Unique Things To Do In Belfast

An Overview of Belfast

Belfast stands as the capital and largest city of Northern Island. Historically, it’s been a major hub for trade and political power in the Kingdom and Province of Ulster. Belfast is the birthplace of the Titanic, as well as many other ships that voyaged the world safely. The city was also a political hotbed during the Irish civil struggles, often known as the era of the “Troubles.” Now, Belfast is a beautiful city with a rich history. Art and museums are found throughout the area and the gorgeous surrounding countryside is used for filming locations, such as Game of Thrones. There are many unique things to do in Belfast.

Unique Things To Do In Belfast

Crown Liquor Saloon (The Crown)

This is a wonderfully restored and extremely elegant Victorian Gin Palace filled with ornate beauty The interior of the building is absolutely gorgeous with mahogany-carved private booths, elegant wall artworks and etched glass features. The Crown has retained its impressive splendor thanks to decades of restoration and official recognition as a historical point of interest. Getting a drink at this gorgeous saloon is one of the most enjoyable and unique things to do in Belfast.

Albert Memorial Clock (Albert Clock)

The Albert Memorial Clock is a major landmark in Belfast. It’s a French-and-Italian styled clocktower located in Queen’s Square. This slightly tilted structure ornate structure is surrounded by concrete fountains and public artworks. It can easily be seen by those visiting River Lagan.

C.S. Lewis Square

This is an impressive public space dedicated to C.S. Lewis, the author of the Chronicles of Narnia.  The sculptures in the square depict the most famous characters from the series, including Mr. Tumnus, the White Witch, the Beavers and of course Aslan the Lion.

The Salmon of Knowledge (The Big Fish)

This is an enormous ceramic tile sculpture located along the banks of the River Lagan.  The sculpture is an homage to the legendary fish which was eventually eaten by the Irish mythological hero, Fionn.  By eating the Salmon, Fionn gained all the knowledge or wisdom in the world. This sculpture of the fish is covered in pictures and text referencing Belfast’s history.

Belfast Titanic Memorial Garden

This is a solemn, large marble monument dedicated to one of the most famous tragedies of the modern era.  The monument honors all of the passengers and crews who died on the RMS Titanic during it’s fateful crash. The monument can be found next to Belfast City Hall.

Belfast Peace Lines

Following the shaky peace which ended “The Troubles” through the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, these monuments are stark lines of high walls and murals which separate ideologically opposed neighborhoods. Many of the Peace Lines have been painted with politically potent murals referencing the conflict, Ireland and references to major events.

Palm House Botanical Gardens (Belfast Botanical Gardens)

This is a free-entry cast-iron glass house designed with an unfortunate feature.  The building soaks up heat and light during the hot months, causing the interior plants to get scorched.  Thus, the Palm House was sprayed down with whitewash to prevent the interior from cooking. It’s now part of a series of beautiful garden spaces found near the Ulster Museum.

The Titanic Launch Site (The Titanic Museum)

These are the docks where the original Titanic was launched. The space now hosts an elaborate museum depicting the Titanic’s creation, sensation, voyage, destruction, legacy and survivors. For visitors wishing to learn more about the international sensation the tragedy of the Titanic caused, visiting this musuem is one of the most emotional and unique things to do in Belfast.

Giant’s Causeway

This is an easy day trip from Belfast. The Giant’s Causeway is a legendary series of interlocking basalt columns in geometric shapes which stride into the ocean waters off the coast of Northern Ireland.  The Causeway has many legends around it, the most famous following the tale of a Giant and the legendary Fionn mac Cumhaill shouting insults across the sea at one another until the Giant built a causeway for vengeance.  The Causeway is collapsed after the Giant is tricked and flees. The remaining columns are what people see today. It is a beautiful and popular portion of the country to visit. Visiting the Causeway is one of the most popular and unique things to do in Belfast.

Ulster Museum

This is an educational museum dedicated to the celebration of Ireland’s culture and scenery. The exhibits are housed inside a strange building made of different architectural styles.  The building includes unique exhibits, including art, fossils, furniture, armor and industry. There are also traveling exhibits which often return to the museum, including exceptionally long tapestries depicting the events of Game of Thrones and flying wicker dragons.

Auntie Sandra’s Candy Factory

This is an interactive candy exhibit with a varied history and many traditionally made samples. Visitors can enjoy chocolates, fudge, hard candies as well as short tours and candy-making demonstrations.

St. George’s Market

This is a Victorian covered shopping market and cobbled pathway near the city’s center. This market is only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but it’s considered one of the best markets in the United Kingdom. St. George’s Market is known to host live music events for visitors.

Divis Mountain (Black Mountain Summit and Ridge Trails)

Located slightly north outside of Belfast, this is an extended walk which overlooks the lowlands and city area. Hikers can enjoy panoramic city views, mountain trails, nature loops and lively local wildlife.

Cave Hill Hike

This is a somewhat challenging hike that leads to a series of sharp cliffs overlooking Belfast and Belfast Castle. The route takes a little over two hours as hikers move past unsurfaced paths, the caves leading to McArt’s Fort and moorland and meadow scenery.

Belvoir Park Forest

Belvoir Park Forest is a working forest connected to the longer Lagan Valley Park. This quiet patch of land is known for low forested trails and wide, slightly boggy fields. There are several famed archaeological sites hidden within the forest, including the remnants of a 12th century Norman motte.

Navan Fort

Navan Fort is a impressive round temple constructed by a warrior clan on an archeological site.  It now exists as a ceremonial monument and was one of the great royal sites of Pre-Christian Ireland. The fort includes a woodland walk around the base of the central hill. The area surrounding the fort has a mock village depicting life from over 2,000 years ago with a special focus on ceremonial Irish warriors and their beliefs.

Dunseverick

Dunseverick is a hamlet near the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.  The most famous aspect of this site is a storied castle ruin dating back to the 5th century. It’s set in picturesque, coastal surroundings

The Dark Hedges

This is a beautiful avenue accented by rows of planted beech trees. The trees, which were planted in the eighteenth century by the Stuart family, created a compelling landscape leading up to the entrance of their mansion. The area is now heavily photographed and was used as a dramatic setting in entertainment, such as Game of Thrones.

National Trust Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Located near the Giant’s Causeway, this is a National Trust property which protects Downhill Castle and it’s surrounding estate. The property and ruins rest on a cliff’s edge, offering panoramic views across the North Atlantic Coast. The venue requires an admission fee to enter.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is a now-totally-ruined medieval structure in Northern Island. Long ago, it was the seat of power for Clan MacDonnell. It eventually fell into the hands of other powerful clans which were influential in Ulster. The castle continued to be historically potent until it’s destruction, which is a subject of local legends. Stories say that due to personal strife (in some stories, a wife’s animosity and in others, an arriving ruling queen), the main kitchen of the castle collapsed into the sea, killing dozens. In truth, the kitchen of the castle is still intact but much of the structure’s stonework has been scavenged, making the buidling unstable and dangerous. Despite this, the castle is a beautiful sight.

National Trust Carrick-a-Rede

This is a famous, old rope bridge which links the Northern Ireland mainland to the small, stony island of Carrickarede. The bridge mainly serves as a tourist attraction, but for the last several hundreds of years, it was a popular tool for salmon fishermen. Fishermen would cross the swaying structure to drop their nets into the secluded, salmon-rich waters around the island. Visitors can view the island and the bridge while also appreciating the local birds. There are often guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars nearby.

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