Belfast is a great city to explore, with an eclectic mix of things to see and do. Here’s our guide to some of the highlights.
Titanic memories
The ill-fated ‘unsinkable’ Titanic is part of the make-up of Belfast – entwined in local history, and the inspiration for the rejuvenated Titanic Quarter area of the city.
Titanic Belfast is infinitely deserving of a visit, having been named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2016, beating Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal to the top spot.
See original black and white videos of the vessel, stand on the glass floor over the looming shipwreck, and walk through recreations of the most luxurious cabins.
Behind the museum, step on board the restored SS Nomadic, the ‘mini Titanic’ which ferried luxury passengers out to the boat in 1912. Explore the old docklands, book into the Victorian grandeur of the Titanic Hotel, inspired by images and designs of the ship, and enjoy one of the outdoor summer performances at the nearby Titanic Slipways.
There’s another beautiful tribute to be found in the grounds of the magnificent City Hall, instantly recognisable by its five copper-topped domes. The Titanic Memorial Garden blooms around a stone monument, engraved with the names of the 1512 passengers who perished.
Creative endeavour
The capital of Northern Ireland is brimming with creative pockets, vibrant corners and independent spirit.
St George’s Market is a much-loved institution in the city, a grand Victorian building which celebrates the organic and locally produced, along with the hand-crafted.
West of the river, the Cathedral Quarter is quickly emerging as the artsy neighbourhood, revitalising the old, abandoned warehouses with independent restaurants and boutique hotels. In May, the Festival of Fools takes over, with circus performers leaping, tumbling and spinning through the cobbled streets, while in the summer, Belfast Pride paints the old industrial walls with rainbows.
The importance of creative expression is deep-rooted in the city’s history. Perhaps the most famous manifestation is the Peace Wall on Cupar Way, an inter-community divide constructed in the 1960s and 70s. Today, large stretches are decorated with murals and messages – some sad, some angry, some lamenting, and many extremely thought-provoking.
The Causeway coast
Belfast and Derry are the urban bookends of the Causeway Coast, a jagged stretch of bracing clifftops, foaming waves and larger-than-life formation.
Follow the A2 northbound out of the city to join the official route, passing by 22 stops ranging from temples to rope bridges swaying in the ocean breeze.
Enshrouded in local legend, the Giant’s Causeway is the most famous stop of all, around two and a half hours’ drive away if you take the scenic road. Glistening, black basalt columns emerge out of the sea – the accidentally beautiful remnants of a volcanic eruption.
Whether you’re travelling to Northern Ireland on business or for leisure, embrace the wonders of a great city and the picturesque region beyond with car hire at Belfast City Airport.