Mairead Robinson suggests Belfast for a perfect City Break
We all love to get away for a few days and explore the shops, sights and restaurants of somewhere new. This is particularly true for the dark winter months, where a mid-week break can be very affordable. And for those with a Free Travel Pass – and where there are no flights or luggage restrictions – the destination has to be to head north. I am talking Belfast, where you can reach by train using your Travel Pass and it only takes a few hours to bring you to the very heart of the city. And now there is a train every hour from Dublin to the centre of Belfast. Travelling has never been so easy!
I have visited Belfast several times over the years, and always loved the hotels, restaurants, shops, sights, theatres and unique history which is part of our own, yet also separate. Now if this is your first visit to the city, you are in for a right treat, as there are so many great attractions and activities awaiting. First up has to be The Titanic Experience. This is where you can learn the story of the legendary ocean liner and her fateful journey across the Atlantic. This large exhibit takes you through ten galleries at the site of the ship’s construction. This would be the number one experience to enjoy in Belfast, followed by the Game of Thrones Experience where you can get behind the cameras and discover the secrets that made Game of Thrones the world’s most successful TV series.
Having enjoyed both those experiences, I got a taste of the more recent past by taking a Black Cab Ride through some of the most well known areas of the city which featured largely during The Troubles. One thing that really strikes you on any tour of the city, be it walking or in a cab, is the neighbourhoods and area names that you might have only be familiar with through television news. We did an extraordinary walking tour recently entitled A History of Terror, which lasted two and half hours and covered all the history you knew and all you didn’t! It started from City Hall where we were treated to a short introduction to Irish and British history and the background to the start of the Troubles in the late 1960s.
The vibrant Cathedral Quarter is popular with interesting restaurants and bars
Our guide was called Mylie and she certainly knew all the dates and details and she guided us to seven locations in the city centre where major events occurred between 1971 and 1976. It was an outstanding experience for those of us who remember hearing about the bombings on our televisions in 1972 and 1974 particularly, two of the worst years of the violence. ‘A History of Terror’ is a Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ and has been graded five stars by Tourism NI. It has been the number one walking tour in Belfast since 2014 and really helps you to understand the history of the troubles and the path to peace.
For details of this and other sightseeing tours, check out Belfast City Walking Tours, www.deadcentretours.com
Certainly a walking tour of Belfast city is the best way to learn the history, see the marvellous murals, and discover it’s history and culture.
Crumlin Road Gaol is a ‘must’ visit and you can joint one of their tours
If the darker side of history fascinates you, then a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol is a ‘must’. It is a 19th century Grade A listed gaol which is open to the public for guided tours, concerts and events. You can experience all aspects of the gaol, including the hanging cell! Some of the old photographs are quite moving, and included those of the Suffragettes and even children.
Interestingly enough, Belfast Distillery Company is located in the historic A-wing of the gaol, so you can visit both experiences under one roof!
One of the highlights of our recent visit was going to the world premiere of Denoument – by John Morton which was held in the Lyric Theatre and starring Patrick O’Kane and Anna Healy. These two fine actors have appeared in many film and TV productions, including The Fall, Game of Thrones and The Last Jedi (Patrick O’Kane) and both have received many theatre, Radio and TV credits. To see such accomplished actors on stage in Belfast was a real treat.
And finally, after packing so much into our visit, we were keen to try out some of the newer restaurants that we had not visited before. And indeed, we were not disappointed. Belfast’s food scene is alive and thriving.
Our top three restaurants of choice were Nova, Home and Coppi. With an Italian feel, we had the most delicious food, prepared with great care and delivered in a friendly atmosphere. We had lots of fish, including Tuna Carpachio Seabass, Mussels, Frito Misto and gorgeous cod. Each of those restaurants offered lovely starters and delicious main courses proving the food scene in Belfast is as good as ever and well worth the trip.
As we stayed in The Europa Hotel in city centre, we were literally three minutes walk from Belfast main station, and only a ten minute walk from our chosen restaurants. Indeed, Belfast has so much to offer as a great city break, that like ourselves, you will want to return again and again.
For more information on visiting Belfast check out www.discovernorthernireland.com
