Belfast

HOS 1997

I am ashamed to say that I have never visited Belfast before. I am planning on going there for a day/night at the end of January. Can anyone recommend things to do when I'm there?

650Ginge

What are you interested in? Obviously thing is a 'Troubles' tour but belfast has a lot more to offer than that.

Lapin

Taxi Tour of areas affected by 'The Troubles'.

Pint in The Crown.

Buy books in No Alabis Bookstore.

Of course there are other pubs apart from The Crown above.
But it is a must see.

The newly developed Titanic Quarter is also worth a visit.

And for the year thats in it, the Titanic exhibitions themselves.

GAAman

You should check out Victoria Square as well. It is a big shopping centre but there is an observation area in the middle of it which is free and has some fantastic views of belfast.

HOS 1997

Thanks for the replies.

How far is the Falls Road from the city centre? I was thinking of getting a taxi there to have a quick look around. Not interested in doing any official tour but have heard so much about the area while growing up on the news it would be nice to see it first hand.

Lapin

HOS 1997 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

How far is the Falls Road from the city centre? I was thinking of getting a taxi there to have a quick look around. Not interested in doing any official tour but have heard so much about the area while growing up on the news it would be nice to see it first hand.

It walkable.

From Donegall Place in town, with your back to City Hall, turn left into Castle St and go straight on. Ahead of you is the Divis Tower. This landmark building marks the head of the Falls Rd. It takes over half an hour to walk the length of road to Milltown Cemetary at the other end.

A further 10 minutes or so down the Andersonstown Rd takes you to Casement Park. The Falls road is mainly residential with a few parades of shops, pubs etc scattered along it.

There are a number of murals along the way but many of them are to found in the surrounding terraced streets. The Bobby Sands Mural is located on the corner of Sevastopol St and Falls Rd on the side of the Sinn Fein offices.

The number 10 bus will take you back into town or any of the taxis that frequently operate along the road. (Don't be surprised if you are sharing the taxi with someone else going in the same direction, this is common enough in Belfast).

If you decide to walk back, its worth turning left at Northumberland Avenue crossing the 'Peace Line' if its open. This takes you into Shankhill Rd. Turn right here and continue on into town, (about 15 mins).
Its an interesting way to witness the differences between both traditions in Belfast in the space of a few footsteps. Best done during daylight hours though and not during mid June - early August.


PS - Fully agree with GAAman above regarding the Victoria Centre. The view from the dome is fab. And Free !

Tigerandahalf

HOS 1997 wrote: »

I am ashamed to say that I have never visited Belfast before. I am planning on going there for a day/night at the end of January. Can anyone recommend things to do when I'm there?

Well, I think the troubles kept a lot of people away for years and it's only in recent times that it has become a real good tourist option.
It's a beautiful city, with some beautiful old buildings. A walk around the main centre is well worth it. Consider taking a tour out to the Giant's Causeway and crossing Carrickareed (sp?) rope bridge. You can also go the Bushmills brewery. We did the our with a group called Allens tours I think it was. They guy in the bus was great craic and took us to some lovely spots around the city, e.g. the house where Jackson, a former US President lived/was born. In the city take the tour bus, it's very handy to get to see all the murals and other things like Titanic quarter, etc. Hop on hop off. You could also consider going to Ravenhill for a rugby game. A great city, well worth a visit.