Things to Do
We know that a lot of people coming may not have spent much time in Belfast or even Northern Ireland. We also know you will enjoy your time here, so why not try to also explore a little bit of what there is to offer. Belfast city offers a number of interesting things to do, and those who have a car may want to venture a bit further out to see some of the natural landscape, particularly along the coast. Here are a few suggestions for those with an afternoon, a day or even a long weekend.
Attractions in Belfast
Belfast is a really cool place to be. Much like Newcastle, a lot of money and effort has been put into renovating and modernising the city. As a result, there are great places for food and drink (covered on another page) as well as attractions to see that make the city well worth the visit.
The Titanic Museum
It is very difficult to go anywhere in Northern Ireland without being reminded that the Titanic was built in the capital. Whether that is a good or bad achievement is up to you, but the famous ship has sparked a wild interest across the globe. As a result, the Titanic exhibition centre is a wonderful day out to explore the creation, voyage and aftermath of the most famous boat in the world. With hard hitting exhibitions as well as rides and full-scale reconstructions, it is definitely worth the visit. The building itself is worth a visit, which is modeled after the Titanic.
Titanic Belfast
St. George's Market
The last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, this is one of the oldest attractions still left standing. Full of cute little stalls packed with food, gifts and artwork, if you want to peruse and pick up something one-of-a-kind, then this would be a great place to start.
St. George's Market
City Hall
Belfast city hall is at the centre of Belfast in Donegall square. A regal building, it offers tours of the art collections, the council chambers and the Great Hall. Great for anyone who is a fan of architecture and intricate detail.
Belfast City Hall
Belfast Botanic Gardens
Located slightly outside the city centre, just next to Queen's university, lies the Botanical gardens. Likely to be at the peak of the bloom in July, the Gardens offer a wide variety of plants including tropical plants in the Ravine as well as a Rose garden. Anyone who wants to spend a few hours roaming the premises will not be dissapointed, and there is the option of taking a guided tour if you really want to get to know the plants.
Belfast Botanic Gardens
Belfast Black Taxi Tour
The black taxi tour is popular with tourists, it explores the history of the troubles with stories from real people while exploring belfasts famous murals.
Black Taxi Political Mural TourThings to do - Northern Ireland
If you have the capabilities to explore beyond the constrains of the urban area, there are a number of reasons to venture across Northern Ireland to experience the stunning surroundings. Here are just a few suggestions that should help "fill yer boots".
Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway is an iconic natural rock formation comprising of around 40,000 interlocking columns as a result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and probably the first recommendation you will get from any Northern Irish person to visit. If that wasn't tempting enough, there is also the legend of the giant Finn MacCool to learn.
Giant's Causeway - UNESCO
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This rope bridge found again in the north coast links the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede. The bridge is 20 metres long and is about 30 metres above the sea. Makes a nice photostop on the route along the many attractions along the north coast.
Carrick-a-rede
Bushmills Whiskey Distillery
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, the biggest Northern Irish whiskey distillery is located in the town of Bushmills along the northern coast. Learn about how Irish whiskey is made along with the more important part of tasting it, this is a great opportunity for anyone with a penchant for a smooth and defined tipple.
Bushmill's Distillery
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
It is difficult to talk about Game of Thrones without someone mentioning that the majority of it was filmed in Northern Ireland. We even have a few of the wedding guests who were extras for the show. For a time the 'Welcome to Belfast' sign at the Belfast City Airport was replaced with one saying 'Welcome to Westeros'. There are many iconic locations scattered around Northern Ireland, but the Game of Thrones Studio Tour allows you to maximise your experience of the hit show. Located south of Belfast, it is well worth a visit if you are a fan of the show (irrespective of the final series).
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Tollymore Forest Park
For those who are looking for something outdoors and adventurous the Tollymore Forst Park is located just outside the Nortern Irish town of Newcastle. A large park at the foot of the Mourne mountains, you can get great views of the mountains and sea. Great for those who want to camp or caravan whilst heading down south.
Tollymore Forest Park
The Republic of Ireland
With the border just an hour and a half or so away by car and the ability to reach Dublin by train in 2 hours, this is a great opportunity to take a few days to explore the rest of the Emerald Isle. There are too many places to include such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and the west coast as well as all the places in between. I am sure if you do take the opportunity to visit you will not regret it.