What not to Miss in and around Belfast
Traditional pubs, stunning scenery and the incredible history of the Titanic make Belfast a very special place: welcome to the capital of Northern Ireland. Walk in the footsteps of famous Game of Thrones® heroes, soak up the city’s unique musical atmosphere or embark on an adventurous drive along the famous Causeway Coastal Route. In short: Belfast is so stunning in its many facets and at the same time so authentic that you will likely fall in love with the city and its surroundings from day one. Curious? As of April 2023, you can finally reach the thriving city by plane direct from Frankfurt am Main. Connected.
There’s no better place than Belfast to experience what may be the most moving shipwreck in history. Birthplace of the Titanic, the capital of Northern Ireland attracts many visitors every year. But this is not the only reason! Also known as the City of Music, the Baptist fountain from Game of Thrones®, Belfast is the heart of a vibrant arts scene and the gateway to incredible outdoor adventures. Last but not least, it is the conflict-filled history that greatly influenced the city’s special charisma. With a population of around 400,000, Belfast is pleasantly manageable, but the range and number of attractions is colossal.
The Best Experiences in Belfast and Beyond
Do you want to experience the city’s special magic for yourself? From April, a direct flight from Frankfurt am Main will finally take off. Reason enough to take the long awaited trip to Northern Ireland.
Let yourself be enveloped by the special pulse of the UNESCO “City of Music”.
From traditional bagpipe bands to pop, rock, punk and wave, there’s something for everyone in Belfast. The city cannot be limited to one style and has been shaping the modern music scene for decades. Throughout history, a variety of music scenes and artists have emerged, which have shaped the musical personality to this day.
No wonder Belfast was named the City of Music by UNESCO in 2021. The city breathes music and everyday life is full of it. From traditional roots music and local special instruments to famous big name winners. Big names like Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, Steve Littlefinger and Snow Patrol have managed to grow in Belfast and bring the city’s unique musical DNA to the world.
The city’s passion for music is repulsive. See for yourself on an evening tour of the pubs and sights of the city centre. Live music is part of the consistent evening program in many venues.
“Taste” a Piece of History on a Fun Pub Tour
If you haven’t been to a pub in Belfast, you haven’t been there yet. Because these are closely related to the city’s history. Most of the bars are located in historic buildings, and some of the venues are almost like museums. Beer and whiskey flow among the witnesses of historic times as they did hundreds of years ago. A mix of trendy bars and studios makes Belfast’s nightlife a real experience.
Don’t miss Bittles Bar, the best whiskey bar in town. A trip to The Sunflower Pub is almost mandatory in Belfast. The smallest and perhaps the best pub in town that epitomizes the typical charm of a small local corner bar. Nothing gloomy and shabby, but rustic and cozy, without the opulent glamor of the neighborhood’s modern pubs.
Take a Special Trip back in time to the Origins of the Titanic
It’s not just the pubs that convey the city’s attitude to life. Belfast was once a stopover for major maritime and trading powers. It is considered the city of the Titanic or the birthplace of the “Ship of Dreams”. It is here that the great steamship was built and launched. Today, an entire region reminds us of that time. In the middle is the futuristic building of the interactive museum “TITANIC BELFAST”, which takes you on a journey through time.
Giant rides, an underwater cinema and fantastically reconstructed cabins are just a small tip. Here you almost feel like Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, a worker on the Titanic or a first or third class guest. The somewhat authentic experience continues with a visit to the Titanic Dry Dock and the nearby SS Nomadic. It is the only surviving steamship owned by the White Star Line Shipping Company, which also operated the Titanic.
An overnight stay at Rayanne House is the perfect way to end the day. If you get a room here overlooking Belfast Lough, you can see where the ship had her first sea trials, integrated into the picturesque nighttime atmosphere. Finally, you can feel the Titanic’s magic with a private dinner. Chef Conor McClelland has gone to great lengths to recreate the original first-class Titanic menu. A unique treat not to be missed.
Discover the Famous Murals as a silent witness to Belfast’s Conflicted History
Visit St. George’s Market, Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall. The current zeitgeist and history meet here. Belfast has a wide variety of attractions – you can find the top 9 here.
Sooner or later, you’ll also learn about the somewhat darker sides of Belfast’s history, which nonetheless exude a certain allure. So-called “murals” are wall paintings and are considered silent witnesses to the conflict in Northern Ireland. You are on the wall of peace. The remains of this wall, along with a large number of house facades in the immediate vicinity, became the canvas for countless artists as the conflicts subsided in the late 1990s and the peace process began.
You can easily discover these historic and modern paintings on the fascinating “Black Taxi Tour”. Qualified drivers will talk about the traces left by historical and religious events in the city and its walls. During your taxi ride, you’ll also have the chance to admire Belfast’s newest murals, which celebrate modern stars of sport and culture and breathe new life into the city. Perhaps the most vivid history lesson of your life is waiting for you!
Experience great Game of Thrones® Movie sets
Fans of the series have long known that Northern Ireland is the home of Game of Thrones®. Places like Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbor instantly bring back memories of poignant moments from the series. The world’s only official GAME OF THRONES® STUDIOTOUR in Banbridge, near Belfast, takes you into the heart of the Seven Kingdoms.
In an area of 110,000 square meters, you can discover a variety of sets, costumes, props and original sets. Then follow in the footsteps of the Targaryens, Lannisters and Starks and conquer 26 GAME OF THRONES® LOCATIONS from Dark Hedges, aka Kingsroad, to Castle Ward, aka Winterfell Castle. Die-hard fans of the series shouldn’t miss out on activities typical of their favorite heroes either. How about an archery tour of the Castle Ward or a horseback ride on the beach?
Be Enchanted by the Mysterious Landscapes around Belfast
Of course, city tours are not only interesting for movie lovers. The landscape around Belfast is characterized by rugged coastal scenery, romantic forts and impressive scenery. Immerse yourself in the world of giants and fairies and feel the special magic of Northern Ireland with all your senses. Belfast is an ideal starting point for many excursions.
One path, many Adventures
An absolute highlight is the CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE from Belfast to Derry ~ Londonderry. Considered one of the most beautiful car rides in the world, there are breathtaking landscapes and adventures along the 200 km route.
Between romance and tragedy: the famous Dunluce Castle
Firstly, the famous DUNLUCE CASTLE, which sits atop a huge basalt rock and is one of the largest medieval castle ruins in Northern Ireland. Make sure you have time to visit. If you can let your imagination run wild, the ancient walls tell exciting stories about the rivalry between the MacDonnell and MacQuillan clans.
Sea Breeze in Northern Ireland
The following view requires a header for elevations. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge has connected Carrick Island and County Antrim on the mainland for over 250 years and promises an exciting adventure across the sea. Feel the salt spray on your cheeks and the wind in your hair.
No less impressive is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, also known as the “Giant’s Causeway”. Approximately 40,000 roughly hexagonal rock formations appear to form the path to the sea. Did you know that basalt columns were formed 60 million years ago in the volcanic age? Today many visitors climb the famous rocky geopark. As the stones glow golden red at sunset and you enjoy the view, you can calmly reflect on the day’s experiences.
Unforgettable experience: The Gobins Cliff Walk
The next adventure is already waiting for you: in the north of Belfast, GOBBINS CLIFF PATH takes you on a special tour. Conquer bridges, stone-carved steps, tunnels and caves – so close to the water that the salt from the lips of the sea can taste. The panoramic view rewards your bravery, I promise!
For the adventure! From April with Lufthansa from Frankfurt a. M. Straight to Belfast!
Dreaming of great nights out in Northern Ireland pubs, adventurous walks along the coast or thrilling excursions in the footsteps of Game of Thrones®? Belfast is waiting for you with many wonderful experiences. From 23 April 2023 you can reach the capital of Northern Ireland as a direct destination from Frankfurt am Main. The only question remains: when do you want to start your dream journey? Excursions can be booked on site and the journey time is just 2.5 hours.