Belfast has undergone a transformation in recent years, beginning a new chapter in its life and becoming Northern Ireland’s go-to cultural destination. The food scene has been revived, putting the onus on local produce, plus there’s shopping that’ll work your wallet. There are also plentiful cultural sights to keep even the most intrepid explorer occupied, all of them illuminating your enjoyment of this important city.
Bite into Belfast
There’s a bounty of food to be sampled in Belfast – this city offers an exciting array of delicacies for all palates. There’s an array of Belfast’s best local produce at St Georges Market, the oldest and grandest food market in the country. The stalls are piled high in this beautiful Victorian building and you can pick up artisan sausage rolls, chocolate-stuffed crepes and freshly baked loaves.
Take advantage of Belfast’s proximity to the sea and head over to Mourne Seafood Bar on Bank Street. Feast on some of the best oysters and scallops in town in this lively pub-like eatery. For a modern twist on traditional Northern Irish fare, make your way to The Muddlers Club in the atmospheric Cathedral Quarter. Here you can indulge in a succulent slab of salt-aged beef or savour every last mouthful of Wicklow venison.
A Titanic effort
You can trace Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage at the docklands and, especially, the history of theinfamousRMS Titanic at its namesake museum in the Titanic Quarter. As you wander through this strikingcontemporarycomplex’s interactive galleries, immerse yourself in the ocean liner’s ill-fated story, and discover the shipyard aboard the high-tech ride. More maritime heritage can be found at Alexandra Dock where you can board thehistoricHMS Caroline, a ship that saw action in both world wars.
Head back across the River Lagan to dig deeper into the city’s roots. Stop by St Anne’s Cathedral, an architectural beauty built in Romanesque style. Pause in the central nave to admire the colourful stained glass windows and the beautiful mosaics adorning the ceilings. Back outside, pass the grand City Hall to marvel at its Renaissance-inspired design on your way to the Botanic Gardens. Arriving at the latter you’ll see blooming flower beds and manicured gardens leading you to the Palm House. Inside this stunning Victorian greenhouse, designed in 1839, you can inhale the scent of tropical plants as birds of paradise flit around your head.
Where Giants roamed
A fantasy land of outstanding natural beauty awaits on Northern Ireland’s coast. The magical Giant’s Causeway isaUNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its otherworldly appearance. Park up and hike along the cliff-top path to see the mystical hexagonal rock columns jutting out of the land – this natural wonder’s mind-boggling beauty is astonishing.
Drive east along the coast to visit Carrick-a-Rede. Leave your hire car behind and cross the 350-year-old rope bridge to reach this tiny island. Your bravery will be rewarded - from here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the dramatic coastline and the swirling sea below.
On your way back to Belfast, take a detour to experience the striking Dark Hedges, something straight out of a storybook (and Game of Thrones, which filmed here). Drive along this idyllic avenue of beech trees and take highly instagrammable photos to capture their natural beauty.
Lights, camera, action!
Unleash your inner fan and visit more filming locations of popular television series Game of Thrones. Pack up a picnic and plot your route to visit the sites throughout Northern Ireland.
Travel north to Ballintoy Harbour, the backdrop for Lordsport Harbour on the Iron Islands. This sleepy fishing village boasts dramatic chalk cliffs. South of Belfast, you’ll find Castle Ward, an 18th century mansion which played home to the iconic northern stronghold of Winterfell. Test your archery skills, wander through the grounds and meet the adorable Northern Inuit dogs which played the Stark’s Direwolves.
Whatever your reasons for spending time in this exciting city, you can be sure Belfast will welcome you with open arms and make for a trip you won't forget in a hurry. Car hire in Belfast affords you the freedom to explore it however you wish, and to head out into the lush, green countryside too.
