Embrace Belfast, Ireland with These Top Attractions

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Belfast stands as both the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. Once considered an industrial giant during the 19th century, it is a city brimming full of personality as well as home to castles and natural wonders that have inspired famous authors, musicians, and artists throughout the decades. These locations are the perfect attractions for travelers to experience the legend and magic of Belfast.

Titanic Belfast

Belfast is home to Harland and Wolff, the shipyard that built the famous Titanic. It is also home to the Titanic museum that was named the world’s leading tourist attraction.¹ The museum offers many interactive exhibits that allow guests to experience different phases of the Titanic. Top features include a ride that engages the senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of construction on the Titanic. You will also get the chance to see the SS Nomadic, the ship’s tender.

Limelight

Stop in at Limelight for some of Belfast’s renowned nightlife. Limelight contains multiple venues and hosts a wide variety of musical genres. Bands that perform here range from up-and-comers to big names such as Oasis, Interpol, Public Enemy, and many more. A visit to Limelight is a must for the devoted music fan.

Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens

The Ulster Museum offers a wide variety of exhibits including an impressive art collection, an Egyptian mummy, and dinosaur skeletons. You can also learn more about the violent conflict between Protestants and Catholics, known as The Troubles. The surrounding Botanic Gardens are also worth seeing. Be sure to check out the conservatories for water-features and masterly designed walking paths. Both the Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens have recently undergone expensive facelifts, ensuring they remain a top attraction in Belfast for years to come.

Cavehill

For a great view of Belfast, hike to the top of Cavehill. The view is not the only attraction, the volcanic rock formations have been known to spark imagination throughout the years. The most prominent rock has been nicknamed “Napoleon’s Nose,” but according to famous author Jonathan Swift, the rocks look more like a sleeping giant. Wrap up your hike with a stop at 19th century Belfast Castle. Here you can grab a bite to eat or do a little antiquing.

St. George’s Market

To discover the heartbeat of Belfast, head over to St. George’s Market. It was built in 1896 and in recent years has won multiple prestigious awards. The market is full of great food options, with food stands offering both international and local cuisine. It is also the place to be for local crafts, antiques, and live music.

Dunluce Castle

What would a trip to Northern Ireland be without seeing some castle ruins? You can visit some of the most dramatic ruins at Dunluce Castle. The castle is situated atop jutting cliffs overlooking the ocean. The iconic ruins of this medieval castle have made it a prime film location for HBO’s Game of Thrones and are rumored to have been the inspiration behind Narnia’s castle, Cair Paravel.

Belfast City Hall

At Belfast City Hall you can learn more about the city’s history while touring this stunning Edwardian building. Visitors will get the chance to see a myriad of sculptures and stained-glass windows as well as a Titanic memorial. Stop by the building’s coffee shop for a hot beverage or a bite to eat.

Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A short way from the Dunluce Castle is Giant’s Causeway. A volcanic eruption formed unbelievable rock columns that seem too perfect to be a naturally occurring wonder. Another brief drive along the coastline will bring you to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This knee-weakening bridge connects the mainland to the Island Carrick-a-Rede. It was originally built in the 18th century for fisherman, but don’t worry; it has been modified since then. However, those with a fear of heights might want to keep their feet firmly planted on the mainland.

Cathedral Quarter

In Belfast Cathedral Quarter you’ll find the perfect mix of old and new. As you explore the cobblestone streets you’ll stumble across the city’s hottest bars and restaurants. Additionally, the many galleries and murals make this the best place to encounter the city’s art scene. Be sure to pay St. Anne’s Cathedral a visit to see the complex stained-glass windows and impressive marble patterns.

Belfast Black Taxi Tours
Whether historian or art lover, Belfast’s walls are a fascinating part of city’s history. Black Taxi Tours provides a colorful view of the world-famous Catholic and Protestant conflicts through murals that tell the story of the political unrest and of the peace that eventually came to Ireland.

HMS Caroline

Step aboard the historic WWI ship for an interactive tour. The HMS Caroline fought in the Battle of Jutland and is the second oldest ship in the Royal Navy Service. Visitors can now board the ship and learn what Navy life during WWI might have been like. A visit to the HMS Caroline includes touring the engine room, kitchen, and captain’s cabin.

Belfast has recently emerged as one of the finest places to pay a visit. Its complex history as well as its thriving art and music scenes, make it a must-see destination.

Need help planning a corporate meeting or incentive travel reward to Belfast? Contact Gavel International for more information.

1. https://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-worlds-leading-tourist-attraction-2016

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Jim Bozzelli

With over 34 years of experience, Jim is fluent in the ins and outs of the meeting and event world. His tenacity and creativity as a strategist have ensured that incentive programs and corporate meetings are highly polished while simultaneously achieving big-picture goals and objectives. Before focusing exclusively on corporate events and incentive programs, he enjoyed over 10 years of success managing and directing national and international sales. During this time, he worked closely with hotels and convention bureaus. His expertise was recognized with rapid promotions along the way. Over 18 years ago he joined the Gavel International team where he works tirelessly with clients to make their events shine by analyzing data, setting goals, negotiating contracts, as well as setting and managing budgets. He is currently the Vice President of Gavel International.