Things to do in Belfast

Belfast’s central landmark is the City Hall, around which lies much of the city’s main shopping and administrative zones. Along the Golden Mile, which stretches from the Grand Opera House to the university via Great Victoria Street, find a great selection of pubs, bars and restaurants. And for a step into Belfast’s shipbuilding past, take a tour around the shipyard that built the doomed RMS Titanic passenger liner that set sail in 1911.

Visit Belfast’s Big Fish – a 10-metre, printed ceramic mosaic fish sculpture. It was created in 1999 by John Kindness and sits in Donegall Quay. Perhaps you recognise the fish, as it is the emblem for Belfast and Northern Island tourism marketing. If you look carefully at the ceramic tiles that make up the fish’s body, you’ll notice they contain texts and images about Belfast’s rich history.

A nice day trip from Belfast is to the stunning granite range: Mourne Mountains. There are twelve peaks within this range and among them is Northern Ireland’s highest: Slieve Donard (850m). This area of outstanding beauty is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the nearby capital. Get in a full day of hiking then head back to Belfast for an Irish stew and a pint. The Irish will make you feel like you’re part of the furniture!