The Emerald Isle offers a wealth of adventure and experiences in its countryside and coastline. But it’s not just the countryside that has lots to offer to visitors. Nestled in the East Coast of Northern Island, you’ll find the incredible city of Belfast, and the perfect place to start any Irish adventure.
belfast – what’s it all about?
The city of Belfast is jam-packed with a rich history that’s left its mark on the city’s culture today. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Irish charm and the intriguing history of Northern Ireland, a guide to Belfast will help you see this incredible city at its best.
must-see attractions
titanic experience
As a city that’s synonymous with the iconic HMS Titanic, the Titanic Experience is the perfect place to take a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime history. Here you can learn more about the story of this famous ship, its Belfast origins, and its infamous fate.
ulster museum and botanic gardens
The museum showcases archaeological and zoological objects, showing visitors what life in Belfast and Ireland would have been like in centuries past. It is surrounded by a beautiful Botanic Garden, home to native Irish plant species and specimens from across the world.
belfast castle
Sat in Cave Hill country park, Belfast Castle offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, surrounded by rich greenery. This historic home of the Right Honourable Earl of Shaftsbury, the Castle was later gifted to the city of Belfast by the noble family. Here, you can explore the castle and its grounds, and enjoy a drink at the coffee shop as you take in the stunning views over the city.
queen’s university
Whilst you may not have time to enrol in an undergraduate degree during your vacation in Ireland, we still highly recommend visiting the breathtaking Queen’s University. The campus contains amazing architecture, best displayed in the infamous McClay Library. Or, explore the university’s Naughton Gallery, full of local and international artwork.
murals throughout the city
To sample the city of Beflast’s more contemporary culture, there’s no better way to get a snapshot of the city’s history than through the infamous murals. With more than 300 murals on display in Belfast, these urban artworks depict life in Ireland both now and in the past. Notable murals related to “The Troubles” include ‘You Are Now Going Loyalist Sandy Row’, as well as the depiction of Bobby Sands on the side wall of the political party Sinn Féin’s office on Falls Road. To see the very best of these murals, we recommend taking a tour of the city and its urban artworks.
your guide to belfast’s history
From the Victorian era until the late 20th century, the city of Belfast has had a colourful history, many of which can still be found today.
victorian golden age
During the Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution, Belfast saw a booming trade owing to its position as a prominent port city and its proximity to England. The city specialised in the production of tobacco, rope, and linen. Many of the buildings that still stand in Belfast today once served as stock warehouses or production facilities, so be sure to look out for traces of this city’s trading history as you explore.
birthplace of the titanic
It was more than just tobacco and ropes that Beflast specialised in the production of. The city also crafted many ships and liners, but none so famous as the iconic Titanic. Explore the Drawing Office Bar at the Titanic Hotel Belfast, and see where the draughtsmen of the shipbuilding company Harland & Wolff used to spend their hours. Half-hotel, half-museum, the Titanic Hotel contains more than 500 items from the ‘Golden Age of Ocean Travel’.
the troubles and the good friday agreement
More recently, Belfast has played a pivotal role in shaping modern Northern Ireland. It was the location where the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998. The agreement brought to an end nearly 30 years of violence, otherwise known as The Troubles. This agreement saw British, Irish, and Northern Irish political parties agree on how Northern Ireland should be governed and was a pivotal moment in Irish and Northern Irish history. At the heart of The Troubles was the status of Northern Ireland. Unionists and loyalists, who were mostly Ulster Protestants, wanted Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom. Irish nationalists and republicans, who were mostly Irish Catholics, wanted Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and join a united Ireland.
food and drink
You’ve probably worked up an appetite soaking in all that culture and history. When in Belfast, visitors have a wealth of delicious dining and drinking options to enjoy. Whilst you’re there, here are a few traditional food and drink items to try.
traditional food and drink to try:
irish stew
This warming and comforting meal is a mixture of root vegetables, and either lamb or mutton, warmed in a nourishing broth. There isn’t a consistent Irish stew recipe across Northern Ireland, as it varies from family to family and place to place, so each location you visit will bring its own twist to this national dish.
seafood
As a port town, Belfast is one of the best places to try truly incredible seafood. Sample fresh prawns, oysters, as well as salmon and crabs, all caught in the port or from the surrounding fishing areas of Belfast.
champ
Consisting of mashed potatoes mixed with scallions, butter and milk, champ is a traditional, comforting dish loved throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland. If you’re looking to order some champ whilst exploring the restaurants of Belfast, you might need to look out for its alternative name, poundies, as you browse the menu.
irish coffee
Bring an Irish twist to your morning roast with a cup of Irish coffee. This alcoholic drink contains hot coffee, sugar, and a healthy dose of Irish whiskey. For the final, indulgent touch, why not top off your coffee with a dollop of whipped cream?
cider
Alongside the booming industries in Ireland, cider production was another major product in Northern Ireland, dating from the 16th century to today. As German Palatines and Huguenots immigrated over to Ireland from Europe, they brought with them cider-making skills, which can still be enjoyed in a refreshing glass of Irish cider today.
places to visit:
Ready to sample some of these local delicacies? Or, why not try some of these renowned locations:
robinsons
This classically decorated pub, opened in 1895, is one of Belfast’s longest-running bars. Filled with Titanic memorabilia, it offers five venues under one roof. Select from the Lounge, Saloon, Bistro, Fibbers, and Pool Loft, and enjoy your meal in historic surroundings.
crown liquor saloon
Looking for a historic twist on your dining options? Step into the past in the Crown Liquor Saloon and experience the 1820s decor. But it’s not just the decor that’s worth visiting here. The Saloon also offers high-quality pub classics and a warming pie menu.
ox
Fancy experiencing some fine dining whilst on your vacation in Belfast? Michelin starred OX offers a refined twist on modern cooking, showcasing the highest quality ingredients from local suppliers and seasonal produce.
home restaurant
This all-day cafe and bistro recently received a Bib Gourmand for its use of fresh, delicious ingredients. In addition to sampling gorgeous food, you can browse the selection of art and second-hand furniture on sale at Home Restaurant.
beyond the city: a guide to belfast’s neighbouring locations
One of the great things about Belfast and Northern Ireland is its compact size. Nowhere is too far to travel to and explore, making iconic Game of Thrones locations and even the Giant’s Causeway easy to reach within a day trip from Belfast. If you really want to enjoy the best of Northern Ireland on a journey that you can take at your own pace, why not explore our Northern Ireland driving tours. If you fancy venturing further afield to experience both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, our Two Irelands tour lets you discover the contrasts and connections between both.
In the meantime, here are some of the places right on Belfast’s doorstep that you could venture out and explore during your stay in the city.
mount stewart
Located in County Down, this 19th-century National Trust house and garden sits on the east shore of Strangford Lough, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding regions.
divis and the black mountain
If you’re looking for a dose of bracing Northern Irish fresh air, come for a hike of Divis and the Black Mountain. Once you’ve completed your route through the nature trails of this wildlife-rich landscape, enjoy the panoramic mountain views of this breathtaking slice of Northern Ireland.
gobbins path
Stretching over the wild waters of the North Channel, Gobbins Path offers adventurers the chance to get up close and personal with the coastal landscape of Northern Ireland. Walk the cliff path and cross one of the many bridges that connect the rocky outcrops of the path, before exploring the coastal caves and learning more about the wildlife that calls this unique area home.
example itinerary
Here’s an example itinerary of how you could spend a day in the city of Belfast.
- Start the morning by having breakfast at St George’s Market, and sample some of the incredible food on offer there.
- Explore the city by taking a walking tour or a Black Cab Tour, and get your bearings of the city whilst learning more about some of the significant locations in Belfast.
- Spend the afternoon stepping into the past, at Crumlin Road Gaol, and see the building that IRA prisoners managed to escape from.
- Catch the final rays of sunshine as you round off the afternoon climbing up Cave Hill, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.
- Explore Donegall Square or around the University area for some of the best restaurants in Belfast.
practical information
travelling to belfast
Accessing Belfast is easy from the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world. The city has three nearby airports, which are frequently flown to from most major global airports. There are also trains to and from Dublin every day, as well as sea ferry crossings from mainland England.
travelling around belfast
Belfast is a compact city, making it easy to walk from place to place. The city has a good bus and train system which will get you to the major areas of the city, but we would highly recommend that you avoid driving in Belfast.
local currency
Since Belfast is in Northern Ireland, and part of the United Kingdom, the currency accepted in the city is pound sterling (£).
final thoughts
With nods to its rich past peppered throughout the city, as well as more modern locations to enjoy a slice of Northern Irish culture, Belfast is a city that offers a wealth of hidden gems to uncover. Using our guide to Belfast, start crafting your own Northern Irish adventure and experience the Emerald Isle for yourself.
commonly asked questions
what if we need to cross the border into ireland?
You don’t need a passport or a visa to cross the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Whilst there is a boundary between the two countries, there aren’t any border controls that you’ll need to pass through.
what currency do they take in belfast?
Pounds sterling is the official currency of Belfast and Northern Ireland. If you get near the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, some places might be able to take euros, but it’s unlikely that you’ll get a good exchange rate in these areas.
what plug socket do i need?
In Ireland, they use power sockets (outlets) of type G, with three pins, like in the United Kingdom.
what time zone is belfast, ireland in?
Belfast and Northern Ireland are in the same time zone as mainland England, which is BST (GMT+1 during daylight savings).
