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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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Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk

Belfast

Address

163 Stewartstown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 4115

reception@colinglen.org

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

It’s Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail; a Julia Donaldson-endorsed walk. Step into the glorious world of the Gruffalo. Enter the deep, dark wood, meet the clever little mouse, the fox, the owl, the snake, before stumbling upon those knobbly…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Wee Toast Tours

Belfast

Address

Spencer House, 65-67 Royal Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1FE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9593 1763

info@weetoasttours.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Travel in style and experience the Belfast landmarks in a completely different way. Raise a toast with your companions as you travel. Cycle to our locals for a pint and experience our world famous pubs.

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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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Lagan Valley Regional Park

Belfast

Address

3 Lock Keeper's Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7XT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 1922

admin@laganvalley.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Lagan Valley Regional Park is recognised as Northern Ireland's only Regional Park. It covers an area of 4,200 acres and extends 11 miles along both sides of the River Lagan between Stranmillis, Belfast to Union Locks, Lisburn.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Holywood Maypole

Holywood

Address

High Street/Shore Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Holywood's most well known feature is the town's Maypole, the only surviving in Ireland. Early maps show a Maypole has stood on the site since the 1620s and today is still the focus of the May Day Celebrations and Fair in the town.

Price
Free

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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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Dunmurry Golf Club

Belfast

Address

91 Dunmurry Lane, Dunmurry, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 9JS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 0834

info@dunmurrygolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

In 1983, Dunmurry Golf Club moved from its original location north of Dunmurry village to a site overlooking the River Lagan and adjacent to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. With views up the Lagan valley to the south and north towards the Belfast.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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.

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Winterfell Trek from Belfast

Belfast

Address

Pickup from Leonardo Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9568 0023

info@gameofthronestours.com

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Morning trek at Old Castle Ward aka Winterfell and to Audley’s Castle aka Walder Frey’s Twins. Inch Abbey, where Robb became King in the North. Afternoon trek in Tollymore Forest to the wildling pit and where the Starks found the direwolf pups.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

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Golden Thread Gallery

Belfast

Address

Golden Thread Gallery, 84-94 Great Patrick Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 0920

info@gtgallery.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Welcome to Golden Thread Gallery, Northern Ireland's leading contemporary visual arts gallery,

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Clandeboye Way – Helen’s Bay to Whitespots Country Park

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A woodland walk on a mix of old lanes and tracks

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Terrace Hill Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Beautiful trails along the Lagan and through woodland.

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Stormont Estate

Belfast

Address

Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9037 8103

stormontemu@finance-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Stormont Estate is a Green Flag Award winning public park recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s best green spaces. On a visit, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens, walking and fitness trails and children’s play park.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A walk around Scrabo Hill, part of Scrabo Country Park

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1039 reviews
Experience Belfast

Donegall Square

Address

Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7771 640 746

info@experiencebelfast.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

We're qualified objective guides and authors and historians. We know Belfast and can cover all bases. Whether it’s a walking tour, a private tour around Belfast or a group tour on a coach, you’re guaranteed a wonderful experience that’s engaging…

Dates

From:

1 May 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 12:30

From:

1 Oct 2025to30 Apr 2026Various Opening Times

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Ballymenoch Park

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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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Scrabo Golf Club

Newtownards

Address

233 Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2355

admin@scrabogc.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Scrabo, set in the shadow of its famous tower, has its own unique personality and is a favourite amongst Northern Ireland golfers. The course offers magnificent views over Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Cave Hill by Night with Big Dave

Belfast

Address

Cave Hill Country Park, Upper Cavehill Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 1AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7915 656 354

davidjohnirwin@yahoo.co.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Welcome to the original Cave Hill walking tour with your experienced local guide, Big Dave from Belfast!
When you book this tour I will meet you at the west gate of Cave Hill Country Park (approximate meeting time is 6.30pm in winter or 8.30pm in…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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