The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Built in the 12th century by Norman lord John de Courcy, it was used to ward off attacks from the Scots, Irish, English, and French, and also served as a garrison during World War I and an air raid shelter during World War II.
Now permanently berthed at Belfast’s Hamilton dry dock, the SSNomadic is the last surviving vessel from the White Star Line, the once-prominent shipping line behind the ill-fated RMSTitanic. Built in the Harland and Wolff shipyards, the SSNomadic was the tender to theTitanic, ferrying passengers to the luxury cruise liner.
The turreted Scottish baronial–style Belfast Castle stands high atop a promontory overlooking the city. It was built using the fast-diminishing funds of the third Marquess of Donegall, and the castle now serves as a restaurant, wedding reception site, and events venue. A visitor center in the basement chronicles the history of the castle and the surrounding Cave Hill Country Park with which it shares the hillside, while the ornamental gardens promise stellar views over Belfast City Centre and Belfast Lough.
Since opening over a century ago, the Belfast Grand Opera House has withstood many challenges, including the Troubles and planned demolition, to become an iconic landmark. As Northern Ireland’s first listed building, the Art Nouveau theater has hosted many notable performers over the years, and the refurbished site continues to draw audiences today.
Founded in 1849 as a non-denominational alternative to Dublin’s Trinity College, Queen’s University Belfast is known for for its magnificent medieval-style campus. Visitors are drawn to the university’s eclectic mix of architectural styles and peaceful green space. Harry Potter fans will want to visit the red brick Lanyon Building that looks like a real-life version of Hogwarts.
Known for its artistic atmosphere, the ever-expanding Belfast Cathedral Quarter is the city’s up-and-coming cultural hub. The former trading district, now home to a number of galleries, music spaces, and trendy restaurants, hosts a number of indoor and outdoor events suited to everyone, including young travelers, foodies, and families.
Opened in 2008, this shopping center and the surrounding development was part of the post-conflict regeneration of Belfast’s city center. The center is home to more than 60 retailers as well as a cinema and restaurants, and features a glass dome viewing platform with 360-degree views of the Northern Irish capital.
Albert Memorial Clock is a well-recognized feature of the Belfast landscape. The Victorian structure stands at 43 meters (113 feet), overlooking Queen’s Square and River Lagan beyond. Built on reclaimed marshland, the tower is known for its slant, and is affectionately referred to as Belfast’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Though work on St. Anne’s Cathedral (also known as Belfast Cathedral) began in 1899, many changes and extensions were made during the following decades, culminating in the addition of the Spire of Hope in 2007. The neo-Romanesque structure contains a wealth of decorative features and artworks, including a 150,000-piece glass mosaic.
Explore an iconic naval vessel and gain insight into maritime history onboard the HMS Caroline in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. The only survivor of the Battle of Jutland, the decommissioned barge has a restored bridge, captain’s quarters, engine rooms, and decks. Here, visitors can learn more about life at sea and Northern Ireland’s vital role in World War I and II.
The Stormont Estate is home to Northern Ireland’s main government buildings. In addition to parkland and woodland, the 407-acre (165-hectare) estate contains the Parliament Buildings, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly; Stormont Castle, the seat of the Northern Irish Executive; and Stormont House, home to the Northern Ireland Office.
Viking plunder, Egyptian mummies, whale skeletons, fossils, and more than 15,000 artworks, are just some of the items in the vast and eclectic collections of the fascinating Ulster museum. Exhibits focus on history, natural sciences, and art, with paintings, sculptures, costumes, and mixed-media works on display.
Established in 1828, the flower-filled Botanic Gardens are Belfast’s loveliest green space and an ideal gray-day escape. The 28-acre (11-hectare) public park centers on the Charles Lanyon–designed mid–19th-century Palm House, a magnificent cast-iron and glass construction with a birdcage dome.
Known for its neoclassic architecture and fine acoustics, the Victorian Belfast Customs House stands in central Belfast, and hosts regular outdoor musical events. The Italianate-style building boasts a traditionally ornamental facade, which contrasts with the modern city Belfast is today, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Opened in the year 2000, this entertainment complex encompasses an indoor arena, a multi-screen movie theater, a bowling alley, and an interactive science center by the name of W5. Crowd-pullers at the arena include famous pop performers and sporting greats, such as local ice hockey legends the Belfast Giants.
Back in the early 20th century, the RMSTitanic sat in this vast 900-foot (274-meter) dock—then known as Thompson Dry Dock—while workers toiled to put the final touches on the luxurious liner. Next door, an Edwardian-era pump house, which was used to drain water from the dock, now houses original machinery andTitanic-inspired exhibits.
This small but fascinating museum documents Belfast’s troubled history, and the Irish republican resistance against the British. The collection, much of which was amassed by former republican volunteer Eileen Hickey, includes uniforms, weapons, handicrafts made by political prisoners, pictures, posters, and more.
Belfast is known for its shipbuilding heritage, urban regeneration, and blossoming food scene. As well as providing easy access to attractions such as Titanic Belfast, Belfast Cruise Port also serves as the gateway to Northern Ireland’s other big-name sights, including the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
A huge renovation project turned this once-neglected waterfront wasteland into one of Belfast’s most vibrant and most-visited neighborhoods. As well as apartments and a science park, the waterfront area also features severalTitanic-related attractions, most notably Titanic Belfast and the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House.
Built in the late 1880s and expanded several times between 1900 and 1922, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices were where the plans for the RMSTitanic and numerous other White Star Line ships were drawn up. Though the offices are now occupied by the Titanic Hotel, key heritage rooms have been preserved.
While there are only ruins left of Dunseverick Castle, what remains offers a striking sight, perched on an outcrop overlooking the Causeway coastline. This historic landmark in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a popular stop for those exploring the area’s dramatic landscape, with many combining a visit with a stop at the nearby Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Glenshane Pass is a prominent mountain pass that most people cross when traveling between the two cities. It cuts through the Sperrin Mountains on the A6 motorway, which links Londonderry and Belfast. It's also the gateway to the Glenshane Forest, a heather moorland spanning around 2,470 acres (1,000 hectares).
Belfast locals have been socializing in this National Trust-owned pub since 1826. Built by skilled Italian craftsmen who were brought over to help construct Catholic churches, the bar retains its sumptuous original interior, with stained glass windows, carved wood, patterned tiles, decorative panels, and mosaics all over.
Set at Linen Mill Studios, where some of Game of Thrones was filmed, Game of Thrones Studio Tour offers insights into the craft, sets, makeup, costumes, prosthetics, and special effects that shaped the iconic TV series. The 110,000-square-foot (10,200-square-meter) attraction boasts a wealth of photo ops, including one atop the Iron Throne.
