If you’re in Dublin, don’t rule out a trip to Belfast city! You can reach it in an about 2 hours from Dublin Connolly Train Station.
Belfast gained a bad name because of ‘The Troubles’ from the 1960’s to the 1990’s. Today, Belfast’s troubled past makes it an interesting destination for tourists from all over world. Here is our list of the top 5 places you must visit!
1. Titanic Museum
Titanic Belfast is one of Belfast’s newest and most popular museums. It’s built on the site of where the Titanic was originally built. Galleries reconstruct scenes from Belfast at the time of its build, the launch, the maiden voyage, the sinking and of course, the aftermath. This museum is very interactive and kid-friendly, with technology bringing each period to life. We recommend pre-booking tickets as the centre does get extremely busy.
2. Crumlin Road Gaol & Courthouse
The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845. Today, you can enjoy a guided tour of the prison and hear about the history of the site from when women and children were held within its walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners. Highlights of this tour include the Condemned Man’s Cell and also the walk via the underground tunnel that was used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse.
3. Belfast Murals
The Belfast murals have become symbols of Northern Ireland, depicting the religious and political divisions. The murals often reflect what, or who, is important to a particular community. The best examples can be seen on Shankill and Falls Road.
4. The Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens
Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an Egyptian Mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. It is located in the fabulous Botanic Gardens and features collections of fine art, archaeology, ethnography, botany and geology. It tells the story of Northern Ireland from earliest times to the present day. And, admission to this museum is free!
5. St. George’s Market
If you visit Belfast on a weekend, you must visit St. George’s Market. Friday morning is the best time to visit as you will find about 250 stalls selling a variety of products including antiques, books, clothes, fruit, vegetables and fish. The market was built between 1890 and 1896, making it one of the oldest working markets.
Our Tips:
Remember, the fastest way to see all 5 of Belfast’s must-see attractions, is by booking a hop on–hop off bus.
Finally, avoid the city on the 12th of July because of the Orange Order parades which cause a lot of transportation disruption.