Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
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
■ Malone Lodge Hotel Belfast.
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 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. 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
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com book your table well in advance. Northern Ireland has also made massive strides forward when it comes to small artisan producers including Abernethy butter, used by Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck and by Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley. The cities hotel scene is also advancing and the recently refur- ■ Tita nic Belfast bished Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments in the popular Queen’s Area of South vations will result in 120 bedBelfast, near the iconic Uni- rooms, including 78 hotel versity is ideally situated. beds, and 52 apartment This four star property sur- bedrooms. “Knife and Fork” rounded by chic boutiques the restaurant experience and cafes at nearby Lisburn at Malone Lodge is a hidden Road is targeting the cor- gem. The service is impecporate, wedding and tour- cable; the food expertly preist market with the addition sented and all enhanced by an of an executive wing, a new impressive value for money 90-seater restaurant, under- wine list. Malone Lodge Hotel ground car park and suite is offering their “ultimate infor civil marriage ceremo- dulgence “experience from nies. With its accommoda- £155 per night including tion split into hotel rooms breakfast. Waiting in your and apartments, the reno- 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