Things to Do in Belfast

The neo-Baroque Belfast City Hall is home to a memorial garden and visitor exhibition that provide insight into the city’s history. Built to commemorate Belfast’s new city status in the late 1800s, the building survived the Belfast Blitz, and was at the center of the 2013 dispute regarding its continued use of the Union flag.

As a focal point in the Belfast landscape, most city sightseeing tours include a stop at City Hall, including round-trip day tours from Dublin. As you stroll the grounds of the Portland stone structure, you’ll see the copper dome, Queen Victoria statue, and controversial Union flag flying from the pediment. You can also book a politics-focused tour to gain deeper insight into the city’s complex past.

City Hall features on many guided walking tours of Belfast, which can be useful for orienting yourself in the city. Otherwise, Lanyon Place and Great Victoria Street stations are both a short walk from City Hall, and the 6A bus serves Donegall Square directly. Belfast is a typical capital city—lots of traffic—so it’s best to avoid driving because parking can be a challenge.

Belfast City Hall is open year round, though the building, grounds, gift shop, and exhibition all keep slightly different hours. In summer, you can picnic on the outdoor lawns or simply relax on the freshly kept grass.

The building’s stained glass windows reveal the history of Belfast and pay homage to important community members. The Belfast Dockers Strike window, located on the northeast corridor of the ground floor, is a particularly powerful installation that demonstrates the power of a united Belfast.

West Belfast’s Falls Road was a violent flashpoint during the Northern Irish conflict. Falls Road is in a predominantly Catholic nationalist neighborhood that borders Shankill Road, a mostly Protestant unionist area. The two areas are now separated by a peace wall that is adorned with hundreds of colorful politically themed murals.

 

The Falls Road murals are a must for travelers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the Northern Irish conflict, known as the “Troubles.” Hop-on hop-off bus tours of Belfast ride along the stretch of murals, allowing passengers to disembark to view these evocative, large-scale images.

 

Many of the murals have political themes, including one depicting Bobby Sands, the Republican prisoner who died while on hunger strike in 1981. Informative Black Cab tours of the area can help visitors understand the motifs and symbolic meanings behind the Falls Road murals. These can be combined with Northern Ireland highlights tours, which typically visit scenic sights outside the city, such as the Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

 

 

Falls Road is situated in West Belfast, a 5–10 minute drive from the city center. Translink metro bus routes 10a, 10b, 10h, and 10j all depart from Castle Street in central Belfast and stop along the Falls Road. Most hop-on hop-off bus tours of the city also stop at the Falls Road murals.

 

The Falls Road is a busy city street. It is rarely crowded with tourists, but it does see quite a lot of vehicular traffic. Go during daylight hours for the best views of the colorful murals, and keep out of the way of cars.

 

Erected in parts of Belfast and other Northern Irish cities during the height of the Troubles, the Northern Irish peace walls were erected to help prevent outbursts of violence between divided communities. Though they were originally designed to be temporary, many of Belfast’s peace walls remain, including the one that runs along Cupar Way between the Falls Road and Shankill Road. This wall is punctuated by gates, which typically remain open during the day, allowing visitors and locals to pass freely between both sides of the divide.

Albert Memorial Clock is a well-recognized feature of the Belfast landscape. The Victorian structure stands at 43 meters (113 feet), overlooking Queen’s Square and River Lagan beyond. Built on reclaimed marshland, the tower is known for its slant, and is affectionately referred to as Belfast’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Built between 1865 and 1869, as a memorial to the then queen’s late husband, the tower has been a focal point in Belfast for more than 150 years. A number of city tours stop here, including shore excursions and some round-trip tours from Dublin. Enjoy an intimate look at the tower’s Gothic facades, noticing the Prince Albert statue and royal lions, or absorb views from the renovated Queen’s Square, or the Lagan Weir viewpoint opposite.

The Albert Memorial Clock is a 10-minute walk north of Belfast Central railway station. Many buses serve Queen’s Square, including the 3A, 5A, and 27. The city does have some free parking, but as with all capitals it’s easier to avoid driving where possible. Instead, take advantage of city tours that offer round-trip transport.

The city landmark is observable throughout the year. At dusk, particularly in winter, the building offers a striking silhouette against a darkening sky.

Ireland was ruled by Britain until 1922, when 26 of Ireland’s 32 counties declared independence. Many of the Republic’s royal landmarks and names were replaced. However, Northern Ireland, of which Belfast is the capital, remains part of the UK today and is therefore still home to much royal iconography.

Titanic Belfast is a rich multimedia spectacle standing on the site where the eponymous ill-fated luxury liner was built and first launched. Opened in 2012 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s infamous maiden—and only—voyage, Titanic Belfast swiftly became one of Northern Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions. Exhibits chronicle the rise of Belfast as an industrial superpower, re-create the city’s shipyard experience circa the early 1900s, and chart every detail of the construction of the Titanic, from bridge to passenger quarters.

Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest RMS Titanic visitor attraction, comprising nine interpretive and interactive galleries focused on the short history of the famous ship. Its exhibits fill six floors and include interactive discovery zones, full-scale reconstructions with special effects, and real-life accounts from survivors of the tragic wreck. Highlights include the Ocean Exploration Centre, with live links to modern underwater explorations, and the luxurious Titanic Banqueting Hall. All is visitable as a self-guided tour or with an audio guide (extra free), though staff are on hand throughout the exhibition to give extra information and guidance. Many travelers Belfast visit this site as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour or with stand-alone tickets. It’s also possible to visit on a day trip from Dublin that also includes time at Giant’s Causeway.

Titanic Belfast is located in the Titanic Quarter, about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from Belfast’s city center. With a hop-on hop-off bus tour, you can get transportation there and back from Belfast city, and see the famous ship on your own time.

The site is open daily with varying seasonal hours: 10am to 5pm October through March; 9am to 6pm in April, May, and September; and 9am to 7pm June through August. Last admission is allowed one hour and 45 minutes before closing time. The site is busiest on weekend afternoons.

The Titanic Belfast has decided not to include artifacts salvaged from the Titanic wreck site and debris field for ethical reasons. Yet the nine Titanic Experience galleries showcase many other fascinating original items, including the lunch menu that first-class passengers received on the fateful day, original launch-day tickets, and the gold pocket watch worn by Lord Pirrie, who oversaw all elements of the Titanic’s construction. Yet the pièce de résistance is the ship’s 33-foot (10-meter) longitudinal plan, the most expensive Titanic artifact ever sold at auction.

Though work on St. Anne’s Cathedral (also known as Belfast Cathedral) began in 1899, many changes and extensions were made during the following decades, culminating in the addition of the Spire of Hope in 2007. The neo-Romanesque structure contains a wealth of decorative features and artworks, including a 150,000-piece glass mosaic.

 

Also known simply as Belfast Cathedral, St. Anne’s Cathedral is one of the city’s main religious monuments. The cathedral is often seen on walking tours of Belfast, and on sightseeing tours of Belfast from Dublin that visit other Northern Ireland highlights, such as the Giant’s Causeway.

 

Visitors typically explore the cathedral with the aid of a guide booklet or audio guide, or as part of a guided tour, covering highlights such as the tomb of Sir Edward Carson, a prominent unionist leader who fought against Irish Home Rule, and the baptistery’s ceiling mosaic, which depicts the story of Creation with some 150,000 artfully arranged pieces of glass.

 

 

St. Anne’s Cathedral is located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, about 15 minutes’ walk from Belfast City Hall. Many local Metro bus routes stop near the cathedral.

 

If you want to explore the cathedral, it’s best to arrive when services are not in progress, so as not to disturb the congregation. If you want to attend a service, try the 30-minute choral evensong, which takes place Monday to Friday at 5:30pm during months when school is in session.

 

Among the most notable features of the cathedral is the 236-foot (72-meter) spire that pokes up into the sky through a glass portion of roof. The lightweight stainless-steel spire, known as the Spire of Hope, was erected in 2007 as an alternative to a traditional church spire, because the so-called “Belfast sleech” (a soft mixture of sand, gravel, and boulder clay) that lies below the cathedral would not support a heavier ornament.

Crossing the nerve-racking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a feat for the sure-footed—the narrow 66-foot-long (20-meter) swinging span is suspended high above the choppy Atlantic waters, connecting the Northern Irish mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Originally built more than 300 years ago by salmon fishermen—and since rebuilt with sturdier materials—the National Trust-managed footbridge is now traversed by wobbly-kneed travelers who want to soak up the rugged coastal scenery.

 

Many visitors come to the bridge on guided tours from Dublin and Belfast. Because of the bridge’s proximity to Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a 20-minute drive away, full-day tours often combine the two attractions, as well as other prominent Northern Ireland sights, such as Game of Thrones filming locations and the state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast, set on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard where the ill-fated cruise liner was built. Individual visitors must purchase a ticket for the bridge at the site on the day of and will receive a time slot for crossing.

 

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is situated in County Antrim, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Belfast city. The easiest way to travel is by guided tour. Visitors can also take Ulsterbus 252 or Ulsterbus 376 (also known as the Causeway Rambler) during summer.

 

The bridge opens daily from 9:30am. Closing time varies by season but is as late as 7pm in peak summer and as early as 3pm in winter. Ticket sales stop 45 minutes before closing. Book a guided tour or arrive first thing in the morning to secure your shot at crossing the bridge. Only a certain number of people are allowed on the bridge at any time, and timed tickets help keep lines manageable and moving. Avoid windy days when the bridge may be closed for safety reasons.

With so much attention placed on the bridge itself, many travelers give little thought to the island to which it connects. Though tiny, the grassy islet is worth exploring. Look for the traditional fisherman’s cottage, open to visitors on select weekends of the year, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes patrol the coastline, while basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises frolic in the surrounding waters.

The world’s oldest legal distillery, Bushmills was first granted its whiskey-producing license back in 1608, though historical records suggest production began even earlier. Distillers used malted Irish barley, grains, and water from St. Columb’s Rill to produce their oak-aged Bushmills Original and their Black Bush blend.

 

Make your way to the Old Bushmills Distillery and explore the facility as part of a guided tour that concludes with a complimentary taste of Irish whiskey. Many organized day trips from Belfast stop at Bushmills, as well as other sites along the Antrim Coast, such as Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and Carrickfergus Castle. Some tours visit Game of Thrones filming locations, including Dunluce Castle. Longer Antrim Coast day tours from Dublin also stop at Bushmills.

 

 

The Old Bushmills Distillery is located in the town of Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The quickest way to get there from Belfast is to drive along the M2 and A26, which will take about an hour and 10 minutes. Though longer, the Causeway Coastal Route is a more scenic journey. Visitors without access to a car would do best going as part of an organized tour.

 

The Old Bushmills Distillery is open year-round, except over the Christmas and New Year’s period and July 12. Tours are limited and subject to availability. During summer months, arrive early in the day to ensure a spot.

 

The Old Bushmills Distillery is just one of many attractions that lie along the 130-mile (209-kilometer) Coastal Causeway Route, which runs from Belfast to Derry (Londonderry). Other highlights of the route include Titanic Belfast; Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge; and the Norman-era Carrickfergus Castle, which overlooks Belfast Lough.

Situated at the east end of the Causeway Coast and to the north of the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle offers easy access to outdoor delights. The seaside town is filled with old-fashioned pubs and shops, while a family-friendly beach and promenade runs along the shore. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Scotland from here. 

Ballycastle is on the Causeway Coastal Route and is often visited as part of Northern Ireland day tours and multi-day tours departing from Belfast and Dublin. These tours typically include stops at other nearby sights, such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Bushmills. Because of its proximity to Fair Head, Ballintoy, and other filming locations, Ballycastle is also a common stop-off on Game of Thrones tours.

Ballycastle is in County Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland. From Belfast, drive along the M2 and A44. The journey will take about 70 minutes. Alternatively, follow the longer but more scenic Causeway Coastal Route along the Antrim Coast. Car-less travelers are best going as part of organized tours.

The best time to visit Ballycastle is in summer. During this time, the weather is better suited to outdoor activities, and you’ll find most operators and tourist-oriented businesses open. If you want to experience Ballycastle at its quietest, come in winter when only the resident population remains in place. 

Ballycastle is the departure point for ferries to Rathlin Island, which sits just 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) offshore. Explore the Boathouse Visitor Centre to find out about life on the island and go trekking along the island’s trails. Hikers often encounter wildlife, such as resident seals and puffins, which are most commonly seen between April and July. 

A huge renovation project turned this once-neglected waterfront wasteland into one of Belfast’s most vibrant and most-visited neighborhoods. As well as apartments and a science park, the waterfront area also features several Titanic-related attractions, most notably Titanic Belfast and the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House.

With attractions such as Titanic Belfast, the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House, SS Nomadic, and the HMS Caroline battleship all situated within the Titanic Quarter, it’s no surprise this waterfront district sees a lot of tourist footfall. Titanic walking tours go here, as do hop-on hop-off Belfast tour buses, while sightseeing cruises on the River Lagan usually pass by this area too. 

Multi-day tours of Northern Ireland typically visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter too, before venturing out to sights along the Antrim Coast, such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Game of Thrones filming location. 

The Titanic Quarter is situated on the banks of the River Lagan, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Belfast city center. Several bus routes, including the 26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 600A, and 600B, all run from near City Hall to the Titanic Quarter. Walking from the city center takes about 30 minutes. Trains also run between Belfast Central and Titanic Quarter station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Titanic Quarter via the signposted footbridge. 

The Titanic Quarter is busiest from June through August, when tourists flock to the city. Get there early in the day to experience it at its quietest. Sunrise and sunset provide some magical photo opportunities, with the golden sky reflecting off the water, though the quarter’s visitor attractions may not be open.

For anyone interested in delving into the history of the Titanic, the Titanic Quarter is the place to do it. Start with the Titanic Belfast, a comprehensive interactive exhibition that focuses on the construction, history, and tragic sinking of the famous ocean liner. You can also pay a visit to the SS Nomadic, a tender ship that carried passengers from smaller ports to the Titanic, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Office (now Titanic Hotel), and the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House, the dry dock where the finishing touches were made to the so-called “unsinkable ship.”

Belfast is known for its shipbuilding heritage, urban regeneration, and blossoming food scene. As well as providing easy access to attractions such as Titanic Belfast, Belfast cruise port also serves as the gateway to Northern Ireland’s other big-name sights, including the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Travelers docking at Belfast cruise port can choose between shorter shore excursions lasting just a couple of hours, such as hop-on hop-off bus tours of Belfast and city walking tours, or longer organized tours. Daylong shore excursions often combine guided tours of Belfast city with visits to other sights in Northern Ireland—most commonly attractions along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route such as the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. Some day tours also include visits to Game of Thrones filming locations such as Dunluce Castle. 

Most large cruise ships dock at Stormont Wharf, which is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the city center. Many cruise operators offer shuttle buses into town for a fee. Taxis are also available for the 10- to 15-minute journey.

A small tourist information desk is often available at the port, offering maps and information about shuttle bus departures. Shuttle buses typically depart from the cruise port and stop at Belfast City Hall, near the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. The information center has currency exchange services and left luggage, as well as free information and advice on what to do and see in Belfast.

Shankill, derived from the Irish word for “Old Church,” is a predominantly loyalist working-class area of West Belfast. It’s known as “Original Belfast” and dates back to 455 A.D., while being known for its role as a central hub for many loyalist paramilitary organizations during the time of "The Troubles."

 

Shankill Road, the main artery of the neighborhood, is one of the oldest settlements in Belfast and dates back to the Stone Age. The area came to prominence in the late 19th century as a center of Belfast’s linen industry. The Shankill Road Peace Walls are adorned with unionist symbols, such as Union Jacks and murals of the British Royal Family, which are key draws for tourists. The murals here are political, historical and community focused. Art on the gable walls depicts scenes as one of volunteers who died as a result of the area’s conflicts. 

Despite being one of the oldest settlements in Belfast, there are very few archaeological sites in Shankill that have survived modern development. There is a ringed fort in Glencairn Park, which dates back to the Bronze Age and would have contained protected dwellings. There are four forts in the Shankill area, but Glencairn is the easiest to visit. 

The picturesque Dark Hedges tree tunnel, formed by the overhanging and intertwined branches of beech trees that line either side, was planted in the 18th century in an effort to spruce up the nearby Gracehill House, a Georgian mansion. Amateur and professional photographers have long been drawn to its eerie beauty, and Dark Hedges is now a popular pilgrimage site for fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones, having been featured in the show.

Many visitors see the Dark Hedges as part of Game of Thrones–themed tours, which typically depart from Dublin and Belfast, and include stops at other filming locations such as Larrybane (the site of King Renly’s camp near Storm’s End), Ballintoy Harbour (the setting for Theon's return to the Iron Islands), and Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre birthed her shadow baby). The Dark Hedges are also a regular photo stop on full-day Northern Ireland tours from Belfast and Dublin, which focus on the region’s star attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Giant’s Causeway and the nerve-testing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

The Dark Hedges are located in County Antrim, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Belfast. The easiest way to get there is via a guided tour, but it’s also possible to drive to the site from Belfast in just over an hour. If driving, leave your car at the roadside parking area on Bregagh Road or at the nearby Hedges Estate Hotel and walk from there so as not to ruin other visitors’ photographs.

During busy summer months, it can be difficult to capture the Dark Hedges without another sightseer, car, or coach coming into frame. Try going in early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are around.

Like many historic sites in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges are said to be haunted by a ghostly figure. The phantom, said to be a woman dressed in gray, is believed to stroll the avenue at twilight. Believers say she is searching for her burial site, located in an unmarked graveyard nearby.

Built in the late 1880s and expanded several times between 1900 and 1922, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices were where the plans for the RMS Titanic and numerous other White Star Line ships were drawn up. Though the offices are now occupied by the Titanic Hotel, key heritage rooms have been preserved. 

Many Titanic Quarter walking tours and Northern Ireland day tours from Dublin pass by the old Harland & Wolff Drawing Office, as do cruises on the River Lagan. Guests of the Titanic Hotel can explore the various heritage rooms (providing they are not in use), and read the information plaques situated throughout. 

Alternatively, buy tickets for the Discovery Tour at Titanic Belfast, which includes a walk through the offices with a guide. Among the preserved heritage rooms are the office of Thomas Andrews, the former managing director, and the office of Lord Pirrie, chairman of Harland & Wolff. Visitors can also pop-in for lunch or afternoon tea in the Drawing Office Two.

Find the Titanic Hotel Belfast in the Titanic Quarter, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the city center. Walking from the city center takes just 25–30 minutes. Alternatively, Translink Metro bus routes 26 and 26B travel between Belfast City Centre and the hotel, as does the Airport Express 600B. 

When to Get There 

Titanic Belfast Discovery Tours are held on select dates and are more likely to fill up during the busy summer months. Book in advance to ensure a spot on a tour. Be aware that the heritage rooms of the hotel are often rented for events, and may not all be available to view. 

After learning about the history of the Harland & Wolff Drawing Office, visitors can continue on the trail of the Titanic in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Visitors can also step down onto the floor of Titanic’s Dock, where work on the ship was completed, as well as touring the comprehensive and interactive exhibitions of the Titanic Belfast experience. The Titanic Hotel is just steps away from the SS Nomadic, the tender ship to Titanic, which carried first- and second-class ticket holders from Cherbourg, France.

Known for its artistic atmosphere, the ever-expanding Cathedral Quarter is Belfast’s up-and-coming cultural hub. The former trading district, now home to a number of galleries, music spaces, and trendy restaurants, hosts a number of indoor and outdoor events suited to everyone, including young travelers, foodies, and families.

St Anne’s Cathedral sits at the heart of the historic area, which is best explored by foot. City sightseeing tours usually include the area in their itinerary, or visitors can opt for a more focused political tour for insight into the city’s sectarian past. Alternatively, some round-trip tours of the Antrim coast, including Game of Thrones tours, also offer sightseeing in Belfast.

The Quarter is a 15-minute walk from Great Victoria Street station, and nearby Ulster University Belfast Campus is served directly by the 2a, 2d, and 2e buses. The narrow streets around the quarter are best explored by foot, though there is some paid parking nearby.

The streets tend to be decorated with flowers in spring and summer; winter, meanwhile, brings festive lights and services at the central St Anne’s Cathedral. Aim to explore after working hours to see the neighborhood’s many bars and restaurants come to life.

Get off the beaten path and discover poignant, political, and entertaining murals in the Cathedral Quarter. Find the Yellow Umbrella Passage and follow it into a colorful courtyard—it’s a picturesque setting that will provide good cultural insight. 

Explore an iconic naval vessel and gain insight into maritime history onboard the HMS Caroline in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. The only survivor of the Battle of Jutland, the decommissioned barge has a restored bridge, captain’s quarters, engine rooms, and decks. Here, visitors can learn more about life at sea and Northern Ireland’s vital role in World War I and II.

Avoid disappointment by pre-booking admission tickets to ensure full interaction with the exhibit; or, if you’d rather absorb views of the striking ship from the water, opt for a sightseeing cruise that sails past the vessel. Maritime enthusiasts can make the most of their time with a walking tour of the entire Titanic Quarter, while travelers looking to explore the wider county landmarks can combine a visit to the HMS Caroline with a tour to top rural attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway.

Located in the Alexandra Dock, the HMS Caroline is a short walk from the Titanic Quarter Station and is served directly by the 26, 26B, and 26C buses. There is free parking beside the ship.

The attraction is open daily, though weekends and school holidays tend to be more crowded.

At the time of her decommissioning in 2011, the HMS Caroline was the second-longest serving Royal Navy ship. Just ahead of her was the HMS Victory, the famous flagship of Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The HMS Victory can still be visited today at her retirement home in Portsmouth.

Nestled high along the Antrim coastline, Dunluce Castle offers dramatic views and insight into the life and legends of old Irish clans. Explore ancient ruins, discover township remains, or descend into a hidden cave to experience the site that inspired CS Lewis’ Cair Paravel and served as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones.

The cliffside Dunluce Castle features on the itinerary of many round-trip day tours from Belfast and Dublin. Combine it with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, or take a Game of Thrones tour to discover the show’s many filming locations throughout Northern Ireland. If you have more time and a passion for the great outdoors, discover the ruins and the rest of the picturesque coastline on a comprehensive multi-day walking tour of the region.

The castle is best reached by road, with most tours offering round-trip transfer to the rural location. Otherwise, visitors can take a train to Portrush or Coleraine, then finish the journey by bus. There is some parking available on-site.

The castle is open daily. While autumn and winter tend to bring harsher weather, their clear days offer a stunning early sunset and atmospheric photo opportunities. Summer months bring longer opening hours and less exposure to winds and rain.

With a curious history, including a burnt-out village and rumors of a kitchen full of staff that fell into the sea, Dunluce Castle has its fair share of ghost stories. A popular site with paranormal enthusiasts, the grounds are said to be haunted by a mysterious maiden who calls out on the winds for the love she lost at sea.

Built in 1850 to accommodate prisoners tried at the courthouse across the street, Crumlin Road Gaol (Crumlin Road Jail) housed some of Northern Ireland’s most notorious criminals as well as leading political figures during its 150 years in operation. The jail was also the setting for executions, riots, and hunger strikes.

The jail—now a key Belfast tourist attraction—can be explored as part of guided tours, which last about 70 minutes and take place daily between 10am and 4:30pm. Tours cover the jail in detail, stopping at the C-Wing, the condemned man’s cell, the execution chamber, the graveyard, and the tunnel linking the jail to Crumlin Road Courthouse. Alternative tours, including a 60-minute paranormal tour, a 75-minute historical tour, a 75-minute ghost walk tour, and a 60-minute child-friendly Victorian tour, are available for groups of 15 or more.

The main entrance to Crumlin Road Jail is the Gate House on Crumlin Road. To get there by public transit, use the Translink Metro bus routes 57 and 12B, which run from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the 12A service stops at nearby Carlisle Circus. The jail is also a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours of Belfast. 

Tours run daily between 10am and 4:30pm. To ensure a spot—and avoid crowds that build later in the day—come early in the morning. Be sure to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your tour time. 

Among the 25,000 prisoners who’ve been held at Crumlin Road over the years were several well-known public figures, including Éamon de Valera, the former prime minister and president of Ireland, the unionist politician Reverend Ian Paisley, Lenny Murphy (the man responsible for the Shankill Butchers, a series of killings of the late 1970s and early 1980s), and suffrage campaigner Dorothy Evans.  

One of the top scenic drives in Great Britain, this 130-mile (212-kilometer) route winds along the craggy coast of Northern Ireland. Stretching from Belfast all the way to Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route leads to castles, cliff walks, beaches, waterfalls, Game of Thrones filming locations, and other scenic locales. 

While the Causeway Coastal Route can be covered in a matter of hours, most visitors take several days to properly explore it, stopping at various sites en route. Key parts of the route are often included as part of organized sightseeing day trips from Belfast. These may include the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and Downhill Strand. 

The best way to explore the Causeway Coastal Route is during a self-guided road trip or by organized tour. From Belfast, follow the A2 road north along the coast. Travelers departing from Derry should take the A2 toward Limavady. 

The Causeway Coastal Route is drivable year-round, with road closures extremely rare. As many of the attractions are outside, however, you may want to go in summer when the weather is typically warmer and daylight lasts for up to 18 hours. 

In addition to the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, this driving route also leads to some lesser-known but no less spectacular attractions. See the Norman-era Carrickfergus Castle, follow cliff-face walkways on the rugged Antrim Coast at the Gobbins, walk amid the scenic Glens of Antrim, and sample whiskey at the Old Bushmills Distillery. 

The Stormont Estate is home to Northern Ireland’s main government buildings. In addition to parkland and woodland, the 407-acre (165-hectare) estate contains the Parliament Buildings, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly; Stormont Castle, the seat of the Northern Irish Executive; and Stormont House, home to the Northern Ireland Office. 

Visitors can explore the Parliament Buildings on free 45-minute guided tours that visit key rooms in the complex, including the Great Hall, the Senate Chamber, and the Assembly Chamber, and impart information about the history and architecture of the Parliament Buildings. The grounds, meanwhile, can be explored independently—just follow the woodland paths and peruse the historic sculptures and monuments dotted around the estate.

The Stormont Estate is on the east side of Belfast, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city center. Metro bus lines 20a and 23 run to and from Stormont, while hop-on hop-off bus tours connect Stormont to Belfast city center. 

While the estate itself is open to the public seven days a week, tours of the parliament building take place Monday–Friday only. Tours depart hourly between 11am and 2pm during July and August, and twice a day the rest of the year (11am and 2pm). The best time to visit is summer, when the warmer weather makes exploring the grounds more enjoyable.

Constructed between 1928 and 1932, the classical-style Parliament Buildings are among the largest and most eye-catching structures on the Stormont Estate. The buildings are rife with architectural symbolism, with six stories and six entrance pillars representing the six counties of Northern Ireland, and a 365-foot length representing the 365 days of the year. The architect, Arnold Thornley, was knighted for his work by King George V. 

The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Built in the 12th century by Norman lord John de Courcy, it was used to ward off attacks from the Scots, Irish, English, and French, and also served as a garrison during World War I and an air raid shelter during World War II.

 

Carrickfergus Castle is now a historical attraction, with exhibits showcasing life inside the Norman castle. It’s often visited as part of organized guided tours from nearby Belfast. Day tours typically stop at other attractions in County Antrim, such as the Old Bushmills Distillery, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Giant’s Causeway. Some tours also stop at Game of Thrones filming locations, including the Cushendun Caves, Larrybane, the Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle.

 

 

Carrickfergus Castle is situated about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Belfast, overlooking the shore of Belfast Lough. Follow the A2 Shore Road; the journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the train from Belfast Central or Great Victoria Street stations and get off at Carrickfergus train station. The castle is just a 5-minute walk from the station.

 

The castle is open year-round. Last admission is relatively early (4pm from April to September, 3:30pm from October to March), so be sure to arrive before then. Go midweek to avoid the weekend crowds.

 

Carrickfergus Castle is just one of many castles and fortifications that dot the green landscapes of Northern Ireland. Other fairy-tale fortresses and manor houses include the Scottish baronial-style Belfast Castle, the ruined cliffside castle of Dunluce, and Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century stronghold for the Maguires of Fermanagh.