Northern Irish gems – 10 top things to see on a trip to Belfast.
STUNNING scenery, glorious coastlines castles and pubs are all within a short drive on a trip to Belfast.
1. Go back in time with a visit to the moving Titanic Museum.
Stunning architecture, and a museum which houses the world’s largest display of Titanic memorabilia.
http://www.titanicbelfast.com/
2. Walk in the footsteps of TV stars from Game of Thrones on the Game of Thrones tour!
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/gameofthrones/
3. Discover one of the best beaches in the world. Murlough’s wide, flat 6km long sandy beach is a 50 min drive from the city.
It’s backed by an ancient sand dune system and is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of the Mourne Mountains. http://beachni.com/map/
4. Get cosy in the Crown Liquor Saloon. Don’t miss this Victorian pub in Great Victoria Street.
It was once a Victorian Gin palace but today offers great beer and pub food. It also has stunning stained glass windows, wooden booths and a great atmosphere. A historic gem. http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Crown-Liquor-Saloon-Belfast-P4586
5. See a show at the Waterfront Hall Conference and Concert Centre.
The impressive, circular building, nestling on the water front was built in 1997 and has been a Belfast favourite ever since.
Se the opera La Traviata there in April, or groove with 80’s band Hot Chocolate, plus The Three Degrees in May.
http://www.theatresonline.com/theatres/belfast-theatres/waterfront-hall/
6. Tuck into soda bread. It’s an Irish speciality.
TV celebrity chef Paul Rankin helped make it popular, and you can buy it everywhere in Belfast.
7. Walk the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim.
The amazing hexagonal-shaped columns of rock were formed from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago and it’s the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
Four stunning trails to walk and an easy drive from Belfast. Park at Bushmills village and, from now until October, use the ‘park and ride’ service.
8. Go whiskey-tasting at The Old Bushmills Distillery, on the coast road, not far from the Giant’s Causeway.
It’s been lovingly made here since 1608 and you’ll find it on Distillery Road.
9. Chill out and find a great buy at the Sunday craft and vintage stall at St George’s Market, Belfast.
10. Stay and play with a golf break at Hilton Belfast Templepatick Golf & Country Club.
It’s home to one of the finest parkland courses in Ireland and the Ulster PGA Championship has been hosted here six times.
It’s an ideal base to discover why Northern Ireland is the home of golfing champions.
