What should i see in belfast

Find out more here. Upgrade to the VIP option and get extreme comfort in seats, free popcorn and a free drink in an intimate cinema setting. So if you want to get your skates on, one of the fun things to do in Belfast when it's raining , then head to Dundonald.

Known for its picturesque setting and cobbled streets, many visitors find themselves at Cathedral Quarter at some stage during their Belfast city break. Popular shows that have visited include, the Bodyguard, Chicago, Grease and every Christmas season there is a pantomime. This is one of my ultimate favourite fun things to do in Belfast basically because it holds many fond memories for me.

There is also a brilliant playpark and the ice cream van is always there to enjoy delicious ice cream. There is also a gift shop and cafe to enjoy after learning some amazing historical facts. You can wander inside or you can opt for an organised tour of the city hall and here some interesting history about Belfast and the role of the city hall during the troubles. Zoos are often a controversial topic, but I visited the zoo in Belfast when I was younger and I have this memory of being stuck in the zoo during a storm, it was fun.

The Ulster Hall is not only a beautiful building both inside and out, but it is host to many concerts, comedians and shows throughout the year. There is always something on at the Ulster Hall, so if you have an evening free, find a show that is on whilst you are there and make an evening of it.

You can check the Ulster Hall website to find out more about listings and timings. This is a museum housed in a grand 18th-century public building showcasing the Irish linen industry and local history. Lisburn itself also has a shopping complex, cinema, bowling alley and swimming pool with slides, which is a perfect day out with children! St Anne's Cathedral, or known to locals as Belfast Cathedral , is a Church of Ireland cathedral that is the beating heart of the famous Cathedral Quarter. One of my favorite things about this church is its intricate neo-Romanesque architecture.

Exploring its stained glasses, patterned floors and ceiling mosaics, it is difficult not to be entranced by this old-world charm. But we would check with their official website for any services.

Its research-intensive approach and prestige are not the only things of note here. You can find it near the Botanic Gardens. And considering this is a student area, it is teeming with charming coffee shops, boutique stores, and indie entertainment centers!

The university grounds have over buildings and flaunt some charming architecture that have attracted plenty of non-student visitors. Try taking a tour of this building to learn some fascinating stories. From the former circus ringmaster-slash-University Secretary, to a pioneering cardiologist. I also find that the free Naughton Gallery has some interesting exhibitions - perfect for art lovers!

Moored in the Alexandra Dock of Titanic Quarter, this museum offers free parking, a play park and picnic area. Then, it became a training ship. Of course, it only became a floating mission after being decommissioned in The quayside is home to an exhibition space of personal stories. You can come on board to watch some impressive films and observe the restored cabins and deck areas.

Are you a fan of nature who always appreciates a good walk? Set along basalt cliffs that are home to five caves, this hiking trail is the perfect place to enjoy the cityscape from above. Stretching over 4. You will cross moorlands, heaths and meadows and see some of the picturesque sceneries in this area. Consecrated in , the building has Tudor Revival architecture, and was initially intended to house 7, worshippers until financial constraints required more modest proportions.

That takes nothing from the beauty of the church, admired most of all for its feather-light fan vaulted ceiling, a faithful reproduction of the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey. The workmanship on the stencilled tracery around the sanctuary and mosaic floor is masterful, and these features were both returned to their 19th-century appearance during restoration work a decade ago.

The name of the building comes from the Norman Belfast Castle, originally at the very heart of the city. After that stronghold was burned down at the start of the 18th century, its owners, the Chichesters, moved to this location in the suburbs. The Scottish Baronial style is a mix of Renaissance and Gothic, and the house is endowed with corner turrets, stepped gables and false machicolations. From the grounds you can take in far-ranging vistas of Belfast, and inside is a visitor centre, antiques shop and restaurant.

In the World Wars the SS Nomadic swept for mines and carried troops, and then spent almost three decades berthed next to the Eiffel Tower as a restaurant ship. The ship returned to Belfast in and went through a thorough restoration in which the original wooden panelling was refitted.

Now you can see the first and second class lounges, climb up to the bridge, dress up in period attire and find out about the different people, from aristocrats to soldiers and diners, who have trodden these decks. The zoo has a schedule of feedings and talks, for extra information about the chimpanzees, gorillas, meerkats, Gentoo Penguins, California sea lions, Andean bears and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

At the zoo children can feed and befriend Shetland ponies, Tamworth pigs, miniature donkeys and African pygmy goats. In places Belfast is a city still divided along Loyalist and Protestant, and Republican and Catholic lines. They might seem like relics from a different era, but the Peace Lines have increased in number since the Good Friday Agreement brought an end to the Troubles in The first walls were put up in the lates and as of there are almost 60 Peace Lines, adding up to a total 34 kilometres.

This slice of history may not be around much longer as the Northern Ireland Executive is committed to removing the barriers over the next decade. In undulating county you can ramble through meadows, forest, along riverbanks and into a variety of gardens. You can get up here in minutes from the city centre, to hike along four trails and contemplate views of Scotland, Donegal, the Strangford Lough, the Mournes and Sperrins. At just under 35 metres this neo-Gothic Victorian monument is a handy wayfinder on Queens Square, by the left bank of the River Lagan.

The marshy ground underfoot has left the tower with a 1. The Friday market at this very spot has been trading since In the s the marketplace was given a new iron and glass design, with a handsome brick facade and this was all restored in Golden Thread Gallery is Northern Ireland's leading international contemporary visual arts organisation.

From 27 July to 2 August , world-class musicians will descend on Belfast for seven days of concerts,…. One of Northern Ireland's leading visual arts festivals, showcasing the finest national and international contemporary photography. With world-class musicians, dancers and storytellers, you are guaranteed a…. The ArtisAnn Gallery, an exciting contemporary art gallery for buying art and viewing exhibitions. Discover country parks, magnificent estates and historic landmarks just minutes from Belfast.

Uncover fascinating tales and stories at these top attractions. From grand family home to charming royal residence, Hillsborough Castle has welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal chapters…. Immerse yourself in the story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life.

DC Tours run award-winning city centre walking tours and have recently launched a range of self-guided audio tours. We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you. Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Hide this tool. Recommended for You. Titanic Belfast Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and….

Ulster Museum Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit…. Things to do as Belfast Reopens Welcome back to Belfast! Family Days Out Visit top family fun attractions, plan a shopping spree and stay for dinner. Urban Exploring Here are the top self-guided tours, walking trails and things to discover on foot. Family Attractions. Browse All. Belfast Zoological Gardens.

Let's Go Hydro. Bright Lights Botanic. Titanic Belfast. Ulster Folk Museum. Ballyholme Beach and Park. View All. Cockle Row Cottages. Whitehead Railway Museum. Irish FA Tours. Find out More. Belfast Hills Partnership. Prison Island Belfast. Mobile Team Adventure. Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex.

Inland Fisheries. Royal Belfast Golf Club. Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon. Ulster Rugby. We Are Vertigo. Heritage Trails in Belfast From literary greats to a wealth of Titanic and maritime history, Belfast has a vibrant and varied history and heritage, just waiting to be explored. Linen Quarter. Ballywalter Park. North Down Museum.

Pickie Funpark.