đī¸ Belfast Travel Guide âHistory, Culture & Iconic Landmarks
Introduction
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city where history meets modern culture. Known for the Titanic Experience, murals on the Falls Road, and proximity to the Giant's Causeway, Belfast is a must-visit destination whether you're exploring on a short break or taking a day trip from Dublin.
âšī¸ Belfast is about 2 hours from Dublin. We specialize in day trips closer to Dublin (Wicklow, Howth, Newgrange). Belfast is best experienced as an overnight trip or separate visit from Northern Ireland.
Top Things to Do in Belfast
Titanic Belfast
The world's leading Titanic museum, telling the story of the ship that was built here.
Belfast Murals & Falls Road
Take a black taxi tour to explore the city's political history.
St. George's Market
A lively farmers' market with food, crafts, and live music.
Belfast Castle & Cave Hill
Stunning views over the city.
Game of Thrones Set Belfast
Visit filming locations from the hit series.
The Titanic Belfast Experience
The Titanic Belfast Museum is the city's top attraction, with nine interactive galleries.
- Tickets: From around ÂŖ24 / âŦ28 (book online to skip the queue).
- Highlights: Titanic's construction, launch, and legacy, plus the SS Nomadic ship nearby.
- Titanic Hotel Belfast: Stay in the historic Harland & Wolff drawing offices for a unique experience.
đĄ Planning Your Visit
Belfast is about 2 hours from Dublin by train or car. We recommend making it a separate trip or overnight stay to fully experience the city.
The Giant's Causeway â A Day Trip from Belfast
Just 1.5 hours from Belfast, the Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.
Combine your visit with stops at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and the Causeway Coastal Route.
Many tours leave from Belfast daily, but a private trip from Dublin lets you see both Belfast and the Causeway in one day.
đĄ Getting There
The Giant's Causeway is best visited from Belfast. Many tour operators offer day trips from Belfast city. From Dublin, it's a long day trip (4+ hours driving).
Hotels in Belfast City
Belfast offers everything from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays:
đ Browse more options at Hotels in Belfast or Airbnb Belfast
Restaurants in Belfast
Belfast's dining scene has exploded in recent years:
OX Belfast
â Michelin-starred dining by the River Lagan
Deanes EIPIC
â Fine dining in the city centre
The Muddlers Club
â Hidden gem with seasonal menus
Kelly's Cellars
â Traditional pub with live music and Guinness
The Crown Liquor Saloon
â Historic Victorian pub with traditional atmosphere
Traditional Pubs: Enjoy live music and Guinness at Kelly's Cellars or The Crown Liquor Saloon.
FAQs About Belfast
Is Belfast in Northern Ireland or Ireland?
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
What is the Titanic Belfast?
It's the world's largest Titanic museum, built on the site of the original Harland & Wolff shipyard.
How much are Titanic Belfast tickets?
Tickets start at around ÂŖ24 / âŦ28, with discounts for children and families.
What is a Belfast Black Cab Tour?
A local taxi guide will take you through the city's political murals, history, and culture.
What are the best hotels in Belfast city centre?
Top picks include The Merchant Hotel, Fitzwilliam Hotel, and Maldron Hotel Belfast.
How far is Belfast from Dublin?
By train: around 2 hours 10 minutes. By car: about 2 hours via the M1 motorway.
What is the Giant's Causeway, and can I visit from Belfast?
It's a UNESCO site made of natural basalt columns, just 1.5 hours north of Belfast. Many day trips are available.
What's the weather like in Belfast?
Mild and often rainy â pack a jacket! Average summer highs are 18â20°C.
Explore Closer to Dublin
We Specialize in Dublin & Nearby Day Trips
Belfast is a fantastic city, but it's better experienced with an overnight stay. We focus on destinations within 1-2 hours of Dublin that give you more time to explore.
đī¸ Dublin City
Guinness, Trinity, castles
âŦ400
đī¸ Wicklow & Glendalough
Mountains, lakes, monasteries
âŦ500
đī¸ Newgrange & Tara (Meath)
5,000-year-old monuments
âŦ500
đ Howth Peninsula
Coastal village, cliff walks
âŦ400