6 | NORTHERN IRELAND - Say Hello to More
Say Hello to More - NORTHERN IRELAND | 7
Botanic Gardens
Belfast: Quarter by quarter
The MAC view from the Atrium
Only have 48 hours to spend in Northern Ireland’s unique capital? We’ve narrowed down some of the highlights you shouldn’t miss
B
elfast has, in recent decades, become a hip and vibrant city with a thriving restaurant and pub scene, and many theatre productions and exhibitions which tourists instantly flock towards. But that doesn’t mean Belfast’s earlier days are all a distant memory. Looking to the past to build its future, many things old in Belfast have become new, as the city embraces the history which has helped it become the great city it is today. Divided into four quarters – with each reflecting something about a neighbourhood’s locale and history – a visit to Belfast will give you an opportunity to really understand and connect to your surroundings and the people who live there. Here’s a two-day guide to ensure you make the very most of your time in the city.
DAY 1 Titanic Quarter Start the day at one of the city’s main attractions, Titanic Belfast. Visitors can journey with RMS Titanic and discover the story of her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s through to her construction and launch, her famous maiden voyage, and tragic end. To truly appreciate this historic icon, take the Titanic Experience, where nine galleries each tell the story of
the ship’s past. Pay a visit to the Titanic’s last physical footprint in history by walking along the world-famous Thompson Dock on a guided tour of the Titanic Dock and Pump House. For a fun and practical way around the Titanic Quarter, families can take The Wee Tram which is inspired by the tramcars that ran through Titanic’s shipyard over 100 years ago, or try the unique Titanic Segway Tour. You’ll need at least 2-3 hours to really take in the Titanic experience, so make sure to arrive as early as possible. Docked nearby the Titanic is its ‘Little Titanic Belfast
HMS Caroline Sister’, the SS Nomadic, which was originally built alongside the RMS Titanic in 1911 and is the last remaining White Star Line Ship in the world. If you have time, explore more of Belfast’s maritime past by embarking on a journey across 100 years of naval history aboard the last surviving ship from the Battle of Jutland, with a visit to HMS Caroline, which is reopening in April 2017.
Cathedral Quarter Aim to make your way across the River Lagan and to the Cathedral Quarter near lunchtime, where you’ll find a mixture of restaurants to satisfy any hunger, as well as bars and live music. Tucked away in the Quarter’s historic back streets is The Muddlers Club, named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago, serving
simple food with an extensive cocktail list. Or, opt for a range of cichetti (Italian style tapas) at the popular Coppi in St Anne’s Square. For those looking for a quality cup of coffee, try minimalist coffee shop, Established. Next, wander around Custom House Square, which is renowned for some of Belfast’s biggest events including the St Patrick’s Day parade and concert. Surrounded by historical and modern buildings, the Albert Memorial clock and many sculptures and water features, it makes for an interesting place to explore. Alternatively, visit CS Lewis Square, where children and adults alike can relive the magic of Narnia. In the evening, discover some of the best of local theatre and art at The MAC, one of Europe’s leading arts centres. Visit
themaclive.com for a full list of what’s on. Stroll along the cobbled streets and fairy light-lined alleyways to find a lively bar to settle in for the night. The Duke of York boasts a memorabilia-filled bar where crowds spill out onto Commercial Court during good weather. For cocktails, visit the bar in The Merchant or for live music, The Dirty Onion.
DAY 2 Queen’s Quarter If it was a late night the night before, why not start your second day’s excursion in Queen’s Quarter. A treasure trove of eclectic shops, cafés, galleries and live entertainment venues, it also includes the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum. The Botanic Gardens is a perfect place to relax, with impressive tropical plants and birds of paradise. Nearby is The Ulster Museum. With over 12,000 works comprising drawings
Belfast City Hall
St George’s Market and sculptures, entry to the museum is free. Family highlights include coming face-to-face with dinosaur remains, meeting an Egyptian mummy and seeing the collections from Northern Ireland’s past. For delicious food on the go, visit The Yellow Door, which has a range of healthy salad boxes, sandwich boxes and even an afternoon tea box. Harlem Café, also nearby, is a popular and reasonably priced eatery with a vintage-designed interior and eclectic bistro menu.
Gaeltacht Quarter Now, it’s on to the west of Belfast, to the centre of Irish language and culture. Approximately a 12-minute drive from
Shopping in Belfast City Centre Queen’s Quarter, Gaeltacht Quarter is filled with a selection of painted murals documenting Irish history and, of course, a lively collection of Irish music and pubs. Start with a visit to An Chultúrlann, the Quarter’s flagship culture and arts centre which houses the Gerard Dillon art gallery, an interactive space which provides insights into the Irish language
and culture in Belfast, a restaurant and a book and gift shop – in case you want to bring home souvenirs for loved ones. Tourists can also hear a traditional Irish music session like no other. If time is on your side, visit the Battle of the Somme memorial in Shankill, which commemorates those who lived in Shankill and died in World War I. If you’re planning a trip to the Gaeltacht Quarter soon, Féile an Phobail, Europe’s biggest community festival with its spring (3rd-18th March) and summer (3rd-13th August) festivals, which provide a great opportunity to tap in the rhythms which define this vibrant and creative part of the city.