Experience the warmth of an Irish welcome when visiting Northern Ireland and the amazing city of Belfast and all it has to offer.
Experience the warmth of an Irish welcome when visiting Northern Ireland.
They say that the “warmth of an Irish welcome” stays with you long after
you visit. But as great as the people really are on this tremendously
friendly island, it’s the charm of Northern Ireland
that will be kept in your memory for a lifetime. For example, Lonely
Planet — the largest travel guide publisher in the world — recently
named Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast and the Causeway Coast as
2018’s Number One Region in the World to Visit. Here are some of the
amazing must-sees to enjoy on your next trip to Belfast and the Causeway
Coast.
The Highlights of Belfast
Did you know that the legendary ship, Titanic was built in Belfast?
That’s right, and visitors of Titanic Belfast — the world’s largest
Titanic visitor experience — can get up close and personal with where
the legendary ship was built and walk the same White Star Vessel decks
that the original passengers did all those years ago. This immersive
exhibit was named The World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the 2016
World Travel Awards and is definitely a can’t-miss destination on your
trip to Belfast.
For those looking to learn more about Belfast’s fascinating history,
be sure to book a Black Cab or Black Taxi tour. Take in the city’s many
historical sites including the famous political murals and stop off at
destinations like the gorgeous Cathedral Quarter, home to the
Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) where you can discover extraordinary
exhibits from cutting edge artists, innovative plays and stage
productions all year long.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city and less than a mile
from the MAC, is City Hall. With its breathtaking architecture and
interior, this iconic building is something that really needs to be seen
to be belieived. Tours of the grounds and the building can be booked
all week long. A thirteen-minute cab ride will get you to Belfast’s
beautiful Botanic Gardens. Guests of the Botanic Gardens will be able to
gaze upon the plant life collected within the grounds and greenhouse,
as well as travel through the garden’s famous Tropical Ravine. Just a
stone’s throw from the Botanic Gardens lies Queen’s University.
Established in 1895, the building’s stunning red-brick architecture and
magnolia trees makes the university a sight to behold.
Belfast’s Amazing Castles
What would a trip to Northern Ireland be without visiting some of
their amazing castles? About seven miles away from the Botanic Gardens
is Belfast Castle Estate where guests can tour the castle’s manicured
gardens and take in the incredible city views below. For more castle
adventures, you can travel eight miles north along the eastern coast to
Carrickfergus Castle. This 800-year-old castle played an important
military role in Irish history as it was used to fend off attacking
ships from the Scottish, English, and French. Today, it remains one of
the most well-preserved, medieval military posts on the island.
Celebrate with Belfast’s Year-Round Festivals
The city of Belfast is bustling year-round with festivals celebrating
the best of Northern Ireland’s music, food, arts and culture. For those
looking to travel this October, there’s no better time to check out the
city than when it comes alive for the annual Belfast International Arts
Festival. Running from October 16th to November 4th. This sprawling
festival will take over different venues all over the city with an
eclectic variety of performances and exhibitions across theater, dance,
film and digital arts projects. Highlights from this year’s lineup
include performances by African singer Angélique Kidjo and Folk and
Blues legend Eric Bibb.
There’s never been a better time to discover Northern Ireland. Book
direct flights to Belfast from New York’s Stewart International Airport
and Providence/Boston for as little as $115* one way. Learn more at Ireland.com/Belfast.
*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Flights available through October.
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