Belfast.
We recently wanted to visit somewhere different for a weekend away and decided on somewhere never previously visited by us, Belfast. We have put together a few ideas and recommendations for you to consider for a future visit.
Bus tour:
The tour lasts approximately 90 mins and costs just £20. It operates a hop on hop off policy for ease and has a comprehensive and often amusing commentary by experienced, informed hosts. The tour zig zags across the city centre and even includes those parts of the city most affected by the ‘troubles’ in those dark days.
Titanic Experience
The birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which famously struck an iceberg and sank in 1912. This legacy is recalled in the renovated dockyards’ Titanic Quarter, which includes the Titanic Belfast, an aluminium-clad museum reminiscent of a ship’s hull, as well as shipbuilder Harland & Wolff’s Drawing Offices and the Titanic Slipways, which now host open-air concerts.
It’s a must-see attraction and well worth the entrance, but we didn’t bother with the VIP package. Book ahead to avoid having to hang around (or take solace in the Titanic Hotel’s bar like we did).
It brings home just how huge the ship was and the terrible loss of life. Those lucky enough to afford First Class were in luxury. Those in 3rd class less so. The Odyssey, Titanic’s tender vessel is also well worth a look over and it’s included in the price.
More information
Titanic Hotel & Bar
Beautifully restored former Harland & Wolff buildings with the bar in one of the former
Drawing Offices, serving up an extensive list of drinks, with cocktails being their speciality. The young enthusiastic team are in constant motion serving up classics (we chose Negronis and Espresso Martinis) as well as unique to the house Titanic Mai Tai. Wines and spirits are also available and surprisingly priced not to break the bank. Joyful hours were spent there across the visit. More here
Today, visitors to Thompson Dock (a short walk from Titanic Experience and Hotel) can view the workings of their distillery and hear the story of Belfast’s whiskey tradition, why it disappeared and how it has returned with the city’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years. Learn more here
Gay district
The “Gay Village” compacted around Union Street is very welcoming and offers several really interesting venues to choose from, all located close to the Cathedral Quarter.
Union Street Bar and The Maverick are at opposite ends of the street and both offer a friendly welcoming atmosphere, with Drag led performance, large screens and super friendly service.
The Reporter is a cosy, intimate, friendly bar and is also home to the Gay Rugby team Belfast Azlans. Music levels here are ‘softer’ and it’s definitely popular with the more mature customer. The walls are crammed with fascinating articles from Belfast’s past. Dog friendly too.
Spaghetti Arms Restaurant and Hatch is the real find for lovers of great food. Michelle and her super team are so welcoming, fun and friendly. Knowledgeable too. Sunday Lunch is a must, and the main menu is modestly filled with varied, very tasty food. Booking is essential (just 20 covers) and the hatch operates into the later hours after the restaurant closes. More here
There are several other LGBTQ offerings listed here:
@paperxclipsbooks is a LGBTQ+ owned bookshop, coffee shop and barbers just round the corner from union street.
@sunflowerpub is just 2 minutes’ walk from union street. It’s a very inclusive traditional pub with a great pizza oven out back. Occasionally host drag shows in their upstairs space.
@bubumenonly is a monthly club night held in the shoe factory. The first Friday of every month. They run occasional kink nights but accepting of gear at all events.
@ponyhawke a monthly queer club night held in the Ulster Sports Club, a venue near custom house square. It describes itself as “an inclusive space for the curious, outrageous & free spirits”.
@murielsbelfast is the bar with the underwear haha. Lovely little inclusive gin bar.
@showsomelovebelfast are a charity with an event space. They host regular speaker lead events for the community, host fundraisers and drag cabaret nights.
Travel
It’s easy to get to from Manchester with both Air Lingus and Easyjet flying into the centrally located Belfast City Airport. Aldergrove International airport is a long way out but there is a buslink to the city.
Belfast can be a tad expensive even for budget accommodation. It has plenty of the major hotel brands all within easy walking distance or by short bus/cab to the major attractions. Uber also operates in Belfast.
It’s easy enough to get round on buses as the system is modern and it’s easy to buy tickets and to navigate a journey.
Overview
Belfast is a real discovery and such a great alternative to Dublin or other weekend break destinations. There are lots of tourist things to do when not eating or drinking, either by local transport as mentioned above or alternatively on foot, although don’t expect much going on before 10am on Sundays. People are very friendly and helpful and demonstrate that world famous hospitality at every turn.
Highly recommended.
Paul and Iain for Canal St Media.
Call our Travel guru Gary Manners 0161 826 7430 who will be happy to arrange a tailored package including most or all of the above.