My trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland came a few months after I had gotten the results of my 23andMe DNA test and discovered that I had Irish roots (among others). I never knew that. I never knew I had any Irish/British heritage. It was a complete shock to me, so this trip brought with it a new level of curiosity about the Emerald Isle. I simply couldn’t sit in my room while I was there. I had to be seeing something or talking to someone to see how I “fit” within the culture that was a newly discovered part of my past. I suppose that explains why I saw so much in such a short amount of time and am well positioned to share my Top 10 things to do in Belfast!
I’ve written dedicated posts for many of these suggestions and will link back to them for details. Others I’ve saved for this final post for color. I’ve also included a Belfast site seeing map for your convenience. Click here.
One: Belfast’s City Hall ~ In 1888 Queen Victoria awarded “city status” to Belfast due to its thriving linen, rope, shipbuilding and engineering industries. Upon proclamation the planning for the City hall began in what was once the heart of the Linen Quarter. It’s such a beautiful and functional design that other cities have replicated it. Durban, South Africa being one of them. (Featured Image)
Two: Stroll the Titanic Waterfront Trail and visit the Museum
Three: You can’t come to Ireland, whether it be Northern or the Republic, and not hit some pubs for a pint and a crack! Crack in Ireland is not a substance, but a laugh. A pint and a laugh. Now, it goes without saying that I’ve not visited all the Pubs in Belfast to know which is the “best”, but I certainly enjoyed myself at the ones I did. Bittle’s is a quaint place whose owner John, is an absolute delight who gave me tips and ribbing! I enjoyed the Dirty Onion’s beer garden and live music and the Harp Bar is a classic in both bevy and music. I’ll be honest, I visited others, but it was at a point when I wasn’t paying attention to where I was due to all of the cracking! Pub Crawl Link.
Four: Have Instagram worthy moments while taking a mural tour of Eastern Belfast.
Five: Visit CS Lewis Square in Eastern Belfast and learn how Narnia was created.
Six: Take a drive up the coast to the Giant’s Causeway and consider its creation. Geology or Folklore? I personally enjoyed a visceral reaction to this site that evoked a quote from Pride and Prejudice, “what are men compared to rocks and mountains?”
Seven: Have dinner at Mourne Seafood Bar. It’s one of the most popular spots for seafood so make a reservation or you will not get seated. In fact, it’s so busy that you have a “window” of time. Meaning, you need to be done eating at a certain time! Perhaps annoying but it’s reflective of the quality of the food at a reasonable price.
Eight: Visit the magical Dark Hedges. It will be very busy so plan accordingly. I got really lucky while I was there in that I got some shots that look like I’m alone but there where in fact hundreds of people walking the street. (Featured Image)
Nine: Conquer the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. This butterfly evoking experience will remind walkers of all ages that “you can”!
Ten: Bundle several of these activities into one day and add in some cinematic insights from the HBO show, Game of Thrones. Meaning, take the amazing GoT tour and get insights on the history of the region, the folklore and insiders insights on the GoT filming that took place in this area for all 8 seasons. Even if you are not a fan of the show, take this tour. It delivers value above its peers in terms of additional sites and Derek the tour guide is absolutely hilarious!
Suffice it to say, I gathered little pieces of my personal history, and dare I say, soul, during this visit. The people are so warm and friendly that it’s easy to feel a sense of connection, but I particularly did. If you are nervous about Belfast’s history “troubles”, as the locals like to call it’s civil war era, don’t be. While it may only be 10 years past that time, it is in fact, history.
If you are planning on taking a trip to Ireland, it won’t be complete without a visit to the Belfast area! As the locals say…it’s Grand!
I think it’s great that Victoria came back from the grave in 1988 to grant Belfast “city status.” Girl, fire yer editor.
Haha!! Thanks for catching that Dan…a bit of a gaff! Oh, that I had an editor! Looking for a side-gig? 🙂
My gt grandfather (whom I knew) emigrated from Belfast in 1870 or so. Always wanted to go but delayed too long. Thx for the tour.
My pleasure! It’s never too late.