Extend your Stay

What is there to see and do in Belfast?

Belfast is an incredible city with so much to offer, whether you’re a history buff, culture lover, or nature enthusiast. Here’s a taste of the extensive range of things to do but for more inspiration please to go to visitbelfast.com:

1. Titanic Belfast – Explore the birthplace of the Titanic at this world-class museum. It’s packed with interactive exhibits about the ship’s design, it’s tragic fate, and Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage. Not forgetting the SS Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line vessel, which was a tender for the Titanic.  Ticket entry to Titanic Belfast includes a visit to the Nomadic.
2. Political Murals & Peace Walls – Take a guided tour of the city’s famous political murals, which tell the stories of Northern Ireland’s complex political past. The Peace Walls still stand as a reminder of the divisions, and it’s fascinating to learn about this history.
3. Belfast City Hall – A stunning landmark, this grand building is both a beautiful spot to visit and a historic symbol of the city’s growth. Guided tours of the building and interactive exhibition are available to help you delve into its rich history.
4. George’s Market – This vibrant market is full of local produce, handmade crafts, and live music, offering a perfect chance to sample some delicious local food and mingle with locals.
5. Cave Hill – If you enjoy a good hike, take a trip up Cave Hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The hill is also said to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels.”
6. Ulster Museum – A must-see for art and history lovers, this museum houses everything from ancient fossils to contemporary art and a fascinating exhibit on Irish history.
7. Botanic Gardens & Palm House – This park is a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, complete with beautiful glasshouses and a wide range of plant species.
8. Crumlin Road Gaol – Take a tour of this historic prison, which closed in 1996. It’s a chilling experience where you can learn about its past, including stories of political prisoners.
9. Black Taxi Tour – For a deeper dive into the political and social history of Belfast, a black taxi tour is a great way to see the murals and hear personal stories from drivers with a lived perspective.
10. Maritime Mile – Beyond the Titanic Belfast museum, you can also stroll along Belfast’s waterfront area, The Maritime Mile, and take in the various interpretation panels, art installations and attractions including W5, The SSE Arena, HMS Caroline Titanic Distillery, Sinclair Seamens Church and the new City Quay Gardens, to name a few.
11. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours are a great way to get an overview of things to see and do in Belfast. Tickets for one and 2 days are available as are combination tickets to explore The Giants Causeway.
12. City Areas Tourism – each part of our city, North, South, East and West contains off the beaten track tourism gems.

Would you believe that’s just scratching the surface! Whether you’re into history, nature, shopping, or culture, there’s so much to experience in Belfast. Oh, and did we mention that Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music, even before The Fleadh comes to town?

Belfast is an absolute treat for music lovers, with a vibrant scene that spans from live gigs in intimate venues to rich musical history.

1. The Oh Yeah Music Centre – This hub for Northern Ireland’s music scene is a must-visit. With live performances, workshops, and exhibitions on the history of local music, it’s a great way to dive into Belfast’s rich musical heritage. Plus, they often host up-and-coming bands, so you can catch fresh talent!
2. George’s Market – The market is a lively place with more than just fresh food; it also offers live music performances, from local folk bands to jazz musicians. A perfect spot for a bit of shopping and listening to some live tunes.
3. Cave Hill – If you like a musical backdrop, consider hiking up Cave Hill while listening to some local Northern Irish artists—it’s a great mix of nature and music. Plus, you can take in panoramic views of the city that inspired some of Belfast’s top musical acts.
4. The Empire Music Hall – One of Belfast’s best live venues, The Empire hosts a variety of acts, from acoustic sessions to big-name international bands. Whether you’re into rock, folk, or indie, there’s always something on here.
5. The Limelight – This is one of Belfast’s most famous live venues. It regularly features local and international bands, from up-and-coming indie groups to legendary rock acts. A great place to catch the pulse of the city’s live music scene.
6. Ulster Hall – A beautiful, historic venue that has seen performances by major artists like Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones. Whether you’re into classical, rock, or jazz, there’s always something happening here.
7. Belfast Music Walking Tour – Explore the city’s musical roots with a guided walking tour, where you’ll hear about the legendary artists from Belfast, like Van Morrison, The Undertones, and Snow Patrol. It’s a fascinating look at the city’s contribution to the world of music.
8. Belfast’s Vinyl Shops – For music collectors, Belfast has a growing scene of independent record stores. You can hunt for vintage vinyl at shops like The Record Store, which has a great selection of local and international music.
9. The Black Box – A cool, artsy venue that hosts everything from avant-garde performances to indie music shows. It’s perfect for those who want to catch something a bit offbeat and experimental.
10. Duncairn Arts Centre – located on North Belfast’s Antrim Road, this venue specialises in intimate and authentic Belfast performance experiences.
11. Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in the heart of West Belfast’s Gaeltacht area is a vibrant Irish language and cultural centre and home to some of the best traditional music and dance performacnes the city has to offer.

Whether you’re into live gigs, iconic spots tied to legendary artists, or just want to explore Belfast’s music scene in a relaxed way, there’s a lot to take in.

What is there to see and do outside of Belfast?

Northern Ireland is packed with stunning natural landscapes, coastlines historic sites plus charming towns and villages.  You’ll find lots of inspirational content with top tips for things to see and do on www.discovernorthernireland.com 

When in Belfast for the Fleadh 26, we recommend you travel the short distance to the home of  Ards Comhaltas. The Strangford Peninsula is one of our many hidden gems.  This region punches well above its weight in terms of scenic beauty.  Natural landscapes and seascapes are to be found around every corner of the winding 115-mile (185 km) coastline.  Go explore – we know you’ll love it.

https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/