that has been a big a part of town’s historical past. The Grand Opera Home has a 125 yr historical past the place the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Luciano Pavarotti have walked its halls.

Situated on Nice Victoria Road the Grand Opera Home is a splendid instance of Victorian structure that has hosted numerous performances since its opening in 1895.

34. Belfast Barge Museum

An awesome complement to your Titanic Belfast tour is to go to the Belfast Barge Museum. This everlasting exhibit showcases what is named “The Best Story By no means Informed.” Study 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 Folks and Transport Museum

Situated simply outdoors Belfast, The Ulster Folks and Transport Museum provides a novel glimpse into Northern Eire’s previous. This expansive museum is split into two distinct sections: the Folks 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 within the area.

Preferrred for historical past buffs, households, and anybody within the cultural heritage and technological developments of Northern Eire, the Ulster Folks and Transport Museum offers 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 one of the best issues to do in Belfast and its surrounding areas.

36. Mussenden Temple

Belfast is a superb place to make a base in Northern Eire and since most of the high Belfast points of interest are only a brief drive away, you possibly can see quite a lot of the nation rapidly.

37. Darkish Hedges

The Darkish Hedges aren’t as lush and engaging as they as soon as had been after pruning in recent times, however they’re nonetheless one in every of Northern Eire’s most photographed points of interest. This lovely row of beech timber strains an outdated nation lane. It has gained in recognition because of Sport of Thrones which featured it in season one as Arya Stark rode away from King’s Touchdown alongside the King’s Street. Learn extra: The Darkish Hedges of Northern Eire – Tricks to Go to and What you Have to Know

The Darkish Hedges are positioned on Bregagh Street on privately owned land. So please be respectful as they’re in dangerous form. In an unbiased knowledgeable overview, it was revealed that 11 out of 86 timber alongside the highway had been in deteriorating situation, presenting a potential hazard to the general public. 6 timber have been eliminated, and 4 others are being monitored.

38. Derry

Derry ended up being one in every of our favourite locations to go to in Northern Eire and it may be executed on a day journey from Belfast. Formally generally known as Londonderry by the British Authorities, Derry is a small metropolis that may be explored in a day or two. Derry was floor zero for the troubles and when strolling by way of the Bogside space of Derry, you’ll nonetheless see murals and monuments to victims of Bloody Sunday and the battle.

The partitions of Derry are our favorite Londonderry attraction. It surrounds town centre and is taken into account one of many best-preserved walled cities in Europe. A go to to Derry is an enchanting approach to study Northern Eire’s historical past. Learn extra: Issues to do in Derry – Londonderry, Northern Eire

39. Big’s Causeway

Big’s Causeway is Northern Eire’s most well-known attraction, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Belfast Metropolis Corridor. This extraordinary pure phenomenon was fashioned by a volcanic eruption 60 million years in the past. The UNESCO World Heritage Website showcases greater than 40 thousand basalt pillars which might be stacked completely, main out to the ocean.

It appears as if every pillar has been laid there by some form of large entity. In reality, there’s a legend concerning the Big’s Causeway and the way the large Fionn McCool constructed it. Learn extra: How To Go to the Big’s Causeway in Northern Eire

Big’s Causeway is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys from Belfast and it will probably simply be executed in simply sooner or later. Nonetheless, we recommend staying in a single day on the Causeway Resort so to go to at dawn and sundown earlier than the tour busses arrive.

If you happen to don’t have the time or the finances, you possibly can e-book this extremely rated day journey from Belfast to Big’s Trigger to discover it and different points of interest on the Causeway Coast.

The place to Eat in Belfast

Eating in Northern Eire has come a great distance child and we totally 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 decisions as properly.
• James Road & Co – improbable cocktails, fantastic wine and grilled dishes with a contemporary really feel
• Drawing Workplace – Situated within the Titanic Belfast Resort it is a nice cease for lunch or a chic dinner.

The place to Keep in Belfast

Ten Sq. Resort Belfast – We stayed on the Ten Sq. Resort and might extremely advocate it. Situated immediately throughout from Belfast Metropolis Corridor, we beloved this lodge. We had been inside strolling distance of many points of interest and the rooms had been trendy and stylish.

Titanic Resort 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 heart, 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.

Methods to Get to Belfast

We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it is just a two-hour drive between the cities. There are even day excursions that may take you from Dublin must you solely have a brief period of time.

You can even get to Belfast by bus and prepare. There’s a direct prepare that connects Dublin from Dublin Connolly and arrives at Belfast Central.

Worldwide vacationers will fly into Belfast Worldwide Airport.

If you’re flying from Europe or wherever inside the UK, you’ll land at George Greatest Belfast Metropolis Airport, which is positioned simply 5 minutes from Belfast Metropolis Centre.

Getting Round Belfast

Belfast is small, or as our taxi driver favored to say, it’s cozy. Belfast is simple to get round by strolling, driving or taxi, and you’ll see quite a lot of town in a brief period of time. We’ve visited Belfast on three separate events and located renting a automotive to be the easiest way to get round, however Black Taxi Excursions and the Hop on Hop Off busses are additionally a improbable approach to see the highest vacationer points of interest.

Belfast is a small metropolis that’s simple to get round. We discovered that most of the high Belfast points of interest had been inside strolling distance of the Belfast metropolis heart. Belfast is split into 4 quarters that every one meet at Belfast Metropolis Centre. North Belfast, East Belfast, South Belfast, and West Belfast.

An awesome place to start out your journey to Belfast is to cease on the Go to Belfast Welcome Centre the place you will get in depth data 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 now have visited Belfast Northern a number of occasions on our personal, with totally different tour firms and with assistance from Tourism Eire.

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 wish to find out about it.

• Learn extra about Northern Eire and Eire Journey