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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

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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Number of results: 281

, currently showing 41 to 60.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
58 reviews
Belvoir Park Forest

Belfast

Address

Belvoir Drive, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7QT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 2240

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Managed by the Forest Service, Belvoir Park Forest is unique in the UK as it is a working forest within a city. Walks within the forest link to the Lagan River 'Towpath' and the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Price
Free

More Info
Albert Memorial Clock

Belfast

Address

17 Queens Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 6609

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Designed by the architect William J Barre, the figure of Prince Albert was sculpted by Samuel Ferris Lynn and the clock is by Francis Moore.

Price
Free

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Scrabo Country Park

Newtownards

Address

203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 1491

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the area of Newtownards. When visitors come and explore, they will be able to view the panoramic sights of Strangford Lough as well as the surrounding countryside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex

Bangor

Address

3 Valentine Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0271

chris.kelly@serco.com

Type

Type:

Swimming Pool

Bangor Aurora Leisure complex is situated in the heart of Bangor. Featuring 3 swimming pools, leisure waters and extensive gym facilities the Aurora offers a great family fun day out.

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
174 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'.

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Divis Ridge Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk with stunning views over Belfast City

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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Stones and Thrones Game of Thrones® Location Tour

Belfast

Address

Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1912

info@citytoursbelfast.com

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

The Stones & Thrones tour is a unique day tour of discovery where you can explore the scenic splendor of the seven kingdoms and see where so many of the pivotal Game Of Thrones scenes were shot!

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

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Barnett Demesne

Belfast

Address

Malone House Car Park, Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5PB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This route explores an historic estate in Lagan Valley Regional Park, taking in Malone House, meadows, woodland and along the River Lagan.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Northern Ireland Microlights

Bangor

Address

Ken Crompton, 17 Cleland Park North, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 3EN

Telephone
+44 (0) 7740766443 or 02891462728

ken@nimicrolights.co.uk

Type

Type:

Microlight Flying

(affiliated to the British Microlight Aircraft Association)
Northern Ireland Microlights is a microlight flying training school based at Newtownards Airport.
Trial flights can be booked using the above telephone numbers.

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Movilla Abbey

Newtownards

Address

Movilla Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.
As important as Bangor, Movilla was associated with Saint Finian of the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century.

Price
Free

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Waterworks

Belfast

Address

Waterworks, Cavehill Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 3AS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Belfast's former water supply is now home to many birds and wildfowl. A popular place for local people.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
134 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
Kiltonga Nature Reserve

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lakeland walk with wildfowl

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Crawfordsburn Country Park, Coastal Walk

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This walk ambles through a hay meadow, which is full of wild flowers in the summer months. The route then leads along sandy beaches, including Crawfordsburn Beach and Helen's Bay.
Grey Point Fort is a restored coastal battery.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
657 reviews
Belfastology Walking Tours

Belfast

Address

Visit Belfast, 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7552 309 575

belfastology@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Enjoy an up-to-date walking tour on the music, street art and pub scenes of Belfast, while taking in the warm hospitality of the local people and discovering off-the-beaten track pubs, restaurants and experiences along the way.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

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The Bradley Gallery

Bangor

Address

105-107 High Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5BD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 3508

info@terrybradley.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Destination spot for Terry Bradley collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe. Whether you are passing through or spending the day on the beautiful Peninsula, be sure to pop in and experience all that Bradley Art has to offer.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Conway Mill

Belfast

Address

5-7 Conway Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT13 2DE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 9646

info@conwaymill.org

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

The Mill was originally built around 1842, and was one of the first linen spinning mills to be established on the Lower Falls Road.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Surf Belfast

Belfast

Address

Andersonstown Leisure Centre, 132 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT11 9BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890 726 311

andersonstown@gll.org

Type

Type:

Surfing

Catch a wave, whatever the conditions outside at Northern Ireland’s first ever indoor surf simulator. Pumps fire a constant 5 metre wide wave sheet to challenge riders.

More Info