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Things to do in Belfast

Enjoy a truly unique and authentic taste of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Using expert local knowledge, here are ideas to give you a flavour of what Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer.

Guinness, Oysters and Irish Music
in a Traditional Belfast Pub

Sample a local brew in one of Belfast’s historic hostelries, visit one of the traditional pubs for a live Irish music session, or check out the hip and trendy bar and club scene, you’ll find it all in Belfast!

Belfast’s Walking Gems

This walker’s guide will give you information on all the key places to go walking in Belfast, so you can couple them with nearby attractions or enjoy them in their own right. A fantastic way to discover the less explored side of the city.

Take a walk through the streets of Belfast – the city centre is very compact and can be easily explored by foot. A range of tours are available to explore the unique history, culture and heritage of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Sample local produce at the lively
St George’s Market

If you want to enjoy a real taste of Belfast, visit St George’s Market. Open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it offers a wide range of local high quality specialist food and products. Visitors can sample the produce or relax with a coffee and newspaper against a backdrop of live jazz or flamenco music. This market is a real treat and a great way to spend a few hours at the weekend.

Historical Pub Walking Tour

Join us on a walking tour of Belfast’s oldest pubs including those of both architectural and historical importance. Perhaps the most famous is the Crown Liquor Saloon, owned by the National Trust, which is 150 years old and a Victorian delight with its old snugs, stain glass windows, gas light lamps and one of the best pints of stout in Belfast. Enjoy the craic, meet the locals en route and sample the local beer!

The Cathedral Quarter

The historic heart of Belfast is now the city’s up and coming cultural hotspot. The cobbled streets are dotted with gems of all kinds from restaurants, pubs, art and photographic galleries.

Gaeltacht Quarter

The centre for Irish language and culture is in the west of the city and is characterised by a lively culture of music, debate, drama, great eateries and traditional pubs. Beyond the area’s famous political murals and peace wall but there’s plenty more to discover. Join one of the Gaeltacht Quarter’s organised tours taking in two famous cemeteries, or many of its political sites, head up Divis Mountain to discover some fantastic views, or visit Belfast’s only protected bogland.

Queen’s Quarter

The leafy area spread around Queen’s University in the south of the city, the Queen’s Quarter is home to a treasure trove of eclectic shops, cafes, bars, galleries, live entertainment venues, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum. Recommended stops include the Naughton Gallery in Queen’s University for a spot of visual culture, taking in the exhibitions and enjoying the architecture of the Ulster Museum.

Titanic Quarter

Belfast’s most recently re-developed Quarter is full of innovation, excitement and opportunities for discovery, alongside history, heritage and tradition. The Odyssey, acts as the gateway to Titanic Quarter, from the fun discovery centre W5, ten-pin bowling, cinema, eateries, bars and nightclubs and not forgetting the Arena itself, home to the Belfast Giants. From there, you’ll be quickly immersed in Titanic heritage, whether taking the various tours or visiting Titanic’s Dock and Pumphouse. The iconic Titanic Belfast building sits next to the renovated S.S. Nomadic, the mighty Titanic’s tender.

Northern Ireland Golf –
The Home of Champions

Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s best golf courses such as Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. Play courses that are home to recent US Open Winners Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy and British Open winner Darren Clarke.

Whiskey tasting at the
oldest working distillery

For those with a taste for the finer things in life – a trip to the oldest working distillery is a must at Bushmills. The distillery’s famous portfolio includes five award-winning whiskeys: Bushmills, Black Bush, Bushmills 10 year Malt, 16 year Malt and 21 year Malt. Bushmills is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled malt whiskey and offers tours and whiskey tasting sessions all year round.