What to See & Do in Belfast
Sights
Albert Memorial Clock Tower - The clock tower was named for Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. The once dilapidated square on which it stands has undergone a face-lift and a recent restoration has brought the clock itself back to its original glory. The tower itself is not open to the public.
Belfast Castle - In 1934 this spectacularly baronial castle, built for the Marquis of Donegal in 1865, was passed to Belfast Corporation. Although the castle functions primarily as a restaurant, it also houses the Cave Hill Heritage Centre, which provides information about the castle’s history. .
Belfast Zoo - The zoo is noted for its children’s farm and underwater views of the resident penguins and sea lions.
Botanic Gardens -These gardens are a glorious haven of grass, trees, flowers, curving walks, and wrought-iron benches laid out in 1827 on land that slopes down to the River Lagan. The Tropical Ravine House has an outstanding collection of tropical flora. Once known as “the Glen”, the Ravine House is unusually and exotically built over a faux-ravine that you walk around.
Crown Liquor Saloon - Opposite the Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street and now owned by the National Trust, the Crown is one of Belfast’s glories. Built in 1894, the bar has richly carved woodwork around cosy snugs (cubicles), leather seats, and an abundance of mirrors. It has been kept immaculate and is still lit by gas.
Grace Neill’s - Reputed to be the oldest pub in Ireland, Grace Neill’s served its first pint in 1611 and has hosted such luminaries as Peter the Great, Franz Liszt, and John Keats.
Grand Opera House - The Grand Opera House exemplifies the Victorians’ fascination with ornamentation, opulent gilt mouldings, and intricate plasterwork. The renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham designed the building in 1894.
Eating out
Belfast is a large and busy city with a huge range of places to eat. It is particularly strong on cafes, bars and restaurants charging low- to mid-range prices for really good food.
St George’s Market is a food paradise every Friday, when the restored Victorian Market place is filled with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables straight from the soil to gourmet coffee, Spanish tapas and home-baked treats.
Where to stay
Since the ceasefires of the mid-nineties, investment has greatly transformed the face of Belfast. From just a trickle of the hardiest independent travellers, tourism has grown into a leading industry in Northern Ireland. Unsurprisingly, hotels have formed a large part of the building boom and an impressive range of hotels, apartments, B&B’s, hostels and guesthouses compete for custom.
Transport
By Bus The Airbus service operates between the airport and Belfast City Centre. In Belfast the bus stops on request at Templepatrick, The Chimney Corner Inn, Sandyknowes Roundabout, Laganside Bus Centre and Central Railway Station as well as Glengall Street Bus Station. Travellers to the airport should board at Glengall Street.
By Car The airport is situated 18 miles north-west of Belfast and is well served by a network of main roads and motorways.
By Rail Services to and from Belfast, Lisburn and Londonderry operate from Antrim, just six miles from the airport. Passengers for Dublin can connect with the high speed Enterprise train, operating from Belfast Central Station.
By Taxi Taxis are available outside the terminal building.
