Fancy a trip to Belfast?

Mar 24

Why Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. It is now a vibrant city having moved on from a turbulent past in the latter half of the twentieth century. Lonely Planet named Belfast the best place to visit in 2018. Traditionally associated with ship building, it is now home to world famous Titanic Centre as well as many other attractions to suit all ages and interests. You are sure of a warm welcome wherever you go.

Where to stay

For a bit of luxury try The Merchant Hotel in Waring Street or the very quirky Harrison Hotel near Queens University. It describes itself as hosting scoundrels and scholars since 1879.. A mid-range choice could be the Bullitt Hotel in Church Lane. There are several budget hotels in the city centre including Ibis, Premier Inn and Travel Lodge.

Wherever you stay make sure an ‘Ulster fry’ breakfast is included

Getting Around the City

Central Belfast is fairly easy to get around on foot. Several bus routes go from Viictoria Station to the suburbs and beyond. There are numerous taxi ranks and roving taxis throughout the city. A shuttle bus goes from both Belfast City and the International airports at a reasonable cost. There is an increasing number of cycle routes too.

Belfast is also a great base for seeing the country. Northern Ireland Railways operates trains to Bangor - Lisburn – Portadown – Newry. ... Larne (ferry port) – Carrickfergus – Portrush- Coleraine – and most points in between

Well Worth It

St George’s Market – one of Belfast’s best known attractions. Built in the Victorian era, its many stalls sell local produce and you can enjoy food from across the world. You could be lucky and catch some live music there around lunchtime.

Titanic Centre – the city’s most visited attraction. The striking building in Queen’s Road is home to interactive galleries about the fated ship Titanic and its construction. It’s well worth a visit

Belfast Zoo – home to around 130 animals and reptiles. Located 15 minutes from the city centre by bus/car, just off the M2 motorway. It’s quite hilly so good walking shoes advised.

Ulster Museum – situated in the lovely Botanical Gardens with displays of important paintings and artefacts of Ireland past and present. Free entry.

If time allows, a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in County Antrim will thrill and delight with spectacular scenery along the coast.

A Wee Bit of Shopping

You’ll find a good selection of shops in Castle Court shopping centre. If you are looking for more individual retailers, try the shops along the

A Bite to Eat

You will be spoilt for choice of restaurants and bars in the city. Go for dinner in the chic Cathedral Quarter or have a Guinness in The Crown, the oldest pub in Belfast.

A Bit Of Culture

Visit Mount Stewart Country House, County Down where you will find one of the best gardens in the world.

Join one of the free walking tours to explore the city. Or, find out more of the history of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, by booking onto one of the Black Taxi tours.

Enjoy an evening performance at the Grand Opera House or the Lyric Theatre.