Belfast

Whether you like soaking up the buzz of the city, getting to know the history of this fascinating place, whiling away an hour or two browsing through great shops or getting out into the fresh air for a ramble or a hike, it’s all here for you.  There’s so much to explore, sample, experience and enjoy in Belfast, there’s only one thing to do: jump straight in!

Please Note:  This is a sample itinerary to offer suggestions and ideas for planning trips, you can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative for further information.  Any mention of specific product on this itinerary is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland.

Nearest airports:  Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport.
Days: 3 (tour can be customised to 1 or 2 days, as required)
 

Titanic Quarter

The doomed ship’s story is so entwined with the city that you’ll find memorials everywhere, but Titanic Belfast is the real deal, so give yourself plenty of time.  Named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, it is on six floors, and has nine galleries.  Visit the Titanic Slipways and Shipyard, take a Titanic Discovery Walking or Boat Tour, or take a Segway to see the SS Nomadic and HMS Caroline.  Tickets are timed slots every 15 minutes, available online or over the phone.  It’s open 10am-5pm in winter, longer in summer.  A guided tour takes 45-60 minutes; self-guided tours through the Titanic Experience last just under two hours.

St. George's Market

Browse for bargains, pick up delicious food, have a coffee, listen to some live music or simply watch the world go by in this historic market.  It’s occupied this building since the 19th century, and it buzzes with more than over 150 traders.  It’s open Friday-Sunday each week, and offers all sorts of meat, fish, teas and coffees, antiques, clothing, jewellery and art. There is often live music, too.  Hop on a free shuttle bus from the city centre every 20 minutes until early afternoon on Fridays and Saturdays, but make this a morning trip – everything closes mid-afternoon.

City Hall

This Baroque wonder is the heart of the city and its stained glass windows commemorate many events in the life of the city.  The lavish interiors give a feel of Titanic – the man who commissioned them also worked for the Harland & Wolff shipyard and he used the same craftsmen to fit out City Hall.  You’ll see the memorial to the tragedy in the gardens.  The guided tours are free and there are at least three every day – more in summer.  A tour lasts about an hour, or there are hand-held guides available in eight languages, and you can relax in the Bobbin coffee shop afterwards.

Botanic Gardens

Take some time out with a ramble in the Botanic Gardens, a horticultural wonder that’s home to some of the oldest plants on the island.  Swing by the Palm House, a fabulous example of the inventiveness and beauty that marked the 19^th century.  It’s one of the earliest glasshouses made from curved iron and glass, perfect for growing exotic plants from all over the world.  The Tropical Ravine, built in 1889, is another delight.  It holds some of the oldest seed plants around, along with banana, cinnamon, bromeliad and orchids.  Stroll the paths and breathe in history.  The gardens are open from 7.30am to dusk.

The Ulster Museum

Are you ready for a collection that’s easily as eccentric as it is fascinating?  The Ulster Museum has all manner of curiosities, from strange creatures to peculiar artefacts. An Egyptian mummy, a dinosaur, jewellery from a shipwreck, ancient relics and modern artworks are all waiting for you in this brilliant treasure house.  Visits are free and the museum is open 10-5 Tuesday to Sunday, but closed on Mondays (except bank holidays).  It’s in the city centre, which means parking can be tricky, but it’s easy to get to by public transport or on foot – and very well worth the effort.  Coaches can park briefly outside the museum to drop off and pick up.

The MAC

Top up with culture at the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) in the city’s Cathedral Quarter. It’s open 10am-7pm seven days a week, and with three art galleries and lots of performance space for all kinds of music, dance and theatre, there’s always something going on.  The free-to-visit family room has lots of fun, creative activities and books to keep kids busy.  The Native café is great for lunch, too, and proudly uses local produce.  Parking is easy: Saint Anne’s Square multi-storey car park is next door on Edward Street and it’s open 24 hours a day.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Want something to make you shiver?  Crumlin Road Gaol closed as a prison in 1996, but in its 150 years it saw 17 men executed.  Take a guided tour (from 10am) and find out about prison life throughout history.  The tour reveals the prison’s darkest places, and there’s a paranormal tour to uncover the ghoulish secrets that cling to the walls.  Tickets can be bought on the day but it’s a good idea to book, especially for groups of eight or more. There’s also an excellent restaurant, Cuffs, serving lunch and dinner, a coffee shop and a gift shop.

St Anne’s Cathedral and Writer’s Square

Call into St Anne’s Cathedral and have a look at the extraordinary Spire of Hope – a clever, weight-reducing solution put up in 2007 to help stop the building sinking into the mud. There’s also a funeral pall for the Titanic and the tomb of Lord Carson, who played a huge part in shaping Ulster’s destiny.  Take an audio guide to find out more.  The church is open Monday to Saturday 9am-5.15pm, Sundays 1pm-3pm.  Just nearby is Writer’s Square, which honours the astonishing roster of world-famous authors with connections to Belfast.  It’s a large space, with shady spots, where outdoor events are also held.

Cave Hill Country Park

Get some perspective over the city by heading out to Cave Hill Country Park; you’ll find great views as well as thousands of years of history.  Check out the crags called Napoleon’s Nose (said to have inspired Gulliver’s Travels) and ancient forts with evidence of Stone Age and Bronze Age people.  Trails vary from the gentle to the challenging, but McArt’s Fort and the Devil’s Punchbowl are worth the effort to reach them.  You’ll find the visitor centre in Belfast Castle, so you can park there and plot your route, or download maps from the website and head straight for the hills!

Want to use this tour?

This is a sample itinerary to offer suggestions and ideas for planning trips. You can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative here for further information.  Please note, any mention of specific product on this itinerary is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland..