Belfast's history is reflected in its landmarks, showing past divisions and efforts for unity and progress. The city's lively culture is seen in its many restaurants, bustling nightlife, and popular attractions like the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens. Whether you're visiting historical sites or enjoying modern activities, Belfast offers an exciting journey of discovery — a look back at its troubled past, and towards its promising future.
We'll start our journey at the historic birthplace of the renowned RMS Titanic. It was built on the Harland and Wolff Company gantry between 1909 and 1911, on what was then known as Queen's Island — today known as the Titanic Quarter. While there is a fee to enter the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre, the area surrounding the Titanic Quarter is packed with interesting memorials and landmarks, offering a fascinating look into the history of not only the world's most famous ship, but also the city that built it. Here, you can venture to the edge of the slipways where the Titanic took form, visit the Titanic Memorial Garden commemorating the lives lost on its maiden voyage in 1912, and examine the exterior of the Titanic Visitor Centre, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the ship's iconic design. 1½ hours here is plenty of time to explore. Touring the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre can take between 1½ - 2½ hours, and booking well in advance is advisable.
Heading northeast from the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre, along Queen's Road and towards the water, will bring you to Maritime Mile. Continuing our nautical theme, the Maritime Mile is an area of roughly one mile dedicated to Belfast's maritime history. Here you'll find historic shipyards, slipways, and dockside attractions including distilleries, art installations, a lighthouse, a bowling alley, SSE Arena (Northern Ireland's premier entertainment venue). You'll also find numerous public parks, restaurants and bars. This area is on the northeast of the city, and is connected with the rest of Belfast city via Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which takes you across the River Lagan.
Having crossed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, head south on Oxford Street and then take a right onto May Street. After about 10 minutes, on your right-hand side, you'll come to Belfast City Hall. First built between 1898 and 1906, when Belfast was celebrating its status as one of Victoria Era Britain's most prosperous cities. The building is Baroque Revival in style, and features elaborate stonework, sculptures and an eye-catching domed roof. Today, it is used as the headquarters for Belfast City Council, an exhibition space and also features a café and gift shop. It is free to take a guided tour of Belfast City Hall, although donations are kindly accepted.
Heading back the way we came on May Street, and taking the left on Donegall Street and then onto Callender Street, will bring you to Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Named after St. Anne's Cathedral, the Cathedral Quarter is an area of Belfast that has enjoyed a huge makeover in recent years, emerging as the city's culinary and nightlife epicentre. It is home to the elegant Merchant Hotel, arguably the most beautiful building in Belfast, Albert's Memorial Clock and, the aforementioned, St. Anne's Cathedral. These historic buildings are contrasted with newly established pubs, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs and the area enjoys a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The area is particularly lively in the evenings, when crowds start gathering and the local establishments begin filling up. It's a lot quieter during the day and is well worth exploring and finding somewhere to grab a bite to eat, with an abundance of burger joints, bars, and restaurants catering to every taste.
Heading west from The Cathedral Quarter, and along Shankill Road, will bring you to Cupar Way. This area is where you'll see the clearest evidence of Belfast's troubled past. Erected in 1969, to separate Irish republican (mainly Catholic) neighbourhoods from British loyalist (mainly Protestant) neighbourhoods, the Peace Walls or Peace Lines are physical barriers that remain largely intact and are covered in murals depicting the stories and atrocities that shaped and continue to scar the city. While this area is generally safe for tourists, it is advisable to travel with a local guide, or the famous Belfast Black Taxi Tour. This way you will be ensured safe passage and get a detailed overview of the area's history. The walk from The Cathedral Quarter to the Peace Walls and back takes one hour, which might be physically taxing for some.
Belfast has a rich history of vibrant nightlife, evolving from its big band era in the 1950s and 60s to the heavy metal scene of the 1970s and 80s. However, due to the political unrest in Northern Ireland during that time, Belfast wasn't a popular destination for outsiders. Since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which eased tensions in the region, Belfast and other Northern Irish cities have experienced a tourism resurgence. The revitalization of areas like the Cathedral Quarter and High Street has made Belfast a popular destination for tourists and city-breakers. To witness Belfast's nightlife in full flow, you won't have to look further than the Cathedral Quarter. These areas are brimming with pubs, jazz bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, and locals take pride in ensuring visitors enjoy their nights out as much as they do. The Cathedral Quarter is similar to the Temple Bar area of Dublin City, with every type of establishment needed for a great night out within easy walking distance of one another. While it's particularly busy on weekends, quieter options can be found in lesser-known yet equally charming parts of the city.
If you're looking to go a bit deeper, or a bit further afield, here are some other Belfast attractions that may be of interest.
Exploring Belfast through a Black Taxi Touroffers an outstanding opportunity to delve into the city's vibrant history and culture. Led by experienced local guides, this immersive experience provides insightful commentary, ensuring an educational and captivating journey.
St. George's Market stands as the city's sole remaining Victorian covered market, and is situated on May Street near the River Lagan and the Waterfront Hall. Open from Friday to Sunday, featuring live music and great food.
The term castle here can be misleading, many people refer to Belfast Castle as the "House on the Hill". Nevertheless, it is a stunning structure that offers some of the best coffee and sandwiches in the city and some of the best views of Belfast City — sitting at 400 feet above sea level.
First opened in 1934, Belfast Zoo is one of Northern Ireland's oldest tourist attractions. And, one of its most-loved, welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually. There are over 140 animals on site, and an estimated 1,200 individual animals at any one time.
Located alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum, Queen's University Belfast first opened in 1849. Today, it has a student population of over 24,000 and is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Belfast Cathedral, officially known as St. Anne's Cathedral, is a Church of Ireland cathedral located on Donegall Street, Belfast City. Remarkably, it serves two distinct dioceses and is the centrepiece of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. You enter and explore the cathedral for an admission fee of £2.
The Botanic Gardens encompass 28 acres of lush greenery in the heart of south Belfast. A favourite rest spot for office workers, students, and tourists alike, these gardens are situated on Stranmillis Road in the vibrant Queen's Quarter, adjacent to Queen's University.
Ulster Museum stands as a repository of Northern Ireland's history and contemporary culture. Located within the picturesque Botanic Gardens, it houses extensive collections spanning art, history, and natural sciences. Explore exhibits featuring dinosaurs, meteorites and Egyptian mummies, offering fun and knowledge for all ages.
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An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
