Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland is an ideal destination for a beautiful weekend. A small city easy to discover that offers new accommodation, places to have fun, shopping, tours, starry dinners, rock rhythms and its continuous evolution, here are my 7 moves.
The capital of Northern Ireland is experiencing a huge resurgence of interest as a tourist destination. Once the home of the Irish linen industry, tobacco manufacturing, rope making and the famous shipbuilders of Harland & Wolff and their Titanic, arguably the most famous (and unfortunate) ship in the world, which was born right here. Then the violence and riots of The Troubles. Today Belfast is an interesting destination for a busy weekend, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, stroll along its refined Victorian streets, enjoy a wide range of world-class tourist attractions, experience cafes, restaurants, starred dinners and lots of music, starting with the Rock Festival in August, artistic, musical and craft events throughout the year, and then theatrical performances, sea stories, carnival parades, bluegrass music, songwriting, European cinema, contemporary dance, the cream of local cuisine. Oh, I forgot: do you like oysters? Book now for an Irish weekend ….
1) Linen Hall Library and City Hall This large Baroque Revival structure stands on the site of the former 19th century linen change. Don’t miss the impressive City Hall in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter in the heart of Belfast city center. I recommend a daily guided tour and a suggestive visit in the evening, all lit up in green
2) Great Walls of Belfast – The Peace Walls The huge and unexpected walls that separate the communities. Occho. theirs are expected in the next 20 years, so you should see them before they go away.
3) Cathedral Quarter, the area around St. Anne’s Cathedral, a neighborhood full of street art, narrow streets and characteristic pubs. Commercial Court, where you can find the famous The Duke of York pub, beautiful graffiti (also themed Game of Thrones) and the streets decorated with thousands of colorful umbrellas. Ideal location for a selfie …
4) The Castle and Cavehill Belfast Castle is located on the slopes of Cavehill, a 400 meter high hill from which there is an extraordinary view of Belfast Bay and Belfast Lough. Inside the castle there is a free museum, but it is above all for the trekking trails in Cavehill that the area is worth a visit. 5) St George’s Market Are you looking for a gourmet and absolutely local product? The oldest covered food market in Ireland, which has been in operation since 1896, is very busy on weekends. You can enjoy Ireland’s oldest covered food market, the award-winning St George’s Market, not to mention one of the liveliest and most valuable scenes in the UK or Ireland.
6) Titanic Belfast, a museum with a structure that is a bit sailing and a bit iceberg, retraces the construction and the journey of the ship until its sinking. An interactive itinerary colored by sounds, voices, lights, noises, you will feel like you are right on the bridge where Leonardo Di Caprio meets Rose ..
. 7) Botanical Gardens and Palm House e One of the first examples of a glass and iron greenhouse. Tropical Plants, Hanging Baskets, Seasonal Displays, and Birds of Paradise Show how advances in greenhouse technology enabled horticulturists to grow exotic plant species during the Victorian period.
8) Ulster Museum, Inside the gardens. Over 8,000 square meters of exhibition ranging from local history (Troubles), to Egypt, prehistory to the treasures of the Spanish Armada, numismatics, zoology, nature, archeology and the iconic Game of Thones tapestry, history and the events of the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, told in 77 meters. Free admission, offers welcome.
9) Big Fish, appointment and photo must with this magical sculpture, the work of John Kindness, 10 meters long, built in 1999 at Donegall Quay in Belfast, near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House. The fish’s outer skin is a ceramic tile covering decorated with texts and images relating to Belfast’s history.
10) Murals In Belfast, street art is everywhere. The murals sent them political and social messages in the period of the “troubles”, the conflict that bloodied Northern Ireland from 1960 to the early 2000s. Don’t miss Shankill Road and Falls Road.
11) Hungry? Belfast is also the perfect destination for gourmet gourmets who, in addition to finding artisan bakeries, quisite apple pies, will be able to experience the Ulster Fry, one of the most delicious, tasty and satisfying breakfasts you could wish for. A delight for the palate in the morning that gives you the energy you need to face the day with eggs, potato flour, sausages, bacon, black pudding and tomato. My favorites from Maggie May’s, Café Conor
