10 Great Things To Do in Belfast

If you travel to play golf in Northern Ireland, there’s a good chance you might spend a little time in Belfast. The city of 340,000 is the largest metropolis in Northern Ireland. Most Americans know it as the place where the Titantic ship was built in the early twentieth century. While shipbuilding is it’s undeniable legacy, Belfast has evolved into a cosmopolitan commercial center with artistic and university influences.

Here are some great things to do during your stay in the city or on a day visit:

Titanic Belfast

The world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, it offers visitors an amazing opportunity to explore the shipyard, walk the decks and view nine interactive galleries featuring special effects and full-scale reconstructions. You’ll also see some of the original Titantic and White Star line artifacts.

Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition

Located in TEC Belfast near the legendary Titanic studios, where much of the series was filmed over a 10-year period, this dramatic exhibition includes costumes, authentic props and settings in an interactive experience. Fans can immerse in the mythical lands of Westeros and Essos. Some of the things you can do, include: Explore Castle Black, home of the Night’s Watch; experience the wintry landscapes of the North; see the regal settings of King’s Landing; and step into the House of Black and White.

Botanic Gardens

Established in 1828, this 28-acre public park near Queens University has exotic tree species and plant collections from the southern hemisphere. The beautiful Palm House, containing tropical plants, hanging baskets, seasonal displays and birds of paradise, is one of the earliest examples of a glasshouse made from curved iron and glass

St. George’s Market

Ireland’s oldest continually operating market was built in 1896. An indoor market, it features these different offerings each weekend: Friday-A variety market with flowers, produce, fish, meat, housewares and secondhand goods. Saturday-Food and crafts with several food stalls. Sunday-Food, local arts and crafts, antigues and live music.

Belfast Cathedral

Known locally as St Anne’s, this stunningly beautiful church on Donegall Street, is one of the top visitor attractions in the city center. Visitors are welcome from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays. There is a nominal admission charge.

Ulster Museum

Free to all visitors, it’s home to a collection of art, history and natural sciences important to Northern Ireland’s colorful history. It features galleries and interactive discovery zone.

Crumlin Road Gaol

This legendary prison first accepted prisoners in 1846 and was fully operational for 150 years. The 70-minute guided tour is enlightening and you get a great sense of what is was like to be imprisoned in what is referred to as “The Crum”.

Delectable Dining

While traditional Irish fare and great seafood are staples of the Belfast dining scene, there’s also an impressive menu of international options such as Italian, French, Chinese and Cuban.

Enjoy a Pint or Cocktail

Belfast has a wonderful selection of pubs and bars. Whether you want a rooftop bar experience such as The Perch Rooftop bar or a classic drink emporium like the Crown Liquor Saloon that dates back to the Victorian period, Belfast has some intriguing options. A great place to start with a varied selection is in the Cathedral Quarter.

Coffee and Wi-Fi

A superb spot to relax and perhaps review your emails or surf the Web is Established Coffee in the Cathedral Quarter, which has an exotic coffee bean selection.

Find out more about a Northern Ireland Golf Tour.