Although I enjoyed my time in Dublin, Belfast was my favorite city on the Emerald Isle. After spending 2 days in Dublin, we took a bus back to the Dublin Airport to pick up our rental car. Then, we drove up the coast line to Belfast.
For an itinerary of Dublin, check out: The Perfect 2 Days in Dublin
RISE sculpture welcomes us to Belfast! This is Belfast’s largest public artwork.
What to Do in Belfast
Commercial Court is a tiny cobblestoned alleyway in the Cathedral Quarter. It is a beautiful area with historic buildings and was once the heart of Belfast’s commercial industry. Among its twists and turns is the well-known Duke of York and Dark Horse pubs.
The Umbrella Passage decorated for St. Patty's Day
Umbrella Passage is the most picturesque place in the city. It has a hidden entry in the Commercial Court alley, so it is not something you may stumble upon. Typically, this alley is decorated with bright yellow umbrellas in the sky. Since it was St. Patrick’s Day, it was festively dressed for us. Along the walls are beautiful morals of Belfast’s most famous faces.
The Big Fish, or Salmon of Knowledge, is a mosaic sculpture on the harbor. The sculpture was created with ceramic tiles with images and texts about Belfast’s history. Not only is it a beautiful piece of art, but it is something more to the city. Inside The Big Fish is a time capsule with images, documents and poetry on the city.
The Dome!
The Victoria Square shopping center hosts restaurants, shops and a theatre. The Dome is the most impressive feature of the building. You can even go into The Dome for a 360 degree view of Belfast. There are free tours each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square
Belfast City Hall is an incredible architectural marvel on Donegall Square. The city crest decorates the façade of the building, which faces north to divide the commercial and business areas. The exterior is made from Portland stone and carved in a Baroque revival style.
Titanic Belfast is the largest Titanic visitors experience in the world. The attraction was opened in 2012, and became a Must- See in Northern Ireland. It marks the site of the old shipyard that built the Titanic.
Are you a Game of Thrones fan? From day tours to hour long tours, you can find a Game of Thrones Tour in Belfast to fit into your travel plans.
Alternative Adventures
Since we all have different interests when visiting a city, here are some alternative adventures to do! Please note, this is not a sponsored post.
A Black Cab Tour
Downpatrick’s Down Cathedral
Belfast Castle
Maghera Beach & Caves
What to Expect:
Language: English and The Irish Gaelic language
Currency: Pound Sterling
