The best of Belfast
09 Dec 2016
Discover what’s been hidden for decades – Belfast city and surrounds have turned on the charm and the spotlight. And it’s lights, camera, action.
Northern Ireland is only a wee country and for many years, it’s slipped under the tourist radar. It’s a shame, to be sure.
In 1998, the peace talks were held and it was the end of the long-standing, heartbreaking ‘Troubles’. Belfast was almost a no-go city for travellers, mostly because of public perception. If you kept away from certain streets and precincts, all was well. In fact during a 20-year period before the peace talks, only one tourist had died – and he had been drink driving!
And now after a long period of peace, much has changed, while much has remained. Fortunately, the personality of Belfast has not faltered: it’s cheeky, charismatic, edgy and warm.
Distinct because of its history and lack of tourist hordes (until now), Belfast is an inviting city, showcasing fine food, attractions, film and TV show locations and a propensity for good craic (fun)!
Belfast is a walkable city, so step out and don’t miss a trick. Despite all that was thrown at Northern Ireland, the people refused to go quietly into a museum. Irish Gaelic is now taught in schools and Irish language schools are full of eager students. Give reading and pronouncing the signs a go.
The magnificent Titanic Belfast is an interactive space of a remarkable journey that takes you from the drawing board to the slipways of the Titanic. The dilapidated docklands were spruced up to hold the extraordinary six-storied building on the site where the ship was built (and as the locals say: “It was fine when it left us”).
While strolling the city, take in Belfast’s murals, some ironic, funny, outrageous, wildly political – but all intriguing and feisty. In fact, Belfast’s history can be read on the town walls. In the old nationalist/ republican part, you will see heroes of the resistance gazing down upon you.
Take a Black Cab tour to delve into the recent past with a knowledgeable local – who knows what your driver was in his last career?
Grab a pint of the black stuff (a pint of Guinness) and pay in British currency. Discover The Duke of York Pub tucked into the quirky Cathedral Street and find a collection of enamel signposts, ceramics, mirrors and souvenir antiques decorating the walls – all encased in a mellow dark-wood interior.
There are fine dining restaurants throughout the city and renowned chefs show-off the best of Ireland’s produce. But for a casual lunch or for takeaway supplies head to Sawers, suppliers of fine food. This is the best deli ever – game, poultry, imported and local cheeses on offer (Sawers, established in 1897, supplied the Titanic for its onboard functions).
In Lisburn is the town’s oldest building, the 17th century Market House, the Irish Linen Centre, showcasing one of Ireland’s most famous industries.
And for a fab weekend market, head to St George’s Market – one of the city’s oldest attractions. They’re held from Friday to Sunday and offer delicious food and local crafts. Have a Belfast Bap for brekkie with a coffee and live music in the morning.
If you’re out of town, you’re close to the glorious Antrim Coast of rugged, ancient steep cliffs and pounding seas. On the way, explore little seaside towns and long sandy beaches and sleepy harbours. Other wonderful attractions include the Causeway Coastal Route which takes you to the edge-of-the-cliff Dunluce Castle in sad and dramatic ruin; Carrick-a- Rede Rope Bridge (how’s your head for heights?); Larrybane Bay (a Game of Thrones location); the nine Glens of Antrim; Mount Stewart, an exceptional estate of woodlands, orchards, farmland and a walled garden and Bushmills Distillery.
The game is on
You would have to live under a bush not to have heard of TV series Game of Thrones. The tour of the series’ locations will make any fan swoon and even if you don't watch it, you’ll enjoy the fun of beautiful places and activities. Sites include the mystical and ethereal Dark Hedges of Ballymoney (an avenue of old and stoic Beech trees); Ballintoy Harbour; and the Castle Ward Estate (location of Winterfell). Here visitors hire cloaks and swords and enjoy some swordplay. Archery is on the agenda – now pull back hard!
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