Weekend Wandering: Belfast’s Best Bits

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Get lost in the charm of Belfast, where history meets modernity. Your journey through the making of

Get lost in the charm of Belfast, where history meets modernity.

Your journey through the making of Game of Thrones begins at The Wall in the vast and frozen North and all that lies in the darkness beyond. Then take a step back to the beginning, when the show’s visionary artisans used the written word of George R.R. Martin to bring the world of Westeros to life 2023  https://www.gameofthronesstudiotour.com

 

 

As a tourist in Belfast, you can visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the city’s shipbuilding history and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck.
You can also take a political mural tour to understand the city’s political and social history or visit St. George’s Market, one of the largest indoor markets in the UK, to sample local food and crafts.

Travel plan

DAY 1

A Warm Welcome in Cathedral Quarter

Check-in at Bullitt Hotel a boutique hotel with character and charm.

Take a stroll in Cathedral Quarter with its narrow alleyways, colourful murals, and street performers.

Visit St. Anne’s Cathedral, one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks, and admire the breathtaking architecture.

Have lunch at The Muddlers Club, a Michelin-starred restaurant that combines traditional and modern cuisine.

Explore Belfast’s rich history at the Ulster Museum, with its impressive art, archaeology, and natural history collection.

DAY 2

Titanic Tales and Game of Thrones Adventures

Start the day with breakfast at Established Coffee, a cosy cafe that serves delightful pastries and coffee.

Visit the Titanic Belfast Museum, a state-of-the-art exhibition that tells the story of the doomed ship and Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a Game of Thrones tour to explore the stunning locations used in the show, such as Castle Ward and the Dark Hedges 4.4

Belfast Winterfell at Inch Abbey

Have a pint at Crown Liquor Saloon, a Victorian-era pub with intricate interior design and a lively atmosphere.

Finish the day with dinner at Deanes EIPIC, a restaurant that showcases local produce with creative flair.

DAY 3

Nature’s Wonders in Northern Ireland

Take a day trip to Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder with hexagonal basalt columns that inspires awe and wonder.

Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a suspended bridge that offers stunning views of the sea and cliffs.

Have lunch at The Nook, a rural pub that serves hearty meals and local beers.

An image of The Nook At The Giant's Causeway

Return to Belfast and have a stroll in Botanic Gardens, a beautiful park with colourful flora and Victorian glasshouses.

Have dinner at Home, a family-run restaurant that offers classic and contemporary dishes with global influences.

DAY 4

Music, Markets, and Memories in Belfast

Visit St. George’s Market, a lively market with a vast array of products, from artisanal foods to vintage clothes.

Enjoy traditional Irish music and dance at The Dirty Onion, a charming pub with live music performances.

Take a black taxi tour to learn about the Troubles and the city’s political history.
Have lunch at The National, a gastropub that serves craft beers and delicious sandwiches.

Finish the day with a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison with haunting history and guided tours.

How to get there

Plane

By plane, the best way to get to Belfast, United Kingdom, is to fly into Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport. Both airports offer both local and international flights, including major airlines such as British Airways and Ryanair. Belfast City is by far the more accessible airport to get into the city centre.

Car

Driving to Belfast from most parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is relatively simple, as both countries are connected by a well-maintained motorway network. In addition, several car rental agencies can be found at major airports and cities throughout the region.

Train

While there is no direct train from outside Northern Ireland to Belfast, it is possible to take a train to Dublin and then transfer to a train to Belfast from there. The Dublin-Belfast route is served by Irish Rail Corporation, with trains departing from Dublin Heuston Station.

Boat

Taking a ferry to Belfast is possible from several ports in Great Britain, such as Liverpool and Cairnryan. The two leading ferry companies operating these routes are Stena Line and P&O Ferries.

Bus

There are several intercity bus companies that operate routes to Belfast, such as Bus Éireann and Ulsterbus. One of the more popular options is the Belfast Express, which runs from Dublin to Belfast and vice versa daily.