A Weekend in Belfast – Where to Go and What to See
Did you know that I lived and studied in Belfast once upon a time? I had just turned 17 years old in the June before I set off for college to the big smoke of Belfast City. I studied there for four years, from the age of 17 to 21 and although that was many moons ago, and I don’t revisit this great city enough, it will always hold a special place in my mind and I suppose you could say, in my heart too.
Belfast City has lots on offer to keep you interested for a longer visit, however here are my Five Fabulous Reasons to visit Belfast … where to go, what to see on a weekend visit.
Image source: belfastcity.gov.uk
The Botanic Gardens – Belfast City
College Park, Botanic Avenue, BT7 1LP
A visit to the Botanic Gardens is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Expect to see beautifully maintained gardens, mature trees, Palm House which homes a range of tropical plants and birds of paradise, the Tropical Ravine which is home to some of the oldest seed plants around along with familiar favourites such as banana and cinnamon, wide open grassy areas to picnic or stroll though and a café to quench your thirst or tickle your taste buds. There is a playground for children and throughout the year you can witness band recitals, concerts and opera performances.
Further Reading: Culloden Estate and Spa, Bangor Road, Holywood, Belfast
Image Source: thecathedralquarter.com
The Cathedral Quarter – Belfast City
Surrounding St. Anne’s Cathedral, Donegall St, BT12 2HB
The Cathedral Quarter is the area to visit for or Arts, Culture and Nightlife. Surrounded by historical buildings that include the Cathedral Gardens, Custom House Square, Cotton Court, Writer’s Square and Saint Anne’s Square. Down bustling streets that open out onto lots of worthy to visit pubs and restaurants, the Cathedral Quarter is not to be missed if you want to experience what creative Belfast has to offer.
Further Reading: Bevvy of the Week – Belfast’s Jawbox Single Estate Gin
image source: themaclive.com
The MAC – Belfast City
10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ
Nestled in the heart of the aforementioned Cathedral Quarter comes The MAC. This purposely built Entertainment and Arts loving and nurturing building houses two theatres and three galleries, rehearsal spaces, dance studio, artist studio along with café selling award-winning coffee and a bar. Keep an eye on their website www.themaclive.com for details on goings-on which range from theatre performances, exhibitions, workshops for all ages to gigs and cabaret.
Further Reading: Molly’s Yard, 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Avenue, Belfast
Image source: belfastcity.gov.uk
St. George’s Market – Belfast City
12-20 East Bridge Street, BT1 3NQ
Voted the Best Heritage Project in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2014, and open from Friday to Sunday, St. George’s Market is a must on your ‘To do’ list to Belfast City especially if you are a foodie. Expect to a range of local produce ranging from fresh fish and meats to locally grown vegetables and produced cheeses. If food shopping isn’t on your agenda, you can still marvel to and shop at the many stalls selling arts and crafts, or sip on a coffee while you watch the musical entertainment for the day.
Image source: titanicbelfast.com
Titanic Belfast – Belfast City
1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, BT3 9EP
Approximately 10 minutes from the City Centre and extremely hard to miss is the Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience. Launched in April 2012, Titanic Belfast has quickly become one of Belfast’s main attractions. Tours last approximately two hours and my advice is to check the availability of the tour time you want before you go. You can do this online or over the phone. When you have a tour time chosen and tickets bought, allow yourself enough time to get there, be on time and allow yourself ample time to enjoy the Experience. For more information and booking details visit www.titanicbelfast.com
PIN: Five Fabulous Reasons to Visit Belfast City
This article was originally published in September 2014 but has since been updated.
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