This part of our web guide focuses on things to do and places to go in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and the largest city in the country, so there's a lot to see and do, whether you're into museums and historical places, libraries, art galleries, parks and recreational activities, sports, or live entertainment.
The Titanic was built in Belfast, and this is highlighted in the Titanic Museum, situated in the heart of the Titanic Quarter. The museum offers an immersive experience that showcases the history of the iconic luxury liner, from its construction to its tragic sinking.
Situated amidst the Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum features collections of art, natural science, and history, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Another notable museum is the Ulster Transport Museum, which focuse on the story of transportation and social change in Northern Ireland. The Ulster Folk Museum is an open-air facility that illustrates the lifestyle and traditions of Northern Ireland people, past and present. Visitors can stroll through a re-creation of the period's countryside, complete with farms, cottages, crops, and livestock. It also includes a representation of a typical 20th century town.
The Crumlin Road Gaol was once a working prison. Now a museum, it offers guided tours of the facilities.
Belfast Castle, constructed in the 1860s, is an example of Victorian architecture, and the Linen Hall Library, established in 1788, is the oldest library in the city. It holds an interesting collection or Irish and local studies, along with other rare books, newspapers, and manuscripts. Belfast Central Library offers a large collection of books, archives, and digital resources.
The Peace Wall is made up of barriers that once separated Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods in Belfast, and are a reminder of the city's turbulent past.
Belfast is home to a thriving arts scene, with several galleries showcasing local, national, and international artists. These include the George and Angela Moore Gallery at the Ulster Museum, as well as the Metropolitan Arts Centre in the Cathedral Quarter. The MAC hosts a wide range of art exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year. Belfast Exposed is a photography gallery that showcases work from local and international artists.
One of Belfast's premier entertainment venues, the Grand Opera House presents theatre, opera, ballet, and concerts. The Waterfront Hall is a modern concert venue that hosts a range of concerts and other events.
The Belfast International Arts Festival is held each October, showcasing the city's arts scene, with performances, exhibitions, and other events. Held in April, the Belfast Film Festival celebrates the city's film heritage, with screenings of local productions.
Belfast has more than forty parks, the oldest and most popular being Botanic Gardens. The largest municipal park in the city is Ormeau Park, situated on a hundred acres near the city centre. Victoria Park offers a variety of recreational facilities, including walking trails, a lake, and a sports area. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is known for its rose gardens, and is the site of the annual Rose Week festival.
Windsor Park in Belfast is the home of the Northern Ireland national football team and Linfield Football Club. Also in Belfast, Kingspan Stadium is the home field for Ulster Rugby. The Odyssey Arena is a modern sports and entertainment venue that hosts several events, from ice hockey matches to concerts and exhibitions. It is home to the Belfast Giants, the city's ice hockey team.
Belfast has something to offer for every interest and age. These and other attractions and events in Belfast are the focus of this category.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 1995, the Belfast Film Festival is an annual Northern Ireland event. Its website supplies readers with information about the annual Belfast Film Festival, which began in 1995. The site points to several of its previous findings and posts details about the festival in general and the upcoming festival, specifically. The team prides itself on its experimentation. Updated news that is pertinent to the festival is displayed on the website, and a festival archive is included.
https://belfastfilmfestival.org/
Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, BRD is a flat-track roller derby league with two teams that play teams from other leagues. It is a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association and has been sponsored by Lavery's Bar Belfast since 2014, when it became a full league member. The league is also a member of the Irish Roller Derby Association. Event schedules, skaters, officials, and sponsors are highlighted, and a shopping area is included.
https://belfastrollerderby.com/
Highlighting an annual music and arts festival that has performances of traditional Irish music, schedules and other information are provided. This site belongs to the non-profit charitable organization that runs and promotes year-round concerts and events in both Belfast and Bangor, Northern Ireland. The festival runs for 31 days in over 45 venues, including Seaside Revival Vintage Festival, a free festival. The website is updated frequently to reflect upcoming events.
https://openhousefestival.com/
Opened in 2012, and owned by the Maritime Belfast Trust, Titanic Belfast is a visitor attraction in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city's Titanic Quarter, the museum is a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage, telling the story of the RMS Titanic, which was built there, as well as her sister ships, the RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic. The building features galleries, private function rooms, and community facilities.
https://www.titanicbelfast.com/
Located in the Botanic Gardens in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Ulster Museum features material from the collections of fine art and applied art, archaeology, ethnography, treasures from the Spanish Armada, local history, numismatics, botany, zoology, and geology. The largest museum in Northern Ireland, it is one of the components of National Museums Northern Ireland. Its location, directions, opening hours, bookings, and a map of the grounds are set forth, and photos are displayed.
https://www.ulstermuseum.org/
The Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau runs this web site, which is about places to stay, eat, and visit in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as posting upcoming events. Hostels, caravanning, and camping options in and around Belfast are explored, as are university and serviced accommodations. The site also has a focus on sightseeing tours and area attractions, such as the shipyard and museum where the Titanic was built. Belfast neighbourhoods are discussed.
https://visitbelfast.com/
