Activities & Attractions in Belfast

What to do, what to see and where to go in Northern Ireland's capital city

For such a small and compact city, Belfast has an amazing array of activities and attractions for you to choose from. There are not too many cities in which you can visit a world-class visitor experience, see a top-class rugby team, take in a blistering ice hockey game and visit the stomping grounds of one of the greatest musicians of all time. Belfast is one of those cities where there is a story on every street.

An unmissable visit to Titanic Belfast

Catching your first glimpse of Titanic Belfast in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, is an unforgettable moment. 1,000 workers spent four years on the construction of this landmark building. When it was completed in 2012 nothing of its kind had ever been seen in Ireland before. It is a stunning work of architecture and design. The shimmering glass and aluminum building dominates the area. It even manages to outshine Harland and Wolff’s two great yellow cranes - Samson and Goliath.

Inside is no less impressive and the story of the Titanic, its building, its people and its fate is told with cutting edge interactive tools that bring the whole thing to life. We’ve said it once, but we will say it again: this is without doubt one of the top things to do in Belfast.

A room with a view and two mountains too

You’ll catch another glimpse of the biblical cranes from the Dome at Victoria Square. This glass dome rises high above the city’s skyline and boasts 360-degree views across Belfast. It’s completely free and, should you feel the urge to, as they say, buy the T-shirt, there is a rather large shopping centre right underneath.

The best views of the city however are out in the mountains. Both Divis and the Black mountain offer a fantastic trail along the edge of Belfast’s hills, but be warned that it will take you half a day to complete and you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. Although a little steeper, you might be better venturing up to Cave Hill and looking over the city from there. Locals know the hill as Napoleon's Nose and according to legend its resemblance to the face of a sleeping giant, gave Jonathan Swift the inspiration for Gulliver.

There are several routes you can take to the top of Cave Hill but the most popular, and probably best, is via the stunning Belfast Castle. There has been a castle of some sort on this site since the 12th century. John Lanyon designed and completed this spectacular sandstone construction in 1870. Inside, the Castle Tavern and Cellar Restaurant offer breakfast, lunch and dinner but you might want to wait until you’re down the hill for that!

Botanic, Queens and surrounding areas in Belfast

Closer to sea level and the city centre, you need to visit the city’s famous Botanic Gardens. Even if you’re not so keen on horticulture, it’s a soothing spot for a stroll, to take a book or have a picnic with your family. Fans of the BBC/RTE series The Fall will recognise it, but we sadly can’t promise you’ll bump into Jamie Dornan when you go. You will however see a statue of Lord Kelvin who invented the Kelvin Scale, used to measure temperatures. There is also the spectacular Palm House built by Charles Lanyon in 1839.

Right next to the wonderful gardens, are the grounds of Queen’s University. Ranked well within the top 200 universities in the world, Queen’s has always been a beacon of learning in Northern Ireland. It has produced some of the land’s finest minds. As well as politicians, presidents and prime ministers there have been poets Seamus Heaney and Paul Muldoon, actors Liam Neeson and Stephen Rea and the BBC’s finest disc jockey, Annie Mac. The rather functional-looking Whitla Hall played host to Jimi Hendrix on his 25th birthday.

Trace the tunes of Van Morrison

Did somebody mention music? Well you’re in Belfast, so it’s never far away. So let’s get onto Van Morrison. Crossing over the Lagan from the Botanic Gardens and walking or cycling through the city’s oldest public park, Ormeau Park, will take you to Elm Grove Primary School. It doesn't look like much, but this is where Van the Man attended primary school and it is the starting point of the Van Morrison Trail. If you have even a passing interest in “Van the Man” then this 3.5km tour is well worth following. This area inspired much of Morrison’s acclaimed album, Astral Weeks, and on the tour you’ll find out why. It’s a lovely thing to do in Belfast as it gives you an insight into a man whose soul was steeped in the city.

More sport than you could shake an ice hockey stick at

Speaking of Belfast Giants, sports fans will want to consider taking in a game of ice hockey and seeing the current Elite League Champions at their home in the SSE Arena. And followers of rugby will not want to miss a Friday night at the Kingspan Stadium, an often raucous but always good-natured stadium. This is the home of Ulster Rugby where you can get up close and personal with some of the world’s greatest exponents of the game... while enjoying a few pints.

Do some time in The Crum

You’ll hear more about locks and wings when you visit the impressive Crumlin Road Gaol. Known locally as ‘The Crum’, this was an active prison until 1996. Since then it has become an extremely popular tourist attraction. The prison tours are top-class.

Finish with food and drink at the Victorian St George’s Market

Morning is the best time to visit the beautiful St. George’s Market. This bustling indoor street market hosts around 300 traders, artists, musicians, and food vendors. It is open Friday to Sunday and is the perfect place to soak up a bit of local atmosphere while trying local produce. It’s yet another unique experience that Belfast has to offer.

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Loughshore Trail

Newtownabbey

Address

Hazelbank Park, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT37 9JQ

Telephone
0300 123 4568

Info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Set off along the shores of Belfast Lough and enjoy the sea air as you navigate the picturesque walking route which takes you all the way to Hazelbank, Gideons Green and even into Belfast.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Whiteabbey Green Car Park: Open 24 hours Hazelbank Park: Summer: May to September, 06:00 -23:00 Winter: October to April 06:00 - 20:00
Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock

Belfast

Address

Thompson Dock, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
02890 992992

bookings@titanicdistillers.com

Price
Price £10.00 to £100.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

This is the city's first working distillery in almost 90 years. Explore the site where Titanic last rested on dry ground, before her maiden voyage. Visitors to Thompson Dock and Pumphouse will clock in, as workers did a century ago, and experience…

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 to £100.00 Per Ticket

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Kingsland Pitch And Putt

Bangor

Address

Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 5622

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

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Giant's Causeway & Rope Bridge Tour from Belfast

Belfast

Address

10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1912

info@citytoursbelfast.com

Price
Price £25.00 to £28.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Travel Along the famous coastal route as you depart the city and hug the famous coastal road to the mighty giants causeway, be fully guided and learn about famous myths & legends.

Price
Price £25.00 to £28.00 Per Ticket

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Roddy McCorley Republican Heritage Centre

Belfast

Address

Moyard House, 203 Glen Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT11 8BU

Telephone
02890 300480

info@roddymccorley.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Discover the story of 200 years of Irish Republicanism told through the prism of a unique collection of locally gathered and curated historical artefacts from The Society of United Irishmen of 1798 through to the present day.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Carnalea Golf Club

Bangor

Address

Station Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0368

frances@carnaleagolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

There has been a course at Carnalea for over 100 years. Indeed Carnalea became Ireland’s first municipal golf club in 1927. Its beautiful seaside setting has superb views over Belfast Lough and the Antrim hills beyond. Long on history and ...

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
George Best Trail

Belfast

Address

Avalon House, 278-280 Newtownards Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT4 1HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

The George Best Trail guides you through the football legend’s humble beginnings in east Belfast. It will guide you to places of interest including his family home, the local playing fields and his favourite east Belfast haunts.

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Walk it off NI

Dunmurry

Address

15 Rosevale Avenue, Drumbeg, Dunmurry, County Antrim, BT17 9LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 796 8816 988

nikki@walkitoffni.com

Type

Type:

Food Tour

See the stunning landscape of Northern Ireland and Taste local cuisine during a walking & food experiences with Walk It Off NI. Learn about the fascinating heritage and rich natural landscape on our doorstep with experienced guide Nikki Elliot, a…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
136 reviews
Museum of Orange Heritage - Schomberg House

Belfast

Address

Schomberg House, 368 Cregagh Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 9EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9070 1122

info@orangeheritage.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum of Orange Heritage, Schomberg House, focuses on the history and traditions of the Orange Institution, beginning with the Glorious Revolution, and travels right through until the present day.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
ArtisAnn Gallery

Belfast

Address

70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 5AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7905 339 569

mail@artisann.org

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

ArtisAnn Gallery is a gallery based on Bloomfield Avenue in East Belfast You will be able to find high quality art at this friendly gallery, featuring emerging and established artists working in a range of styles and mediums.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
377 reviews
Let's Go Hydro Resort & Spa

Carryduff

Address

1 Mealough Road, Carryduff, County Down, BT8 8GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9081 4662

info@letsgohydro.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

If you enjoy water-based fun, then Let’s Go Hydro is a must visit. The impressive outdoor attraction, including an inflatable floating obstacle course, provides fun for all. The course features an XXL Tower, slides, climbing wall, hurdles, wiggle…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
AGS Golf Vacations

Belfast

Address

181 Clifton Park Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 6DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 13 3445 8138

reservations@agsgolf.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

AGS Golf specialize in providing custom golf tours and getaways for discerning golfers. Pre-booked itineraries are planned to play top ranked golf courses with accommodation close to the course.

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Holywood Priory Church

Holywood

Address

High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Holywood Priory is an intersting and historic site close to the bustling town of Holywood.

Price
Free

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Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Comber

Address

The Manse, 15 Windmill Hill, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 2265

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews and the stained glass windows in the church depict family members. Members of the Andrews family are also buried in the graveyard.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
135 reviews
Ballyholme Beach

Bangor

Address

Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
64 reviews
Clifton House - The Belfast Poor House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Belfast Music Bus Tour

Belfast

Address

Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0845

hannah@ohyeahbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Arts and Culture tours

Experience Belfast's vibrant music scene with the Belfast Music Bus Tour, celebrating its UNESCO City of Music status.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
177 reviews
C.S. Lewis Square

Belfast

Address

402 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Public Park

An exciting public space at the heart of the Connswater Community Greenway. It features over 300 native trees and 7 statues by Irish artist Maurice Harron who was inspired by characters from C.S. Lewis’ 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
North Belfast Heritage Trail including Clifton House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

archive@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

North Belfast’s unique built heritage is a hidden gem stretching back to the 18th Century. In just over one mile, 14 such buildings and sites sit, sometimes side by side, and collectively tell a fascinating story of our city’s past. This walking…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Bradshaws Brae Driving Range

Newtownards

Address

115 Old Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3484

info@bradshawsbraedrivingrange.co.uk

Type

Type:

Driving Range

18 covered floodlit bays, 10 outside bays.
Also Explanar Teaching centre, resident PGA professional Gordon Fairweather.

More Info