Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Malone Lodge Belfast
Described by National Geographic Traveller Magazine as an “unspoilt treasure” Belfast is drawing crowds from everywhere these days. Wherever you look, new developments are changing the city’s landscape, from the foreshore area to the revived city centre. “Titanic” features numerous interactive galleries across 12,000 square metres of floor space all telling the story of the construction and doomed maiden voyage of the super ship. The interpretation also explores
the history of ship making at Harland & Wolff proving remarkably popular since its opening, attracting more than 500,000 visitors in just six months. www.titanicbelfast.com On the grounds of Queens University are the impressive gardens of Belfast Botanical. Their most notable feature being the Victorian-era Palm House conservatory; the curved iron and glass dome was an architectural achievement well ahead of its time - soon copied by every respectable garden in the old British Empire. The design of the Palm House allows the growth of exotic plants reminding you
n Knife & Fork at The Malone Lodge. RIGHT: Malone Lodge GM Terri Cassidy from Co Fermanagh.
of warm tropical lands far away. The other great Victorian project to have made an imprint on the city is St. George’s Market. Underneath its roof, all manner of fresh farm foods and exotic delicacies are displayed. The Friday Variety Market is known for their fish selection while Saturday’s Food and Craft event brings locally produced foods to eager buyers including pork from Cookstown and Armagh beef. Located below Cavehill Mountains is Belfast Zoo - an asylum for some of the most endangered species in the world. Additionally, the zoo has a walkthrough tropical rainforest. In line with the recent drive towards redeveloping the city centre. Victoria Square has become the leading shopping destination with four floors of retail, entertainment and dining. For culture vultures the Lyric theatre founded by local artists in the 1950’s has been revived thanks to efforts of famous Northern Ireland citizens- Liam Neeson and Kenneth Branagh. Afterwards pop down to the Crown Bar a Victorian gin salon operated by the National Trust.
(074) 9131018 Belfast’s restaurant scene has come of age in recent years offering fine dining and exciting mid-level experiences. Niall McKenna’s James Street South , Restaurant Michael Deane & new arrival Ox all fly the flag at the higher end but remember to book your table well in advance. Northern Ireland has also made massive strides forward when it comes n Christmas Mar to small artisan prokets Belfast Ci ty Hall ducers including Abernethy butter, used by Heston Blumenthal ground car park and suite for at the Fat Duck and by Mar- civil marriage ceremonies. cus Wareing at the Berkeley. With its accommodation The cities hotel scene is also split into hotel rooms and advancing and the recently apartments, the renovations refurbished Malone Lodge will result in 120 bedrooms, Hotel & Apartments in the including 78 hotel beds, and popular Queen’s Area of 52 apartment bedrooms. South Belfast, near the iconic “Knife and Fork” the restauUniversity is ideally situated. rant experience at Malone This four star property sur- Lodge is a hidden gem. The rounded by chic boutiques service is impeccable; the and cafes at nearby Lisburn food expertly presented and Road is targeting the cor- all enhanced by an impresporate, wedding and tour- sive value for money wine ist market with the addition list. Malone Lodge Hotel is of an executive wing, a new offering their “ultimate indul90-seater restaurant, under- gence “experience from £155
www.keeshotel.ie
per night including breakfast. Waiting in your room on arrival you will find a Bottle of Bubbly chilling served with chocolate dipped strawberries followed later by a 4-course evening meal for 2 at “Knife and Fork “restaurant. www.malonelodgehotelbelfast.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com