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Activities & Attractions in Belfast

Things to do

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.

Popular attractions

An unmissable visit to Titanic Belfast

Things to do

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

Popular attractions

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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C.S. Lewis 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

This trail will take you to the places that inspired the young C.S. Lewis, one of our most famous literary sons, best known for his magical world of Narnia.

More Info
Hilden Brewery

Lisburn

Address

90-192 Grand Street, Hilden, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4TY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9266 0800

info@hildenbrewery.co.uk

Type

Type:

Brewery

Hilden Brewery is Ireland's Oldest Independent Brewery. We have been running for over 40 years and in the last seven have added a second brew house, a bottling line and a canning line. *CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VISITORS*
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features

Wifi
More Info
Clifton House - Experience the Belfast Poor House Tour

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Price
Price £9.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

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

Dates

From:

6 Mar 2025to26 Nov 2025Various Opening Times
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking

Parking (free)
Price
Price £9.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

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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

More Info
Belfast Print Workshop

Belfast

Address

Cotton Court, 30 – 42 Waring Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1323

office@bpw.org.uk

Type

Type:

Art & Photography

The longest established resource in Northern Ireland for artists wanting to work in the various printmaking media to create original art work.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
Hound of Ulster Tours

Belfast

Address

39 Lagmore Glen, Dunmurry, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0UZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7513 355 206

info@houndofulstertours.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Discover the real Ireland with Hound of Ulster Tours.

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Holywood Town Walk and Cultural Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short historical walk around the town of Holywood
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Carrickfergus Walking Tours

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7816 969350

johnomcilvenna@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Carrickfergus with over 1000 years of history under its belt, has lots of secrets to reveal. Enjoy a walking tour around the town with your guide John, and learn about castles, town walls, the palace, big houses, ghosts, salt mines, monarchs and so…

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Plantsman's Garden Tours

Bangor

Address

12 Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3081

trevor@trevoredwardsgardens.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

'Plantsman's Garden Tours' offer incredible access to the gardens of historic stately homes and the privately owned masterpieces of Co. Down and Northern Ireland together with those of the Republic of Ireland.

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Comber Leisure Centre

Comber

Address

Castle Street, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4350

comberlc@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

Comber has a modern well equipped gym and separate heavy weights room, book any number of fitness classes or why not take time to relax and unwind in our health suite.
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Somme Museum

Newtownards

Address

233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 3202

claire@sommeassociation.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features

Wifi
More Info
Blackwood Golf Centre

Bangor

Address

150 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2706

info@theblackwoodgc.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Premier pay and play golf facility with open Stableford every Friday. Visitors are always most welcome to come along and play the course..

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland

Belfast

Address

Assembly Buildings, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9072 7330

phsilibrarian@pcinet.org

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

The library and archive of the Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland is an important resource for the history of Presbyterianism in Ireland and for those with Presbyterian roots.

More Info
Get up & Get on Paddleboarding

Portballintrae & Bangor

Address

Portballintrae Harbour & Helen's Bay, Portballintrae & Bangor, County Antrim, BT57 8RS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7767 443 173

info@getup-geton.co.uk

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Start your paddleboarding journey with Get Up & Get On Paddleboarding. Experience excitement, adventure and a healthy aquatic lifestyle encouraging sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 20:00
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Killynether Wood

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland walk with excellent views of surrounding countryside
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Funky Monkeys - Cityside Centre, Children's Indoor Play Centre

Belfast

Address

Cityside Retail Park, 100 - 150 York Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT11 1WA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9074 4370

cityside@funkymonkeysni.co.uk

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Funky Monkeys Soft Play Café are NI’s leading indoor play centres for children aged eight and under, featuring play frame equipment which has been specifically designed through the recognition that children can learn and develop their minds.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

On site parking
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre

Newtownabbey

Address

40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4SX

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
487 reviews
Cave Hill Country Park

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 9629

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

Parking (free)
Price
Free

More Info
Keith Drury Art

Belfast

Address

32 Belmont Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 2AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9065 6007

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Months of exacting work go into each of Keith Drury’s detailed artworks and they often yield surprises to those who are eagle-eyed. Each print is a top quality Giclée print on acid free paper.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
Facilities

Establishment Features

Wifi
Price
Free

More Info
Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

Belfast

Address

c/o: Irish Tour Tickets shop, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0101

info@irishtourtickets.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Travel on one of our luxury coaches to discover the sights and attractions of County Antrim. Irish Tour Tickets are the only company travelling from Belfast that includes admission to the Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre.

More Info