belfast

Maps Events Restaurants Cafés Nightlife Sightseeing Shopping Hotels 

Belfast 

August - September 2014 

This is Titanic 

In and around 

Belfast’s big attraction 

Beauty and the beach 

Seaweed spa breaks 

beside the sea 

WIN a Translink Family 

Pass and tickets to W5 

COMPLIMENTARY COPY 

inyourpocket.com 

N°53 

belfast.inyourpocket.com

Contents 

ESSENTIAL 

CIT Y GUIDES 

Arriving & Basics 5 

Belfast’s Quarters 11 

History 12 

Our complicated past condensed to one page 

Culture, Events & Sport 13 

Restaurants 16 

Cafés & Bistros 20 

Nightlife 23 

What to see 28 

Titanic in Belfast 35 

West Belfast & Shankill 39 

NI Highlights & Hidden Gems 41 

Derry~Londonderry 48 

Where to stay 51 

Shopping 52 

Maps & Index 

Northern Ireland 55 

City centre 56-57 

Greater Belfast 58 

Street Index 58 

Follow Belfast In Your Pocket 

on 

and 

20 Stops Including 

Hop On - Hop Off 

Living History Tour 

Hop On - Hop Off 

Wall Murals 

Titanic Quarter 

Parliament Buildings 

(Stormont) 

2 s 

Belfast CitySightseeing Ltd, Unit 16, Duncrue Industrial Estate, Duncrue Road, Belfast BT3 9B 

Tel: 02890 321 321 Fax: 02890 33 33 88 

find us on 

Follow us on Twitter! 

www.city-sightseeing.com www.citysightseeingbelfast.com 

@tourbelfast 

facebook.com/BELFASTIYP 

August - September 2014 3

Foreword 

Northern Ireland’s north coast continues to dominate 

for daytrippers. So, when we got an invite to check out a 

new spa with self-catering, we thought ‘aye, go on’. Find 

out Bellisle’s delights on p.45. 

Back in Belfast city, late summer transcends into early 

autumn as locals mingle with in-bounds here to dine, 

shop and sightsee. Not forgetting going wild and crazy 

with a great line-up of concerts. See p.13 for the latest 

events. Then flick to What to see (p.28), Restaurants 

(p.16) and Nightlife (p.23) to round off your big Belfast 

blowout. 

Derry~Londonderry awaits with its city sights and delights. 

We never tire of a walk along the medieval walls 

followed by a pint at Peadars or meal in one of the city’s 

many fine restaurants. And Fermanagh’s lakes, Mourne’s 

mountains and the Ards Peninsula’s stunning coastline 

keep that fine NI scenery rolling. Go explore from p.41. 

Cover story 

NORTHERN 

IRELAND 

IRELAND 

DUTCH 

CARIBBEAN 

NETHERLANDS 

POLAND 

GERMANY 

BELGIUM 

CZECH 

REPUBLIC 

Ever since Titanic Belfast 

opened in April 

2012, ahead of the 

centenary of the ship’s 

sinking, it has arguably 

established itself 

as NI’s most iconic visitor 

attraction. If you 

haven’t been yet, go. 

If you have, go again 

and explore more 

of Titanic Quarter’s 

maritime sights (from 

p.35). 

ESTONIA 

LATVIA 

LITHUANIA 

BELARUS 

AUSTRIA 

SWITZERLAND 

HUNGARY 

SLOVENIA 

CROATIA 

ROMANIA 

ITALY 

BOSNIA SERBIA 

BULGARIA 

MONTENEGRO 

FYR MACEDONIA 

ALBANIA 

GREECE 

UKRAINE 

RUSSIA 

SOUTH 

AFRICA 

Publisher ESSENTIAL 

Belfast In Your Pocket CIT Y GUIDES 

belfast@inyourpocket.com 

www.inyourpocket.com 

ISSN 1747-0021 

© Belfast In Your Pocket 

Published four times per year. 

Next issue Oct - Dec 2014 

Published by In Your Pocket Ltd. 

For all enquiries and comments 

contact belfast@inyourpocket.com 

Editorial 

Managing Editor 

Heidi McAlpin (+44) (0)7980 267233 

heidi.mcalpin@inyourpocket.com 

Design Vaida Gudynaite 

Copyright notice 

Text copyright Belfast In Your Pocket 2000-2014. Maps copyright 

Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Visit West Belfast, Visit West Belfast 

and Visit Derry. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may 

be reproduced in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose 

of review, without written permission from the publisher and 

copyright owner. The brand name In Your Pocket is used under 

license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernardinu 9-4, Vilnius, Lithuania 

tel. (+370-5) 212 29 76). 

For competitions and all the latest Belfast and NI tourism 

news...Find us on 

and 

/BELFASTIYP 

@BELFASTIYP 

GEORGIA 

About IYP 

We have come a long way in the 22 

years since we published the first In 

Your Pocket guide - to Vilnius in Lithuania 

- so much so that we are today the 

largest publisher of locally-produced 

city guides in the world. The recent 

publication of a guide to the islands of 

the Dutch Caribbean - our first in the 

Western Hemisphere - has taken the 

number of guides published each year 

by In Your Pocket to well over five million, 

spread across more than 100 cities 

on three continents. And there is more 

to come: make sure you keep up with all 

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on Facebook (facebook.com/inyourpocket) 

or following us on Twitter (twitter. 

com/inyourpocket). 

SYMBOL key 

BELFAST Weather 

Arriving & Basics 

4 Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com facebook.com/BELFASTIYP 

August - September 2014 5 

Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm) 

H Conference facilities 

L Parking 

K Restaurant 

D Sauna 

M Metro Bus 

Temper rature °C 

20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

h FREE admission 

F Fitness centre 

J City centre location 

C Swimming pool 

Y Belfast Visitor Pass 

By plane 

George Best Belfast City Airport Named after 

the East Belfast-born footballing legend, this airport is 

just 3km east of the city centre, off the A2 Sydenham bypass. 

It has conference facilities, ATMs, foreign exchange, 

WiFi, and a small selection of shops and food outlets. To 

get to town by bus, hop on the Airport Express 600; tickets 

£2.40/3.60 single/return, buses run every 20mins peak 

times Mon-Sat, reduced service Sun. Tickets can be purchased 

at the Airport TIC or on the bus. Approved airport 

taxis charge c. £8 for the 10min ride into the city centre. 

You can take a less frequent train into the city or, in the 

opposite direction, to Holywood and Bangor, from the 

nearby Sydenham halt.QH-1/2, tel. (+44) (0)28 9093 

9093, www.belfastcityairport.com. 

Belfast International Airport Situated 29km 

north of the city centre along the M2 motorway, facilities 

include postal services, ATMs, currency exchange, a business 

lounge, WiFi and a tourist information desk. To get 

to town by bus, Airport Express 300 to the Europa Buscentre 

runs every 15mins at peak times Mon - Fri, (reduced 

frequency Sat & Sun) and hourly through the night. The 

30-40min journey costs £7.50/10.50 single/return. A taxi 

to the city centre takes 30mins and costs c.£30; a list of 

other sample fares is displayed in the exit hall. QK/L-3, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9448 4848, www.belfastairport.com. 

By train & by bus 

Translink (tel. (+44) (0)28 9066 6630, www.translink.co.uk) 

is NI’s main provider of public transport. 

There are no left luggage facilities at any stations. 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Rainfall (mm) Min Temp (°C) Max Temp (°C) 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Rainfa ll (mm) 

Tourist information 

Belfast Welcome Centre Touch screens, info 

desks, tourism literature and a shop populate this 

state-of-the-art centre. QC-2, 9 Donegall Sq. North, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 6609, www.visit-belfast.com. 

Mon-Sat 09:00 - 19:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00. Y 

West Belfast Tourist Information 

PointQE-3, An Cultúrlann, 216 Falls Rd, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9096 4180, www.culturlann.ie. Y 

IRISH TOUR TICKETS Tourist info, tickets, left luggage 

and souvenirs. Belfast, Game of Thrones and 

Giant’s Causeway Tours also available. QB-2, 10 Gt. 

Victoria St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 0101, www.irishtourtickets.com. 

Daily 08:00 - 21:00. 

Waterfall of Souvenirs detail, Europa BusCentre 

Belfast Central Rail Station All major destinations 

are served such as Derry~Londonderry (including 

a picturesque portion of the North Coast) and Dublin (a 

c.2hr journey on the flagship Enterprise service). Keep your 

rail ticket for a free bus ride into town via any Metro service 

outside the main entrance. Alternatively, turn left outside 

the main entrance for a 10 min stroll into the city centre. 

QD-2, East Bridge St. 

Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria 

Street Rail Station Buses from the city’s most 

centrally located transport hub provides frequent services 

across NI, including Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, George 

Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. 

Translink also provides fast and frequent services from 

Belfast Europa Buscentre to Dublin/Dublin Airport service 

(service X1/X2). Ulsterbus Tours and private operators from 

the UK Mainland, Ireland and continental Europe also terminate 

here. The Gt. Victoria St. Railway station is at the far 

end of the concourse, serving six main NI lines and Dublin 

City Centre. QB-2, Great Victoria St. 

Laganside Buscentre Located beside the River 

Lagan, this bus station serves the North Down area including 

Bangor, Downpatrick and the Ards Peninsula. QD-1, 

Donegall Quay.


public transport 

Translink is NI’s main provider of passenger transport; NI 

Railways (rail), Goldline, Ulsterbus and Metro (bus). For 

full service and timetable information, tel. +44 (0)28 90 

66 66 30, translink.co.uk. 

Belfast by bus 

Translink Metro is Belfast’s bus service. Most services 

depart within Donegall Square, outside Belfast 

City Hall. (see map p.8-9). 

Metro dayLink Travelcard: £3.50 unlimited travel 

all day,£3 unlimited travel after 9.30am* 

Metro Day Tickets: £3.70 unlimited travel all day, 

£3.20 unlimited travel after 9.30am* 

*Mon-Fri 9.30am–3pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–7pm. 

Child fares half price. £1 to purchase dayLink 

Travelcard. Buy online at www.translink.co.uk, 

Smartlink Agents, Metro Kiosk, Visit Belfast Welcome 

Centre, or main Translink stations. Metro 

dayLink cards can be loaded with 1, 5 or 10 days 

travel. Valid on all Metro and Ulsterbus services 

within the Metro network. Valid for travel on 

day of purchase, cannot be transferred. 

Belfast-Dublin Airport-Dublin City by 

coach Ulsterbus Goldline Express Service X1/X2 

operates daily between Europa Buscentre and Dublin 

Airport/Dublin city (c.2hrs/2hrs 30mins) hourly 05:00 

- 21:00, then early bird services at 23:00, 01:00 - 03:00. 

Dublin Airport and city single/return £13.50/14.15 and 

£19.50/20.85. Go online for reduced web and promotional 

fares. 

Northern Ireland by train - NI Railways 

NI Railways operates a rail network across the province 

serving the following routes.Bangor line: Bangor- 

Belfast 

Larne line: Larne Harbour-Belfast 

Derry~Londonderry line: Derry~Londonderry- 

Coleraine and Portrush-Belfast 

Portadown line: Newry-Portadown-Belfast 

Dublin line: Belfast-Portadown-Newry-Dundalk- 

Drogheda-Dublin (Enterprise Train - see p.5). 

Sunday Day Tracker: Unlimited Sunday travel on all NI scheduled 

train services. (£7/£3.50). No time restrictions apply. 

Northern Ireland by bus - Ulsterbus 

NI Rambler Services: Translink operate a number of services 

to promote tourism in rural areas. These are ideal for 

tourists and locals who want to explore some of NI’s most 

spectacular scenery by foot. Rambler services set down and 

pick up at key locations, and service main bus stations. Tickets 

can be purchased from the driver. 

Year-round 

Seasonal 

Kilkeel Rambler Causeway Rambler 

Sperrin Rambler Mourne Rambler 

Bus Rambler Ticket: available every Sun and during 

main NI school holidays. Unlimited travel on all Ulsterbus, 

Goldline and Metro Services. Must be purchased 

after 9.15am. Available from the driver (£9/£4.50). 

Translink Family & Friends tickets are available every Sat, 

Sun and main school holidays for £20 and provide unlimited 

bus and rail travel for up to 2 adults and 4 children (min. 1 

adult and 1 child, Extra child £4) anywhere in NI. 

Bus & Rail iLink Smartcard 

Unlimited day, weekly or monthly bus and rail travel 

within 5 specified zones. Available for adults and children 

and is ideal if you travel by both bus and train on a 

regular basis. It is easy to use and can be topped up at 

one of the designated sales outlets. 

All fares and services subject to alteration. 

By boat 

Ferry terminals are a 5-10min drive north of the city 

centre. 

Isle of Man: Steam Packet Company (April- 

Sept.) c.3hr sailing to Douglas. QG-2, Albert Quay, tel. 

(+44) (0)8722 992992, www.steam-packet.com. 

Scotland and Liverpool: Stena Line 

Stena’s Superfast ferries sail to Cairnryan in 2hrs 15mins 

and Liverpool in 8hrs (overnight or daytime). QG-1, West 

Bank Rd, tel. (+44) (0)8447 707070, www.stenaline. 

co.uk. 


on 

and 

6 Belfast In Your Pocket belfast.inyourpocket.com 

By taxi (incl. Taxi Tours) 

Taxis range from the traditional black hack (see p.39) 

to conventional cars. Hail the former if the orange TAXI 

light is on, and phone and book the latter These tried 

and trusted companies also run tours: 

Fonacab (+44) (0)28 9033 3333, www.fonacab.com 

Taxi Trax (+44) (0)28 9031 5777, www.taxitrax.com 

Border 

NI’s border with the Republic of Ireland is 360kms long 

from Carlingford Lough in the south to Lough Foyle in 

the north. Crossing it is a seamless affair. Non-EU drivers 

should hold an International Driving License. Drive on 

the left on both sides of the border, and look out for 

speed limit changes - marked in kph in the Republic of 

Ireland and mph in NI. 

Car parking 

Approx. 1300 on-street city centre parking meters charge 

£1.20 per hour (free Sun and after 6pm) payable by coin, 

mobile or credit/debit card. Check street signs as many 

spaces are restricted by time and red-jacketed traffic wardens 

are omnipresent. Privately operated car parks vary in 

price from the affordable to the eye-watering. 

CURRENCY 

NI’s currency is £ Sterling, the same as the rest of the 

UK. While different in design to GB notes, they can be 

used across the UK. Some GB outlets may well turn their 

noses up at the sight of a Northern Irish tenner, so best 

to change them before you leave NI. 

Safety 

Despite its reputation, Belfast is very safe for tourists. 

However, if you feel unsafe, freephone 999 or track 

down a police officer - usually found pounding the city 

in pairs. 

Smoking & Alcohol 

Smoking is illegal in enclosed and substantially enclosed 

workplaces and public places, including bars 

and restaurants, and in certain vehicles. The legal drinking 

age is 18. 

WiFi 

Plans are in the ether to make Belfast a Super-connected 

City with ultrafast broadband by 2015, and free WiFi 

has already been introduced to many of Translink’s bus 

and rail services (check ahead for the latest news). An 

increasing number of hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes 

now provide free WiFi so look for the sign as you stroll 

the city. 



Tel. dialling codes 

From UK landlines or mobiles, add 028 before all eight 

digit NI numbers. The international dialling code is 

(+44)(0)28. If dialling from the Republic of Ireland you 

can also add 048. 

WIN with Translink and 

W5 

We have teamed up with Translink and W5 Interactive 

Discovery Centre for a great late summer, back to 

school family competition. 

One lucky reader will win a Translink Friends and 

Family ticket, allowing unlimited NI travel for a day for 

two adults and up to four children, plus a W5 family 

pass for two adults and two children. 

Combine both tickets in one big family day out and explore 

this fantastic family attraction and its new climbit 

exhibit. Or split your winnings and spend a second day 

visiting Derry, exploring the Causeway Coast or immersing 

yourself in Fermanagh’s Lakelands. The choice 

is, quite simply, yours! 

To enter, email us your favourite NI daytrip to belfast@ 

inyourpocket.com, including your name and contact 

details. We’ll post the best ones online and pick a winner 

at random from all emails received before 30 September 

2014. 


LONDONDERRY 

ROUTE MAP 

Botanic 

City Hospital 

GT VICTORIA STREET 

EUROPA BUSCENTRE 

DUBLIN 

Adelaide 

Balmoral 

Finaghy 

Dunmurry 

Derriaghy 

Lambeg 

Hilden 

Lisburn 

Moira 

Lurgan 

Portadown 

Scarva 

Poyntzpass 

Newry 

Dundalk 

Drogheda 

Bellarena Castlerock COLERAINE Dhu Varren 

Ballymoney 

Cullybackey 

Ballymena 

Antrim 

Mossley West 

BELFAST 

CENTRAL 

KEY 

Larne Town 

Glynn 

Magheramorne 

Ballycarry 

Whitehead 

Downshire 

Carrickfergus 

Clipperstown 

Trooperslane 

Greenisland 

Jordanstown 

Whiteabbey 

Yorkgate 

Free bus into town 

Rail passengers with a valid rail ticket can travel 

between Central Station and Belfast city centre free 

of charge on Translink Metro bus services. 

Free Ulsterbus connections from Newry Station to 

Newry city centre and from Londonderry Station to 

Derry city centre. 

Main Bus & Rail Interchange 

Dublin Line 

Bangor Line 

Larne Line 

University 

Londonderry Line 

Portadown/Newry Line 

Portrush Line 

Airport Express 300 service to 

Belfast International Airport 

Airport Express 600 service to 

George Best Belfast City Airport 

PORTRUSH 

LARNE 

HARBOUR 

Titanic Quarter 

Sydenham Holywood 

Marino Cultra 

Seahill Helen’s Bay 

Carnalea Bangor West 

BANGOR 

Put simply, Belfast is made up of five areas: North, East, 

South, West and the City Centre within which cosmopolitan 

Quarters have emerged, providing a focus for 

culture, tourism and economic development. Cross reference 

this quick guide with our What to see key (p.28): 

SB - South Belfast, WB - West Belfast, EB - East Belfast 

and NB - North Belfast. Easy peasy. 

Cathedral Quarter (city centre) 

Named after St. Anne’s 

Cathedral (pic), this city 

centre Quarter is a vibrant 

hub for the arts, restaurants, 

nightlife, hotels and 

big city events. Custom 

House, St. Anne’s and 

Writer’s Squares often 

stage free concerts and 

street entertainment. 

And St. Anne’s Square, 

Donegall Street (where 

the Cathedral stands), 

Waring Street and cobbled 

Hill Street are the Quarter’s main eating and drinking 

drags. The MAC, the Quarter’s, and city’s, big new arts venue 

is also located at St. Anne’s Square. 

Queen’s Quarter (South Belfast) 

South Belfast’s leafy, 

student-strewn thoroughfares 

boast the 

eponymous University 

(pic), Botanic Gardens, 

Ulster Museum and Lyric 

Theatre. A selection 

of quality restaurants 

are dotted throughout 

its locale And it is here, 

too, that you’ll find the 

Lisburn Road, a stylish 

shopping and dining strip - see Shopping (p.52). 

Gaeltacht Quarter (West Belfast) 

West Belfast’s Falls Road 

has initiated a Gaeltacht 

Quarter promoting the 

use of the Irish language 

in its shops and services. 

A West Belfast map, 

included in this guide, 

shows historic sights 

including St. Peter’s 

Cathedral (pic). Copies 

are available at the Falls 

Road’s West Belfast TIC 

at An Culturlann. Find 

out about more interesting 

neighbourhood 

tours and attractions in our West Belfast section (p.39) or at 

www.visitwestbelfast.com. 

Belfast’s Quarters 

Titanic Quarter (East Belfast) 

Star of the show, not just for East Belfast, but NI’s tourism 

offering, is undoubtedly Titanic Belfast - the world’s 

largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction (pic). Other Titanic 

Quarter highlights are SS Nomadic, W5, the Odyssey 

Arena, PRONI, HMS Caroline, Titanic’s Dock and 

Pump-House and the Harland & Wolff cranes. 

Beyond the city’s former shipyard, East Belfast is also 

the birthplace of three international names - The 

Chronicles of Narnia author CS Lewis, singer-songwriter 

Van Morrison and football legend George Best 

- each has a plaque, statue, tour trail or mural marking 

their local lineage. Heading further out of the city along 

the Newtownards Road, Stormont Estate and Parliament 

Building is another must-see destination. And 

closer to the city, the Lower Newtownards Road has 

a large Loyalist political mural, big B&W Titanic mural 

and Yardmen sculpture. Shoppers and foodies should 

navigate their way to Ballyhackamore and the Belmont 

Road with their bijou selection of independent shops 

and dining options. 

North Belfast 

While North Belfast has yet 

to establish its own Quarter, 

its Cave Hill pinnacle is a real 

city highlight with dramatic 

views across Belfast Lough 

and all the way to Scotland 

on a good day. Belfast Castle 

(pic) and Belfast Zoo are 

top-class attractions nestled 

in this verdant backdrop. 

Back towards the city, 

there are several Nationalist 

and Loyalist interfaces with 

respective political murals. 

Conversely, the area also boasts some grand old houses 

once owned by wealthy and industrious linen merchants 

- particularly along Fortwilliam Park off the Antrim Road 

(map: off F-1). Crumlin Road Gaol and Courthouse also 

falls within its remit. 

www.translink.co.uk or call 028 90 66 66 30 facebook.com/BELFASTIYP 


History 

Belfast dates back to the early 17th Century and is 

Northern Ireland’s largest, and the island of Ireland’s 

second largest, city. The name ’Belfast’ comes from the 

Gaelic ’Beal Feirste’ (’mouth of the sandy ford’). 

1641-49 & 1688-90 Two major Catholic risings are put down, 

first by English Protestant revolutionary Oliver Cromwell, then 

the Dutch King William lll of Orange. The fledgling Protestant 

plantation is secured and Ireland becomes firmly British. 

18th Century Belfast becomes a major linen-producing 

centre, earning the tag Linenopolis. 

19th Century Belfast experiences a ’golden age’ under 

Queen Victoria. The Harland & Wolff shipyard is founded 

in 1862 and city status is granted in 1888. Belfast becomes 

one of the world’s leading industrial cities and most of 

its great buildings are constructed. The 1847 Famine reawakens 

Irish Catholic Nationalism. 

Early 20th Century 

1911 May 31 RMS Titanic is launched from Harland & 

Wolff shipyard, East Belfast. 

1912 April 15 Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage, killing over 

1500 passengers. The Ulster Volunteer Force (original UVF) is 

formed and on Sept 28 over 470,000 Unionists sign the Ulster 

Covenant, pledging to militarily fight Home Rule. 

1914-1918 The UVF, and most of the Irish Volunteers, joins 

up to fight for Britain - both hoping to gain support for their 

causes. In 1916 Ulster Divisions suffer heavy causalities at the 

Battle of the Somme. 

1921 Following the 1919-21 Irish War of Independence, six of 

Ireland’s 32 counties remain British and the state - or Province - 

is named Northern Ireland. Belfast becomes its capital city and 

the Unionist-controlled government oversees direct rule from 

the purpose-built Stormont. 

1941 Belfast Blitz. During WW2, the city is bombed three 

times by the German Luftwaffe, killing 955 people and destroying 

3,200 homes. Northern Ireland becomes a staging 

post for over 300,000 American GIs. 

1968 The Civil Rights movement grows as Nationalists protest 

Unionist bias at Stormont. The British Army is deployed on the 

streets of Belfast and Derry. 

The Troubles 

1971 Aug 9 Internment, or imprisonment without trial, is 

introduced. The city experiences a week of intense fighting 

as massive gun battles break out across North and 

West Belfast. Dec 4 15 people, including two children, are 

killed in a UVF bomb attack on McGurk’s bar in North Belfast. 

It is the first major atrocity of the ’Troubles’. 

1972 Jan 30 Bloody Sunday. During a Civil Rights march 

through the streets of Derry 14 unarmed civilians are 

shot dead by British troops. Both internment and Bloody 

Sunday ensure increased support for the Irish Republican 

Army (IRA). Meanwhile, the British government introduces 

direct rule from London. 

1972 July 21 Bloody Friday. Nine people die when, without 

warning, 21 IRA bombs explode across Belfast in just over an 

hour. 

1981 Bobby Sands and nine other IRA and Irish National Liberation 

Army (INLA) prisoners die after going on Hunger Strike 

at the Maze Prison in protest at the removal of political prisoner 

status. 

1985 Nov 15 The British and Irish governments sign the Anglo 

Irish Agreement, giving the Republic of Ireland a greater say 

in NI affairs. 

1988 March 6 Three IRA members are killed by the SAS 

in Gibraltar. During their funerals loyalist Michael Stone 

launches a gun and grenade attack killing three mourners. 

At the funeral of one of Stone’s victims, two British 

Army corporals inadvertently drive into the cortege and 

are ambushed by an angry mob and shot dead by the 

IRA. 

Early 90s Violence continues on both sides as both the British 

and Irish governments attempt to break the political impasse. 

The Peace Process 

1994 Aug 31 The IRA announces ’a complete cessation of 

military operations’. The Combined Loyalist Military Command 

follows on Oct 13. 

1995 Security measures are relaxed and troop numbers 

reduced throughout Belfast and NI. 

1998 The Good Friday Agreement is voted in by 71% of 

the population. It marks a new power-sharing Assembly, 

early release of all paramilitary prisoners and looks toward 

withdrawal of British troops and decommissioning of paramilitary 

weapons. Aug 15 IRA dissidents plant a bomb 

in Omagh killing 29 people making it the single worst 

atrocity in the history of the Troubles. Nov 30 US President 

Clinton pays an historic visit to NI. 

2000 Feb 11 The Assembly is suspended following the breakdown 

of decommissioning talks. May 27 The UUP re-enters 

the power-sharing Assembly despite no IRA decommissioning. 

Devolved power is restored two days later. 

2000 Dec Belfast’s landmark Odyssey Millennium project 

opens, heralding major redevelopment of the historic Titanic 

Quarter. 

2002 Oct 14 Devolution is suspended at midnight and 

direct rule returns to London. 

2005 May 5 At the UK General Election the DUP and Sinn 

Fein strengthen their positions as NI’s two major political 

parties. July The IRA formally ends its armed campaign. 

2005 Nov 25 Belfast-born football legend George Best dies 

aged 59 after a long battle with alcoholism. The former Man 

Utd and NI player’s funeral is held at Stormont on Sat 3 Dec. 

2007 March 26 Following local elections, and in an historic 

face-to-face meeting, DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn 

Féin leader Gerry Adams announce the restoration of the 

NI Assembly on May 8. Paisley becomes First Minister and 

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness Deputy First Minister. 

2008 May Having founded the party in 1971, Ian Paisley 

steps down as leader of the DUP and, therefore, First Minister. 

He is succeeded by Peter Robinson. 

2010 May At the UK General Election, the DUP and Sinn Fein 

once re-emerge as NI’s two main parties. In a shock result, First 

Minister Peter Robinson loses his 30-year Westminster seat to 

the Alliance Party’s Naomi Long. Ian Paisley becomes a Lord. 

2012 March 31 The £77m Titanic Belfast visitor experience 

opens ahead of the 15 April centenary of the ship’s 

sinking. 

Aug & SepT Events 

Sunday Treats 

Sunday afernoons in July & Aug 

www.foolsfestival.com 

Various outdoor Cathedral Quarter spaces 

Those local jokers, the Festival of Fools, will be delivering 

their usual crowd-pleasing assortment of street 

theatre across the city’s main al fresco venues. All 

shows are free, though donations are always welcome 

to ensure this show stays on the road. 

Craft Month 

throughout August 

NI’s annual celebration of craft celebrates our local creative 

industries in all their visual wonderfulness. Find out 

more and download a programme at www.craftni. 

org. 

Tennents Vital 

Thu 21 & Sun 24 Aug 

The Killers, Bastille and David Guetta headline this two 

day music festival at South Belfast’s Boucher Playing 

Fields. Get your tickets at www.tennentsvital.com. 

Belsonic 2014 

Fri 15, Sun 17 - Wed 20 & Fri 22 Aug 

Belfast’s Custom House Square hosts headline acts including 

Example, Biffy Clyro, CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers, 

Queens of the Stone Age and many more at this annual 

outdoor music fest. Book online at www.belsonic.com. 

Belfast Mela 

Sun 24 Aug 

World music, dance, fashion, food and fun take centre 

stage in Botanic Gardens as Ireland’s largest festival of 

ethnic arts, culture and heritage returns for yet another 

action-packed extravaganza. To find out more and 

book tickets visit www.belfastmela.org.uk. 

European Heritage Open Days 

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sept 

Historical buildings across NI, including many not 

normally accessible to the public, open free during 

this hugely popular annual event. Start planning your 

48 hours at www.discovernorthernireland.com/niea/ 

ehod.aspx. 

Culture Night Belfast 

Fri 19 Sept 

The Cathedral Quarter will be crammed with culture 

vultures of all ages in search of the extraordinary in this, 

our favourite free night out. Music, dance, exhibitions 

and tours are just some of the myriad events taking 

place here and at other venues across the city. To get 

your bearings for this after-dark spectacular, click www. 

culturenightbelfast.com. 

Culture, Events & Sport 

Public art (and not a 

mural in sight) 

The Big Fish aka Salmon of Knowledge: A 10m 

long, erm, fish, whose shiny blue and white ceramic 

scales depict moments in Belfast’s history. Find it at 

the Lagan Weir, near the Obel, Titanic Boat office and 

departure point. 

Ring of Thanksgiving 

(pictured): 

Meet Belfast’s 

tallest resident, 

a 15m high steel 

woman standing 

on a bronze globe 

and holding a 

ring representing 

peace and 

reconciliation - a 

familiar theme 

throughout the 

city. The work is 

inspired by Dallas’s 

Thanksgiving 

Square and towers 

over the River 

Lagan, a short walk from the Belfast Waterfront. 

Waterfall of Souvenirs: A 5m high ceramic waterfall 

cascading down the Europa Buscentre and bypassed 

daily by throngs of commuters. Be one of the few to 

stop and contemplate its locally themed mosaic. 

The Speaker: At the front of Custom House, in an area 

once dubbed Belfast’s Speakers’ Corner, stands this 

aptly-named lifesize bronze statue. The Square’s surrounding 

copper lights continue the theme with their 

nickname the ’Hecklers’. 

Spirit of Belfast: Unveiled in Sept. 2009, this largescale 

steel structure looms large in Cornmarket, where 

a bandstand once stood. The four interlocking rings sit 

at the heart of the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping 

area, and have been designed to reflect Belfast’s 

erstwhile shipbuilding and linen industries. All good 

and well, but we prefer to call it the Belfast Scribble. 

RISE: Belfast’s newest - and largest - sculpture comprises 

two white steel spheres, one within the other, 

designed to symbolise the sun rising on a new, vibrant 

city. Clearly visible from the M1 and Westlink, the 

37.5m high and 30m wide eyecatcher is known by locals 

as the Balls on the Falls. Personally we prefer to see 

it as an homage to our recent golfing greats McDowell, 

McIlroy and Clarke. Fore! 




theatres & Concert venues 

Belfast Waterfront 

Opened in 1997, this concert hall and conference centre 

is a striking architectural landmark on the city’s riverfront. 

Inside the glass-fronted three-storey building are two 

bar areas, a gift shop, several coffee spots and the Arc 

Brasserie. The spacious foyer also holds regular free art 

exhibitions. Performances in the main 2245-seat arena 

range from big-name performers and classical music to 

cheesy tribute bands and international opera and ballet. 

And the 380-seat Studio provides a more intimate setting 

for drama, comedy and music events. Tours available. 

QD-2, 2 Lanyon Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 9033 4455, www. 

waterfront.co.uk. KY 

Grand Opera House 

Catch a show at this striking Victorian theatre and gaze 

in awe at its opulent gilt mouldings, carved plasterwork, 

angels-and-cherub fresco and elephant boxes. Designed 

in l894 by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham, 

many stars have graced its stage including opera giant 

Pavarotti in his UK debut. A 2006 contemporary atriumstyle 

extension features the smaller Baby Grand performance 

space. Catch a varied year-round programme of 

drama, musicals, ballet, opera and the hugely popular 

Christmas panto. Tours available.QB-2, Gt. Victoria St., 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 1919, www.goh.co.uk. Y 

Lyric Theatre 

Established in 1951 and moved to the banks of the 

River Lagan 17 years later, the Lyric has re-emerged 

bigger and better than ever following a £multi-million 

rebuild. Three performance spaces and a cafe/bar ensure 

its status as Northern Ireland’s only full-time producing 

theatre. Its ever-eclectic range of quality drama 

often includes classic Irish plays and works by exciting 

new writers. NI-born film star Liam Neeson began 

his acting career here and is the Lyric’s patron. QF-3, 

55 Ridgeway St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9038 1081, www. 

lyrictheatre.co.uk. KSB 

The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) 

Dominating one side of Saint Anne’s Square, this sixstorey 

colossus contains three art galleries, two theatres 

and cafe. Local and international performances and exhibitions 

populate its cultural calendar. While a dance studio 

and workshop space encourage further creativity. Its 

April 2012 opening is nothing short of a landmark event 

for Belfast’s cultural scene.QC-1, Saint Anne’s Square, 

Cathedral Quarter, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 5053, www. 

themaclive.com. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Later on performance 

nights. JK 

Odyssey arena 

This modern entertainment complex at the edge of the 

old shipyard is Belfast’s landmark Millennium Project and 

a major symbol of the city’s rejuvenation. When the Belfast 

Giants ice hockey team isn’t in residence, the main 

10,000-seat Arena pulls in touring music big guns.QD- 

1, 2 Queen’s Quay, tel. (+44) (0)28 9045 1055, www. 

theodyssey.co.uk. K 

Ulster Hall 

Opened in 1862, this grand 

old Victorian building has 

hosted boxing, music, 

comedy... and iconic names 

such as Charles Dickens, 

The Rolling Stones and 

Belfast-born singer Ruby 

Murray. Its main interior 

feature is the magnificent 

Mulholland Organ. During 

WW2, it became a dance 

hall for US troops. And Led 

Zeppelin first performed Stairway to Heaven at the 

esteemed venue. It is home to the internationally acclaimed 

Ulster Orchestra. Check out the foyer’s Café 

Grand Dame and exhibition of the Hall’s history.QC-2, 

Bedford St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 3900, www.ulsterhall. 

co.uk. JYK 

Crescent Arts Centre 

This community-focused venue runs an eclectic programme 

of music and arts-based workshops, classes, 

events asnd exhibitions. The 19th century sandstone 

building has been beautifully renovated and includes a 

cute ground floor cafe. Well worth an exploration if you’re 

in the Queen’s Quarter locale.QB-4, 2 University Rd, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9024 2338, www.crescentarts.org. Mon-Fri 

09:00 - 21:00, Sat & Sun 09:30 - 17:30. All times variable. 

KSB 

We Are Vertigo 

Ski, snowboard, zipline and 

climb at this indoor adventure 

centre that brings the 

piste to South Belfast. The 

only ones of their kind in 

Northern Ireland, two conveyor 

belt-style ski slopes 

simulate a never-ending 

snowy surface - ideal for 

novice and experienced skiers to hone their skills. 

A climbing wall, 40m zipline and high and low level 

rope walks up the adrenalin ante. While the themed 

Swiss Alpine soft play area and mini quad bike track 

keeps younger ones entertained. A cafe, ski shop and 

plenty of free parking is also onsite. QUnit 1, Cedarhurst 

Rd, Newtonbreda Factory Estate, Belfast, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9064 1229, www.wearevertigo.com. 

Daily 09:00 - 21:00. Child: Mon-Thu £6.50, Fri-Sun & 

school hols £8.50 (90mins soft play, climbing tower 

and rope walks). Accompanying adult free (£4 for 

use of high level ropes and climbing tower). Zipline 

and Quad Bikes extra. Check website for latest prices, 

including ski lessons and party packages. LK 

Cinemas 

Movie House This locally-owned chain of multiscreen 

cinemas shows all the latest Hollywood blockbusters 

in state-of-the-art surroundings. Its Dublin Road site 

is conveniently located for a spot of city centre celluloid 

escapism. Paid parking is available at the adjacent multistorey, 

with free on-street parking after 18:00. Also at City 

Side Shopping Centre, York Rd. with free parking (F-2). 

Check website for all the latest ticket, meal and parking 

deals.QC-3, 14 Dublin Rd, tel. (+44)(0)28 9024 5700, 

www.moviehouse.co.uk. 

Queen’s Film Theatre 

Known locally as the QFT, NI’s premier arthouse cinema 

has been the home of classic, Irish, foreign, avante 

garde and cult cinema since 1968. The revamped venue 

has two screens and a fully licensed café bar.QB-4, 20 

University Square, tel. (+44) (0)28 9097 1097, www. 

queensfilmtheatre.com. 

Leisure & SporT 

Northern Ireland Football Owned by local 

team Linfield FC and used for NI internationals, this 

14,000-seater stadium rises up amid rows of terraced houses 

on the lower Lisburn Road. Soccer legend George Best is 

NI’s most famous alumni and the team reached the World 

Cup Finals in ’56, ’82 and ’86. NI memorably beat England 

here during the 2006 World Cup Qualifying campaign when 

David Healy scored the only goal. The local Premier League 

runs Aug-May. QA-5, Windsor Park, Tates Ave, off Lisburn 

Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9066 9458, www.irishfa.com. 

Ormeau Golf Club 

Formed in 1893, this nine-hole course is one of the oldest 

golf clubs in Ireland. Its mature parkland setting can 

claim Major winner Rory McIlroy, 1947 Open Champion 

Fred Daly and Sherlock Holmes’ creator Sir Arthur Conan 


Doyle among its patrons. Visitor-friendly, centrally located 

and with views of Belfast’s hills and the Harland & Wolff 

cranes, find it off the Ravenhill and Ormeau Roads.QC- 

3, 50 Park Rd, M7, tel. (+44) (0)28 9064 0700, www. 

ormeaugolfclub.co.uk. LK 

Ulster Rugby 

The recently revamped 18,000 capacity Ravenhill - now 

Kingspan - Stadium is home to Ulster Rugby - one of the 

four rugby teams representing Ireland’s provinces (the 

others being Leinster, Munster and Connacht). The most illustrious 

moment in the club’s history was in January 1999 

when the team lifted the European Cup. Each season the 

team competes in the Pro12 League and Heineken Cup. For 

tickets and match info, check out the website or call the 

stadium directly.QG-3, Kingspan Stadium, 85 Ravenhill 

Pk, tel. (+44) (0)28 9049 3222, www.ulsterrugby.com. 

Odyssey Bowl 

This mega entertainment den features ten-pin bowling, 

pool tables, video games, bar and fast food restaurant. Indulge 

your competitive streak and challenge your mates to 

a game or three. Or head there on Wed-Sat for the ultimate 

Glo-Bowling experience, as music and UV lights take the 

game to a whole new dimension. Kids parties and corporate 

packages rack up the entertainment factor, so get in touch 

and plan your next big day or night out.QD-1, Odyssey Pavilion, 

2 Queen’s Quay, tel. (+44) (0)28 9045 2100, www. 

odysseybowl.co.uk. Mon-Fri 12:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun and 

school hols (check ahead) 10:00 - 23:00. K 



Restaurants 

Asian 

Hakka Noodles 

An elegant red and black interior reflects the meticulous 

Japanese menu at this classy noodle bar. Run by Eddie 

Fung, the man behind Zen, the same attention-to-detail 

dishes, drinks and service make this yet another of his 

stand-out restaurants. The informal air and extremely 

good value-for-money food almost belie the mastery behind 

its authentically crafted cuisine. Melt-in-the-mouth 

dim sum, refreshing green teas and fresh sushi to go are 

among the mouth-watering morsels ready for your maw. 

QC-3, 51 Adelaide St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 3270, www. 

hakkabelfast.co.uk. Mon-Fri 12:00 - late, Sat 15:00 - 

late, Sun 13:30 - 21:00. £££. 

Sakura 

Sit by the sushi train and pick your meals as they trundle 

past, or order from their extensive menu at this little bit of 

Tokyo on Botanic Avenue. Japanese cuisine has taken off in 

Belfast and this is a great spot to join fellow saki and sushi 

fans.QC-4, 82 Botanic Ave, tel. (+44) (0)28 9043 9590, 

www.sakurabelfast.com. 12:00 - 22:30, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 

23:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:30. £££. 

Zen 

So this is what £1m looks like in a restaurant. Likened to a 

James Bond set, inside there’s a cocktail bar, a wall of glistening 

water and gilded lilies, an ultra violet stairway and 

sunken ‘ta-tammi’ dining area. Groups are catered for in a 

Price Guide 

£ - Literally as cheap as chips. If you’re after a coffee, a 

sandwich or quick snack, you’re quids in here 

££ - Plush cafés, agreeable bistros and delicious takeaways 

that won’t break the bank 

£££ - Upmarket lunches and good value evening meals in 

relaxed surroundings 

££££ - Fine dining served with a touch of class 

series of wood-wrapped circular tables and encouraged to 

avail of the slippers. The spectacular glass-floored corridor 

of beaded light columns and mirrored ceiling is a nightmare 

to navigate when you’ve sipped too much sake. But 

who cares when you’re in one of the funkiest restaurants 

in town.QC-3, 55 Adelaide St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 2244, 

www.zenbelfast.co.uk. Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00, 17:30 - 

23:00. Sat 17:00 - 00:00, Sun 13:30 - 22:30. ££££. 

House of Zen 

Seductive and sophisticated, this Cathedral Quarter restaurant 

serves the finest Chinese cuisine. Exotic dishes 

from across the country are meticulously prepared and 

exquisitely presented, from delicious dim sum to sliced 

fillet steak served on a sizzling plate. The dark wood and 

jewel coloured lighting combine to create an opulent 

Oriental atmosphere. Freshly prepared cocktails, alcovestyle 

seating and that pristine piazza location keep the 

mood convivial and the locals coming back for more.QC- 

1, 3 St. Anne’s Square, tel. (+44) (0)28 9027 8688, www. 

houseofzen.co.uk. Mon-Fri 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - late, 

Sat 17:00 - late, Sun 13:30 - 22:30. ££££. 

indian 

Safa 

Authentic Indian 

dishes are prepared 

and served 

in this intimate 

contemporary 

restaurant just 

off Royal Avenue. 

For starters, enjoy 

a platter or individual 

portions of 

tikka, kebab, bhajee, samosas and wings. Then choose 

your curry from Korma to Vindaloo and all spice intensities 

in between. Plenty of vegetarian options, as befits 

this great sub-continent, are also available. And lunch 

specials ensure you enjoy an afternoon nosh up at an 

affordable price. Free WiFi makes this a popular spot for 

afternoon workers and shoppers. Find this elegant dining 

space above Kelly’s Cellars pub.Q30-32 Bank St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9023 3519, www.safabelfast.com. Daily 

12:00 - late. £££. 

International 

4th Wall 

Situated on Saint Anne’s Square and facing The MAC 

theatre and art gallery, this cosy restaurant is named after 

the theatrical term denoting the invisible division between 

stage and audience. Seared Mackerel and Smoked 

Haddock fill fish fans. While Calves Liver and Roast Chicken 

Supreme fuel carnivores and risotto serves veggies. The 

wine lists go well with the grub, and the pre-theatre 

menu ensures you take your seat in good time for curtain 

up.QC-1, Saint Anne’s Square, Cathedral Quarter, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9027 8707, www.4thwallbelfast.com. Mon- 

Sat 12:00 - late, Sun 13:00 - 20:00. £££. 

Coco 

This elegant yet unstuffy eaterie attracts the city’s stylish set 

and tourists in need of top nosh. The small bar area - with 

eclectic decor and cool night-time vibe - opens up onto a 

larger dining space. Eye-catchingly contemporary art lines 

the walls (and can be bought), and a feature wall reflects the 

opulence with its leaf-embossed burnished gold wallpaper. 

Organic and locally sourced produce is served with equally 

stylish aplomb - and the seasonal selection ensures an everchanging 

menu.QC-2, 7-11 Linenhall St, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9031 1150, www.cocobelfast.com. Sun-Fri 12:00 - late, 

Sat 17:00 - late. £££. 

Deanes 

Belfast’s doyen of the dish’s name is writ large across his 

Howard Street HQ within which lies three eating options. 

Upmarket EIPIC where seasonal local ingredients are 

served with precision alongside a Champagne Bar, Meat 

Locker where 35 day Himalayan salt aged beef cooked on 

an Asador Grill is the star of the gourmet show and Love 

Fish whose name reflects the extensive menu of fruits de 

mer. Those seeking sanctuary should book the Private 

Room and Bar for an exceptional dining experience.QB- 

2, 36-40 Howard St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9033 1134, www. 

michaeldeane.co.uk. EIPIC Fri 12:00 - 15:00, Wed - Sat 

17:30 - 22:00. Meat Locker Mon - Sat 12:00 - 15:00, 17:30 

- 22:00. Love Fish Mon - Sat 12:00 - late, Sun 12:00 - 

20:00. ££££. 

Flame 

As the name infers, it’s all about the custom built 10 ft 

Argentinean Asador Grill and Tandoori ovens at this spacious 

city centre restaurant. Steaks and Tandoori dishes 

are prepared in the open kitchen adding drama to this 

already theatrical space. Soft seating and a variety of 

dining areas provides a welcoming, eclectic vibe to take 

you grandly through breakfast, lunch and evening meal. 

Patrons are particularly partial to the cocktails and lured 

by regular live music performances. Formerly the Presbyterian 

War Memorial Building (look for the facade’s 

faded sign), sharped eyed diners among you will spot 

the original stone laid in 1923.QB-2, 46 Howard St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9033 2121, www.flamerestaurant.co.uk. 

Mon-Sat 08:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. £££-££££. 

Restaurants 

Set in the heart of the 

MAC, serving superb 

coffee, breakfasts, 

lunches & pre-show 

evening dining. 

7 days a week, 10am to late 

Canteen at the MAC 

St Anne’s Square 

10 Exchange Street West 

Belfast BT 1 2NJ 

028 9023 5053 

Free Wifi 

Canteen at the MAC 

@CanteenAtTheMAC 

themaclive.com 

Hadskis 

Named after the site’s 18th Century family foundry where 

iron pots and pans were fashioned, this stylish and minimal 

linear space provides a subtle backdrop for some 

really delicious food. From Provencal chips to Pork Milanese, 

and some exceptional and imaginative cocktails, 

local produce gets a global twist right across this divine 

menu. And with renowned chef Niall McKenna (he of 

James Street South) behind this restaurant, you know 

you’re in for some of the city’s most elegant eats. Head 

down Commercial Court to find its main entrance.QC- 

1, 33 Donegall St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 5444, www. 

hadskis.co.uk. Daily 12:00 - 22:30. £££-££££. 

Havana Bank Sq 

Contemporary dishes crafted from local ingredients (they 

say much of it from within a five mile radius) is the food 

philosophy at this small and stylish restaurant. Brunch 

and lunch frys, soups and burgers sit alongside Super 

Foods such as quinoa crumble, parmesan polenta and 

veg burger. Night time eats range from the adventurous 

octopus & crab meat starter to slow roast pork belly and 

tantalising ‘Best Chocolate Recipe I Know’ - who could 

resist Tempting Tapas and beguiling cocktails - we 

like Strawberry Trifle and Dirty Ocean - combine with a 

cool, colourful interior (think painted tiles and exposed 

bricks) and live music every Thu & Fri evening to evoke 

a delightfully laid-back vibe. Its location is poised to 



Restaurants 

exploit the eponymous Square’s contemporary revamp. 

QB-1, 56 Berry St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 0809, www. 

havanabanksq.com. Mon-Wed 10:00 - 18:00, Thu-Sat 

10:00 - 22:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. £££. 

Ginger Bistro 

Locally-sourced food is served with an imaginative 

twist and meticulous attention to detail at this casually 

chic bistro where redhead chef Simon McCance’s 

ever-changing menu and meet-the-crowd congeniality 

makes for a refreshingly unstuffy atmosphere.QB-3, 7-8 

Hope St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 4421, www.gingerbistro. 

com. Mon 17:00 - 21:00, Tue-Thu 17:00 - 21:30, Fri & Sat 

17:00 - 22:00, Tue - Sat 12:00 - 15:00. £££. 

Home 

What started life as a pop up restaurant has now become 

a firm fixture in the city’s eating firmament. A carefully 

cultivated hotch potch of upcycled furniture created by, 

and for sale from, those crafty locals at nearby Re:Found 

lends a confident swagger to this cool, contemporary 

space. Morning coffee, lunchtime deli and delicious evening 

meals celebrate our local food; expect such dining 

delights as spiced fish cakes, venison sausage, quite sensational 

salads and, get this, a sausage roll of the week. 

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are all on the 

menu, too. From the team behind the Mourne Seafood 

Bar, the buzz is out so enjoy a scrumptious lunch or book 

ahead to secure your evening pew and plate.QB-2, 22 

Wellington Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 4946, www. 

homepopup.com. Deli: Mon-Sat 10:00 - 15:00. Restaurant: 

Mon 12:00 - 16:00, Tue-Thu 12:00 - 21:30, Fri 

& Sat 12:00 - 16:00, 17:00 - 22:00, Sun 13:00 - 21:00. 

££-£££. 

Howard Street 

A small, meticulously sourced and frequently-changing 

menu delivers imaginative touches and local, seasonal 

ingredients at this late-2013 opened restaurant. Expect 

such foodie flourishes as Fermanagh rib-eye steak with 

caramelised onion, pork belly in apple and cider sauce and 

crispy duck breast with orange and hazelnut crumble and 

you get the picture. The interior is unobtrusively simple, 

with wood tables and chairs populating the basic space... 

all the better to let the food do the talking. An instant favourite 

with locals, this newcomer to Belfast’s burgeoning 

restaurant scene already feels like an old friend.QB-2, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9024 8362, www.howardstbelfast.com. 

Tue-Sat 12:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 21:30. £££-££££. 

James Street South 

In recent years, this sophisticated restaurant has quickly 

established a loyal fan base as epicureans seek out the 

city’s great plates. The 19th century converted warehouse 

façade belies a strikingly clean and airy white interior broken 

up by a fine selection of contemporary Irish art. The 

big round tables and intimate bar are conducive to girly 

nights, corporate bashes and special occasions. Indulge 

in an international menu offering the finest selection 

of food locals have come to demand at this level.QC-2, 

21 James St. South, tel. (+44) (0)28 9043 4310, www. 

jamesstreetsouth.co.uk. Mon-Sat 12:00 - 14.45, 17:45 - 

22:45. ££££. 

Maze 

Buddhas, zebra prints and a Venetian tableau evoke an 

international vibe at this exotic eating experience. Clean 

contemporary decor encompasses leather sofas, high and 

low tables, booth seating and a cosy be-draped private 

nook at the back. Food highlights include Spiral Steak - a 

10oz Argentinean sirloin marinated for 48 hours then thinly 

cut into a spiral - and lava stone grill cooking. Tandoori 

Chicken, Seafood Chowder, Thai Curry and Polo Loronzo 

continue the global cuisine theme - with vegetarian options 

across the continents. Comprehensive wine and 

cocktail lists ensure a fab night out. Find all this and more 

close to the front of City Hall.Q11 Wellington Place, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9508 6794, www.mazerestaurant.com. Sun- 

Wed 11:00 - 21:30, Thu-Sat 11:00- 23:00. £££. 

Molly’s Yard 

Inside this quaint Queen’s Quarter eaterie is a laid-back 

downstairs bistro and rustically elegant upstairs restaurant. 

Local produce such as beef, sea bream and venison 

feature in the Irish-flavoured menu. And, as befits ownership 

by the good people behind Hilden Brewery, this 

former stables also houses Belfast’s first micro brewery. 

Molly’s Chocolate Stout and Belfast Blonde are among 

the inventively-named, and pleasing to the palette, tipples. 

The restaurant’s bijouness and enduring popularity 

demand pre-booking to ensure a pew.QC-4, 1 College 

Green Mews, Botanic Ave, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 2600. 

Mon-Thu 12:00 - 21:00, Fri & Sat 12:00 - 21:30. ££££. 

Ox 

Two doyens of the local restaurant scene, Belfast-born 

Stephen Toman and Brittany native Alain Kerloc’h, have 

brought their extensive local and internationally-hued 

culinary skills to this delightful riverside restaurant. Only 

the finest local ingredients, including award-winning 

meats, sustainably sourced fish and seasonal fruit and 

vegetables, are used in each exquisite dish’s creation. Salt 

baked beetroot with Lough Neagh smoked eel, Antrim fillet 

of beef with ricotta and truffled gnocchi, and Bushmills 

jelly, apples and lavender were on the menu last time we 

looked - but always expect changes. All this and Alain’s 

sommelier skills deliver a carefully constructed classic 

and artisan wine list to accompany the eats. Find this 

pure white double-height space overlooking the Ring of 

Thanksgiving.Q1 Oxford St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 4121, 

www.oxbelfast.com. Tue-Fri 12:00 - 14:45, 17:45 - 22:00, 

Sat 13:00 - 14:45, 17:45 - 22:00. ££££. 

Potted Hen 

Located in the pristine piazza that is St. Anne’s Square, this 

stylish double storey space reflects its courtyard abode 

with a dark, slate grey floor and interior iron columns. The 

urban-cool vibe continues with plain wooden furniture, 


large feature clock, cream panelled walls and exposed 

celiing duct work. The daily food journey begins with 

morning coffee, luxury pastries, muffins and creamy hot 

chocolate, then envelopes lunch before culminating in a 

dinner menu replete with Finnebrogue venison, Glenarm 

salmon and other fine eats. The atmosphere’s as relaxed 

as the menu is refined, so drop by any time and have as 

much - or as little - as you like.QC-1, 11 Edward St, St. 

Anne’s Square, behind St. Anne’s Cathedral, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9023 4554, www.thepottedhen.co.uk. Mon-Sun 

12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 21:30, Fri & Sat until 22:00. Sun 

12:00 - 21:00. £££. 

Remedy 

Grab your friends and enjoy a night out at this intimate city 

centre venue. Great food, inventive cocktails and live music 

- with regular guest performers on the roster - make this 

laid-back space a fab new addition to Belfast’s restaurant 

scene. Fish, meat and seasonal platters, burgers, pastas and 

beer battered cod & chips are among the lunch and dinner 

treats. And the creative cuisine begins at brunch with a truly 

stand-out menu that includes posh pig sandwich on basil 

foccacia, chorizo & avocado omelette, Eggs Florentine and, 

our fave, Ham so eggsited - pancakes with ham, egg, cheese 

and maple syrup. Fry fans also get their fix with gourmet 

touches. From informal networking to lively get-togethers, 

and the opportunity to hire Remedy for private parties, this 

day to night destination hits the spot.Q6 Fountain St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9032 9800, www.RemedyBelfast.co.uk. Mon 

& Tue 08:00 - 20:00, Wed & Thu 08:00 - 22:00, Fri 08:00 - 

01:00, Sat 09:00 - 01:00, Sun 11:00 - 19:00. £££. 

Salt Bistro 

This intimate dining space serves local provenance food 

in its chic yet casual surroundings. Light floods in from the 

triple aspect windows overlooking St. Anne’s Cathedral 

and the eponymous Square - home to the MAC theatre 

and gallery. And the artistic theme is embraced with work 

by local artists adorning its white walls - and available to 

buy. Pre-theatre options and made to share mezze, seafood 

and anti pasti plates evoke that laid-back dining vibe. 

While menu faves include steamed Dundrum mussels, 

roast quail and Glenarm salmon. Another classy restaurant 

in Belfast’s latest must-see locale.QC-1, St. Anne’s Square, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 8012, www.saltbistrobelfast.com. 

Mon-Wed 12:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 21:00, Thu-Sat until 

21:30, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. £££. 

Shu 

One of the most upmarket restaurants in town and a sure 

indication that the city’s dining out scene has matured 

with age. The impeccably attired waiting staff, exquisitely 

prepared French-inspired fusion food and contemporary 

interior attract a discerning clientele. Upstairs there’s a private 

dining room for small groups, while downstairs the 

Shu Bar stirs up a cocktail of retro funk beats... perfect for 

a pre or post food bop.QA-5, 253 Lisburn Rd, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9038 1655, www.shu-restaurant.com. Mon - Sat: 

12:00 - 14:30, 18:00 - 22:00. ££££. 


You want chips with that 

Restaurants 

St. George’s Market Bar & Grill 

Overlooking historic St. George’s Market, the setting for 

this contemporary restaurant couldn’t be more appropriate. 

Many ingredients used in its dishes are sourced from 

market traders, including Dry Aged Irish Sirloin, Roast 

North Coast Salmon and Portavogie Tempura Scampi. 

Stylish booths, and balcony seating with Fri & Sat market 

views, lend a sophisticated backdrop to your dining experience. 

Dark woods, subtle lighting and bygone photos 

add to the relaxed yet refined ambience, and the equally 

elegant bar area is ideal for a pre and post dinner tipple. 

QD-2, 1st Floor, St. George’s Market, Oxford St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9024 0014, www.stgeorgesbargrill.com. 

Wed & Thu 11:30 - 14:30, 17:00 - 21:00, Fri & Sat 09:30 - 

14:30, 17:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:30. £££-££££. 

Stix & Stones 

A modern rustic mix of stone, tiles, wood and leather provide 

the classy backdrop for this unique city centre restaurant. 

What makes it different is its signature hot stone cooking... 

a theatrical dining experience inviting you to sizzle 

your favourite steak or seafood at the table. Knowledgeable 

staff can refine your bespoke creation and, should you prefer, 

an exquisite selection of salads and pasta are also on the 

menu. A full complement of wines, champagnes and cocktails 

completes your dining fun. The spacious 134-seater 

restaurant flows from large tables to intimate nooks, with 

subtle shifts in lighting and decor suggesting the seating 

options. For a truly memorable visit, book the 12-seater 

chef’s table for the ultimate interactive dining experience. 

QB-2, 44-46 Upper Queen St., tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 9418, 

www.stixandstonesbelfast.com. £££-££££. 

The Bar + Grill at James Street South 

Created by the award-winning owners of adjoining James 

Street South, diners can expect the same local provenance 

and creative dishes at this laid back bistro. Steaks cooked 

to order on the charcoal grill evoke the sights and smells 

of a classic New York Steak House. And we’re particularly 

loving the retro-inspired desserts and decadent cocktails. 

Beautifully crafted starters, and pasta and risotto dishes 

served small or large, keep the tastebuds and budgets in 

check. Private dining and an onsite cookery school cater 

for all you city-bound epicureans. BB-2, 21 James St. 

South, tel. (+44) (0)28 9560 0700, www.belfastbargrill. 

co.uk. Daily 12:00 - 22:30. £££. 


Cafés & Bistros 

Seafood 

Mourne Seafood Bar 

Situated beside Kelly’s Cellars Irish pub, this extremely 

popular eaterie serves locally sourced mussels, oysters, 

langoustines and lots of other delicious marine morsels 

in a cool and unforced atmosphere. Food is cooked traditional 

style or with a continental or Asian twist, half 

dozen oysters and Mourne mussel pots make particularly 

appealing snacks. The gamut of gastro creations ranges 

from beer battered fish and chips to whole hot buttered 

lobster, with everything from locally-brewed ale to bottles 

of bubbly complementing the cuisine. There’s even a cute 

fish shop at the front for take-home treats and an on-site 

Belfast Cookery School to hone your chef skills. If fish ain’t 

your thing, the restaurant also offers prime rib eye steak 

and veggie options. One of the city’s finest restaurants. 

QC-1, 34-36 Bank St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 8544, www. 

mourneseafood.com. Mon-Thu 12:00 - 21:30, Fri & Sat 

12:00 - 16:00, 17:00 - 22:30, Sun 13:00 - 18:00. Also at 

Main St, Dundrum, Co. Down (+44) (0)28 4375 1377 and 

Millennium Tower, Charlotte Quay, Dublin (+353) (0)1 

868 8862. £££-££££. 

CaFÉS & Bistros 

Brights 

Award-winning Ulster fries and sizzling fajitas sum up 

the extent of this spacious eatery’s hugely popular menu. 

Locals have always loved it, and now tourists are joining 

them to sample plump, juicy and locally-sourced sausages 

that share plate space with regional classics such as soda 

and potato bread. Other indigenous fare includes Beef and 

Guinness Pie, Dublin Coddle and Colcannon - each served 

with a handy guide to their Irish origins. Frothy lattes and 

decadent desserts keep shoppers and suits happy too and 

the large H&W Belfast pics will leave you refreshed and 

ready for further city exploration.QC-1, 23-25 High St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9044 5688, www.brightsrestaurantbelfast. 

com. Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:30, Thu until 20:00, Sat 09:00 

- 18:00.££. 

Canteen 

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and pre-show dining in this contemporary 

café, bar and restaurant in the uber-cool foyer of the 

multi-award winning MAC. Start your day with Eggs Benedict, 

bagels or a full breakfast. Lunch on seafood chowder, 

BBQ pulled pork or Croque monsieur. Then end the evening 

with beer battered coley, marinated flank steak or pork 

belly. Grazing boards of charcuterie and seafood tapas go 

exceedingly well with wine and local craft beers. Or you can 

celebrate your Big Night Out with cocktails a deux. Silky coffees 

and free WiFi lure the casual diner. And everyone can 

fuel the mind with a stroll round the latest exhibition.QThe 

MAC, St Anne’s Square, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 5053, www. 

themaclive.com. Daily 10:00 - late. 

Deanes Deli & Vin Cafe 

Sample the Deane experience at a more affordable price as 

you eavesdrop on media types (the BBC is just around the 

corner) while savouring the day to night ambience and live 

weekend music. Elegantly assembled small plates complement 

the bubbles and grapes... and look as fabulous as the 

sparkly clientelle. The adjoining Deli Bistro serves lunch and 

dinner with the usual Deane finesse - think roast cod bourguignon, 

crisp port belly. and Glenarm salmon with fennel 

& prawn bisque. QC-3, 44 Bedford St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 

8800, www.michaeldeane.co.uk. Mon-Fri 08:00 - 22:00, 

Sat 09:00 - 22:00. Bistro Mon-Sat 12:00 - 15:00, 17:30 - 

22:00. £££. 

Grapevine 

Very easy to miss, but worth seeking out down a historic 

little alley, this small cafe serves great value wholesome and 

homemade food that’s a bit more adventurous than the 

norm at this price range. We’re talking gumbo, beef stew 

with rosemary and seafood chowder, as well as the usual 

office worker faves of salads and sandwiches. They say ‘food 

with soul’ and we’re inclined to agree.QC-1, 5 Pottinger’s 

Entry. Mon-Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. £. 

Harlem 

This bright and breezy spot is perennially populated by 

suits and creatives from the nearby BBC thrashing out 

ideas over scrummy brunches, lunches and daytime treats. 

Seafood Chowder, pan-fried pork chop and French Toast 

with bacon and maple syrup are among the menu delights 

that keep folk lingering well beyond eat o’clock. The 

decor is as stylish as the patrons, but the vibe is nice and 

laid-back. QC-2/3, 34 Bedford St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 

4860, www.harlembelfast.com. Mon-Thu 08:00 - 16:00, 

Fri 08:00 - late, Sat 09:00 - late, Sun 09:00- 17:00. £££. 

Made In Belfast 

Industrial warehouse collides stylishly with thrown-together 

chic at this urban diner. Miss-matched furniture, lampshades 

and mirrors populate its double height expanse and scuffed 

floorboards hark back to the building’s fashion emporium 

past. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible and 

occasionally organic too, with mussels, burgers, steak and 

free-range chicken among the offerings. Find it off Donegall 

Square West and a second Cathedral Quarter branch in Talbot 

St (tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 4107).Q B-2, Wellington St, tel. 

(+44) (0)289024 6712, www.madeinbelfastni.com. Mon- 

Fri 11:00 - late, Sat & Sun 10:00 - late. £££. 

Muriel’s Cafe Bar 

Nestled in a side street beside St. George’s Church is this 

glorious little retreat named after its former resident milliner 

and sometime ‘angel of the footpath’. Damask drapes, 

velvet seating and dark walls are illuminated with mirrors, 

chandeliers and an open fire. Downstairs, a display of hat 

paraphernalia reflects Muriel’s less lascivious past. The 

food ranges from piri piri halloumi and quinoa salad to 

chowder and gumbo, with cheese and meat platters to 

share and fancy brunches to start the day in style. Come 

the pm, DJs play suitably eclectic background music for 

the stylish, cocktail sipping set.QC-1, 12-14 Church Lane, 

off High St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9033 2445. Mon-Fri 11:00 - 

01:00, Sat 10:00 - 01:00, Sun 10:00 - 00:00. £££. 

National Grande Café Bar 

Behind the elegant listed facade of the old National Bank 

lies an intentionally unfinished industrial interior of exposed 

brick, steel girders and concrete floor. Welcome to 

Belfast’s latest watering hole where diners and drinkers 

congregate to parade their cool credentials. Breakfasts, 

lunches and dinners take on sublime twists; The National 

Breakfast comes with soda bread soldiers, lunch’s PLT 

sandwich swaps bacon for Pancetta, and Sicilian Risotto 

Balls adorn the dinner menu. Look up towards the tripleheight 

glass roof, and take a stroll to the beer garden, regarded 

by al fresco aficionados as Belfast’s finest.Q62-68 

High St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 1130. Mon-Wed 08:30 - 

21:00, Thu & Fri 8:30 - 01:00, Sat 09:30 - 01:00, Sun 09:30 

- 00:00. £££. S 


Rhubarb 

This quaint little BYOB bistro delivers breakfast, lunch, 

dinner and pre-theatre meals that give bigger restaurants 

a run for their money. Start your day with a Full Fry 

or French toast, maple syrup and grilled bacon. Enjoy a 

lunch of Spiced Sausage Cassoulet or pan-fried Portavogie 

Scallops. Then end the evening with Cajun Salmon or 

Beef Bourguignon with roast garlic mash. Desserts are 

equally alluring, with Rhubarb and Wild Berry Crumble 

exuding the cafe’s mouthwatering moniker. Fresh local 

ingredients are the order of the day, so expect a changing 

feast of seasonal delights. Its location, tucked away in 

a quiet side street off Great Victoria Street, makes it ideal 

for a pre-Grand Opera House or Movie House meal. Q2 

Little Victoria St (corner of Hope St), tel. (+44) (0)28 

9020 0158, www.rhubarb-belfast.co.uk. Tue-Thu 09:00 

- 22:00, Fri & Sat 09:00 - late. Also at 58 Wellington Place 

(B-2). £££. 

Robinson & Cleaver 

This new restaurant is named after the iconic department 

store once housed in the beautiful stone building overlooking 

City Hall. Head upstairs to The Terrace and sit outside 

(and under heaters) to experience the best restaurant 

views in the city. Food is very much of the locally sourced 

variety with all the beef Northern Ireland quality assured; 

try the Taste of Ulster sharing plate with Belfast Ham and 

soda bread melba or 100% Glenarm Shorthorn burger. 

Downstairs’ Urban Deli offers an informal sit-in space 

and take-out treats, salads and sandwiches.QDonegall 

Square North, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 2666, www. 

robinsonandcleaver.com. The Terrace open Mon-Sat 

12:00 - 14:30, Wed-Sat 17:00 - 21:45, Sun 12.00 - 16.00. 

Urban Deli open Mon-Tue 08:00 - 16:30, Wed-Sat 08:00 

- 21:00, Sun 12:00 - 16:00. ££-£££. 

Spires Restaurant & Coffee Shop 

At the heart of Spires Mall inside historic Assembly 

Buildings sits this open-plan cafe with a great self-service 

selection of salads, paninis and hot dishes - including lasagne, 

curry and the all important cooked breakfast - to 




shore up hungry shoppers. Tea, coffee and traybakes 

keep the munchies at bay, and the kids menu keeps 

juniors happy. News junkies can keep an eye on the 

plasma TV or choice of daily reads. A great value treat in 

the heart of the city.QB-2, Spires Mall, Great Victoria 

St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 2881, www.spiresrestaurant. 

co.uk. Mon-Sat 08:00 - 17:00. ££. 

Storm in a Teacup 

This cleverly named bistro is perfectly poised in the upper 

gate house of Stormont Estate, home of NI’s iconic 

Stormont Parliament Building. Its equally elegant, albeit 

smaller scale façade gives way to a glam interior boasting 

glistening chandeliers and quirky cafe twists on 

art classics - think George Washington gazing through 

a glazed doughnut or Constable’s The Haywain hauling 

a French Fancy... Food runs from stylish breakfasts 

to hot and cold lunches and a BYOB bistro on Fri and 

Sat. All this, and coffee and pastries keep sightseers and 

civil servants satisfied throughout the day.Q33 Massey 

Ave, Belfast, M20, tel. (+44) (0)28 9076 0067. Mon - 

Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. 

Storm Bistro open Fri & Sat - check ahead for details. 

££-£££. 

Coffee & Snacks 

Established Coffee 

Grey and white is the dominant palette in this minimal- 

Dundonald Old Mill Coffee House & 

Gift Shop Heading east out of Belfast, past Stormont 

and before Newtownards, you’ll see a sign 

for this unique cafe and gift shop. What makes it so 

special is the large wooden water wheel which, at 

32ft in diameter, is said to be one of Ireland’s largest, 

and certainly the largest in Northern Ireland. 

Originally built in 1752, the Old Mill once powered 

a linen bleaching mill before conversion in 1850 to 

a corn mill powered by the wheel you see today. After 

closure in 1920, the mill fell into decline but was 

restored to its former glory in 1987. Today’s wheel 

turns with electricity but still makes a magnificent 

first impression before you head into the cute gift 

shop and equally cottage-like upstairs cafe. Grab 

a home-cooked lunch or coffee and scone before 

purchasing a posh pressie or two and heading onwards 

for a daytrip down the picturesque Ards Peninsula... 

nothing could be quainter.QL-3, 231 Belfast 

Rd, Dundonald, tel. (+44) (0)28 9048 5030, www. 

dundonaldoldmill.co.uk. Open 7 days 10:00 - 

16:30. ££. L 

ist concrete space where superlative coffee is de rigueur. 

Exquisite cookies and mini loaf-style cakes keep sweetteeth 

smiling. While creatively composed breakfasts 

and lunches include the likes of pastrami and dill on rye 

and chorizo stew with herb loaf. But it’s the global trek 

through coffee manna that keeps beanoraks coming 

back for another shot (or two). Curated with love and 

wisdom by owner and barista par excellence Mark Ashbridge, 

this is one cool coffee-loving crib.QC-1, 54 Hill 

St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 9416. ££. 

The Dock Cafe 

Between the Odyssey and SS Nomadic, in a shop unit 

at this new apartment complex, is a pop-up cafe with a 

difference. Run by Titanic Quarter chaplain, and Titanic 

Walking Tour guide, Chris Bennett and like-minded clergy, 

the cafe has an honesty box instead of a till. Which 

means you can choose how much you want to pay for 

your coffee, tea and biscuit. Books, big sofas and beautiful 

NI travel prints from Holywood’s Yard Gallery make 

for tranquil escape from your sightseeing sojourn.QG- 

2, Arc Apartments, Queens Rd, Titanic Quarter, www. 

the-dock.org. Tue-Sat 11:00 - 19:00. £. 

Yummy Sandwiches 

This bijou food kiosk offers a bit more than the average 

city centre sandwich bar. Burgers, hot dogs, homemade 

soup, toasties and daily specials sit alongside salads, 

snacks and those all-important sandwiches. There’s a 

couple of stools and tables on which to perch as you 

eat before you hit the shops inside the stylish Spires 

Mall.QB-2, Spires Mall, Upper Queen St. entrance, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 2881, www.yummysandwiches. 

co.uk. Mon-Fri 08:30 - 14:30.. £. 


Contemporary bars 

21 Social 

This Cathedral Quarter day-to-night venue is a favourite with 

sparkly young locals and fun-loving tourists (yes that’s you). 

The modernist exterior swathes three floors of food, drink 

and music served in super sleek surroundings. Weekends 

bring out the cocktail loving party posse and position 21 

Social dead centre of the city’s coolest night-time hub.QC- 

1, 1 Hill St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 1415, www.21social.co.uk. 

Daily 12:00 - late. K 

AM:PM and CABARET SUPPER CLUB 

Tucked down a city centre side-street is this unique chandelier-strewn 

venue encompassing a ground floor bar 

restaurant and upstairs Cabaret Supper Club where big 

name tribute acts and sassy vaudeville and burlesque performers 

regale mid-late weekenders in a luxe supper club 

reminiscent of ‘20s Hollywood. The top floor Tree House 

Grill serves a stylised al fresco eating, drinking and theatre 

experience complete with retractable roof and outdoor 

heaters - smokers rejoice. The owners also run The 

Chubby Cherub, a rather cute little Italian restaurant across 

the road.QC-2, 38 Upper Arthur St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 

9009, www.ampmbelfast.com. Mon-Thur 10:00 - 23:00, 

Fri & Sat 10:00 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. For Cabaret 

Supper Club check www.cabaretbelfast.com for the 

latest shows. K 

Café Vaudeville 

A riot of ritzy glamour and rich hues, the only things missing 

from this downtown watering hole are a girl on a 

swing and a bird in a gilded cage... but we’re sure they’re 

working on it. Beneath the stained-glass dome of this neoclassical 

former bank building is an upstairs Champagne 

Bar and ground floor flirting zone favoured by the ‘second 

chance at romance’ brigade (you get the picture). Cabaretstyle 

shows, live music acts and DJ tunes further enliven 

the sumptuously ornate, chandelier-strewn wonderland. 

Food is served late morning to evening.QC-2, 25 Arthur 

St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9043 9160, www.cafevaudeville.com. 

Mon 11:30 - 18:00, Tue 11:30 - 23:00, Wed 11:30 - 00:00, 

Thu - Sat 11:30 - 01:00. K 

Cutters Wharf 

When the sun slips from behind its cloudy cover, grab a 

bus or taxi and join the throngs of revellers at this great 

riverside bar. Grab a seat at the heated River Terrace and 

enjoy the stunning waterfront location as rugby boys, 

rowers and other assorted sporty types compare muscles 

and swill back the beer. Indoor and outdoor TV screens 

further enhance your recreational enjoyment. Upstairs, the 

refurbished Cutters Restaurant provides top notch informal 

dining with wide open windows to make the most of 

those Lagan views and leafy Stranmillis setting. There really 

is nowhere quite like this in Belfast.QE-2, 4 Lockview 

Rd, Stranmillis, M8, tel. (+44) (0)28 9080 5100, www. 

cutterswharf.co.uk. Mon & Tue 11:30 - 23:00, Wed 11:30 

- 00:00, Thu - Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. K 


Nightlife 


Nightlife 

Northern Whig 

Once the offices of an old Belfast newspaper, this 19th century 

listed building was reborn in 1997 as a big, bold bar/nightclub. 

Avoiding the obvious newspaper theme, the Whig’s interior is 

inspired by the Soviet Revolution. Three colossal socialist statues 

imported from Prague take centre stage, and the cocktail 

list features bolshy-faves Lenin and Archangel. The space is 

cavernous - rising up three floors - but it’s still packed every 

weekend with trendy sorts of varying wrinklage enjoying 

funk and urban soul sounds. Good food is served throughout 

the day.QC-1, 2 Bridge St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9050 9888, www. 

thenorthernwhig.com. Mon & Tue 12:00 - 23:00, Wed-Sat 

12:00 - 01:00, Sun 13:00 - 23:00. K 

Spaniard 

Wallpapered with vintage 80s record sleeves, and with just 

enough room to swing a straw donkey, this little watering 

hole is as cosy as it is cool. After-work and pre-club tipplers 

have made this Cathedral Quarter haunt their home. Its relaxed 

retro style is as kitsch as a Benidorm ashtray and, if you 

closed your eyes while sipping a cervesa, you could almost 

believe you were in Spain. We said almost. Look for the smiling 

Salvador Dali down the side of The Merchant Hotel and 

you’re there.QC-1, 3 Skipper St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 2448, 

www.thespaniardbar.com. Mon-Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 

12:00 - 00:00. K 

Traditional Bars 

Aether & Echo 

What was once The Deer’s Head pub has been reborn as 

this cool drinking, dining and nightlife hub. The traditional 

Victorian booths have been given a coat of crisp white 

paint, and the ceiling boasts a statement lightbox art installation. 

The menu is a step-up from the usual pub grub and 

served on quaint, mis-matched crockery. Delivered by the 

creative team behind the equally stylish Love & Death Inc, 

this Belfast venue looks set to become another city centre 

classic.Q11 Lower Garfield St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 9163, 

www.aetherandecho.com. Mon-Thu 07:30 - 01:00, Fri & 

Sat 07:00 - 03:00, Sun 12:00 - 00:00. K 

Crown Liquor Saloon 

Owned by the National Trust and without question Belfast’s 

most famous bar, this city centre landmark is the first place 

tourists head for their inaugural pint of Guinness. Outside it’s a 

remarkable riot of mosaic tiles, and the opulence continues inside 

with more tiles, etched windows and an intricately carved 

ceiling. The snugs, gas lamps and long granite bar all hark back 

to the bar’s Victorian origins but the eclectic crowd helps this 

grand old dame keep her youth. Good nourishing food is served 

both in the bar and upstairs in the Crown Dining Rooms.QB-2, 

46 Gt. Victoria St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 3187, www.crownbar. 

com. Mon-Wed 11:30 - 23:00, Thu-Sat 11:30 - 00:00, Sun 12:30 

- 22:00. K 

Dirty Onion 

What looks like a dilapidated husk on the brink of collapse 

reveals itself as one of Belfast’s latest ‘go-to’ venues. Its 

large wooden struts are more grand designs than abandoned 

build and reflect the hostellery’s history as one of 

Belfast’s oldest buildings...and former bonded warehouse 

for Jameson Whiskey. Daily Irish music sessions and exclusive 

craft ales regale drinkers, while diners can grab some 

alt. bar food or scurry upstairs for free range chicken at 

Yardbird rotisserie restaurant. Saunter down cobbled Hill 

Street and sup alongside the city’s musos and studiously 

cool at this quite unique establishment.QC-1, 3 Hill St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9024 3712, www.thedirtyonion.com. Mon- 

Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. K 

Duke of York 

Hidden down a cobbled Cathedral Quarter alley off Donegall 

St. this fantastic pub pays homage to Belfast’s industrial past 

and centuries-old newspaper trade. Art students, old hacks 

and media types come together to enjoy great live music and 

retro disco tunes in a decidedly unpretentious, super-friendly 

setting. Politicos among you may be interested to learn that 

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams used to be a barman here. And 

smokers can rejoice in the outside heated smoking area. 

Check out nearby Dark Horse for afternoon eats and evening 

overspill, and The Harp Bar for regular live Irish music - both 

owned by the same crowd and delightfully similar in style 

and substance.QC-1, 7 Commercial Court, off Donegall St, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 1062. Mon 11:30 - 23:00, Tue-Fri 11:30 

- 01:00, Sat 11:30 - 02:00, Sun 12:30 - 23:30. K 

Garrick 

One of Belfast’s oldest bars, dark wood ceilings strewn with 

big glass lanterns, button down leather booths and copper 

pumps and pipes retain the traditional Victorian feel in the 

downstairs bar. The elegant aura extends to the top floor 

room and back bar which also features a fabulous Venetian 

mirror, quirky display of barometres and, somewhat disturbingly, 

a dilapidated doll dangling overhead. Footy fans can 

watch live matches on the big screens and music fans can 

enjoy trad sessions and DJ sets.QC-2, 29 Chichester St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9032 1984, www.thegarrickbar.com. Mon- 

Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 12:30 - 00:00. K 

Hudson Bar 

The sign says ‘Whiskey, Ales and Disco’ and that perfectly 

embodies this stylishly retro venue. It may have opened in 

2011, but the bar instantly exudes a feeling of warm familiarity, 

from the vintage chic decor to in-the-know patrons. 

And by that we mean music lovers, arty students and drink 

aficionados - check out the Titanic Whiskey and great selection 

of brews and keep an eye on the ever-changing 

DJ sets. Outside is even large than the interior with just 

as much attention to detail in its curio-strewn expanse. 

Diners should try the wicked chicken wings and delish 

creamy chowder. While connoisseurs of the water of life 

should scurry upstairs to the Whiskey Loft and indulge in a 

selection of tipples in a private club-style setting. Another 

positive step towards the re-invention of this side of the 

city.QB-1, 10-14 Gresham St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 2322, 

www.hudsonbelfast.com. Mon-Wed 11:30 - 23:00, Thu- 

Sat 11:30 - 02:00, Sun 12:00-00:00. K 

Kelly’s Cellars 

Down a side street off Royal Avenue lurks this 16th 

century black and white bar, one of the city’s oldest 

and, in our opinion, most authentic. Positively no pandering 

to tourists, designer cocktail lists or faux-trad 

nonsense. Instead, it’s all about the serious business of 

imbibing as the congregation worships at the high altar 

of Arthur Guinness and co. And if you fancy a break 

from the strong stuff (as if), the coffee nook serves a 

good quality cuppa. Regular outbursts of Irish music 

and an ever-roaring turf fire add to Kelly’s unforced 

charm.QC-1, 30 Bank St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 6058. 

Mon-Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 13:00 - 00:00. K 

Kitchen Bar 

Exposed bricks, painted girders and wooden beams 

retain a trad air amid a distinctly modern warehouse 

vibe. Visitors can enjoy a legendary Paddy’s Pizza (with 

hot soda bread base) and pint of real ale. Live music 

sessions and DJ sets attract a diverse blend of raconteurs, 

artisans, trendy types and shoppers from neighbouring 

Victoria Square.QC-2, 38 Victoria Square, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9032 4901, www.thekitchenbar.com. 

Mon-Thu 11:30 - 23:00, Fri & Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 

12:30 - 22:00. K 

Lavery’s 

This three-storey drinking den has long been home to 

a colourful clientele of old boys, bikers, students and 

dead-heads. Its enduring charm makes ‘Lavs’ one of 

Belfast’s hardy old bars and an absolute must for pub 

crawlers and music enthusiasts. The complex mixes 

a trad bar at the front with cool and quirky live music 

and club nights across other rooms and poolhall 

at the top of the shop. Go on, fill yer boots.QB-4, 12 

Bradbury Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 9087 1106, www. 

laverysbelfast.com. Mon-Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 12:30 

- 00:00. K 

McHughs 

This revamped Grade A listed building dates back to 1711, 

making it Belfast’s oldest bar (though others contest the 

claim). The beautifully restored façade faces pedestrianised 

Custom House Square - venue for many open air 

concerts and cultural events. Inside you’ll find nooks and 

crannies crammed with salvaged emblems of Belfast’s 

industrial past. The restaurant serves a hearty trad menu 

and the basement bar heaves with an older crowd tempted 

by its Irish music sessions, live bands and discos.QD-1, 

29 Queens Square, tel. (+44) (0)28 9050 9999, www. 

mchughsbar.com. Mon-Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 

00:00. K 

Robinsons 

Dating back to 1895, this colossal complex contains five 

venues spread over three floors. Nestled in the corner 

of Blackstaff Square, Fibber Magee’s is the genuine 

article; a good old spit and sawdust bar, packed to the 

rafters with little bits of history and steeped in Irish 

Behold Belfast’s Leaning Tower 

Nightlife 

tradition. Pull up a stool by the open fire and enjoy the 

nightly tunes of traditional musicians adorned with fiddles, 

pipes and bodhráns. A night’s craic is guaranteed. 

Roxys is a New York style converted loft where minimal 

styling and low lighting set the perfect scene for 

Citybeat’s DJ IBE every Saturday night. Cocktails, dance 

anthems and retro faves create the perfect party atmosphere. 

Unleash your inner diva at stylish basement karaoke 

bar BT1. Or enjoy the main Robinson’s Bar and 

Bistro where good food is served until 21:00 and drinks 

are imbibed well into the night. With everything for 

the ideal night out under one roof, big, as they say, is 

beautiful. Find it opposite the Grand Opera House. QB- 

2, 38 Gt. Victoria St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 7447, www. 

robinsonsbar.co.uk. Robinsons 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 

11:00 - 00:00. Fibber Magee’s Mon-Sat 11:30 - 01:00, 

Sun 12:30- 00:00. BT1 Thu-Sat 21:00 - 01:00. Roxys Sat 

21:00 - late. K 

Parlour Bar 

Drinks promotions and good value food, including tasty 

dough discs from the wood-burning pizza oven, keep 

cash-strapped students happy at this Queen’s Quarter 

hang-out. Weekly entertainment includes Tuesday’s 

Open Mic, Bingo Wednesdays and Quiz Nights every 

Thursday. The Back Yard is one of the largest outdoor 

enclosed spaces in Belfast with gas heaters and a big 

screen... a perfect spot to enjoy the football.QB-4, 2 

Elmwood Ave, M8, tel. (+44) (0)28 9068 6970, www. 

parlourbar.co.uk. Mon-Sat 11:30 - late. K 



Nightlife 

Ye Olde Eglantine Inn 

Known by all as ‘The Eg’, this bar/nightclub is slicker 

than the average student haunt. Rows of wine bottles 

back-lit in red are displayed behind the bar to stylish 

effect. Cosy leather sofas, dark wood tables and 

chairs and plasma TVs provide armchair sports fans 

with ample viewing opportunities. The weekly lineup 

includes a Tuesday Quiz and Crackin’ Karaoke every 

Thursday night. Good, honest, homemade food, with 

burritos a speciality, is served from 12-8pm daily.QB- 

5, 32 Malone Rd, M8, tel. (+44) (0)28 9038 1944, 

www.egbar.co.uk. Mon & Tue 11:30 - 00:00, Wed - 

Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 00:00. K 

Nightlife 

Custom House Square all lit up 

RAOB HQ Club 

This Cathedral Quarter social club is the NI HQ of the Royal 

Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes, a global, non-sectarian, 

fraternal organisation founded in 1822. The Buffs, as 

they are colloquially known, originated in London’s theatrical 

scene, with members touring the country with their 

shows and establishing new ‘lodges’. The name derives 

from the song, We’ll Chase the Buffalo, with ‘Royal’ and ‘Antediluvian’ 

added later to evoke an air of prestige and history. 

The Buffs’ aim is to raise money for charity and help 

fellow members in times of need. 

Visitors to the Buff Club are warmly welcomed to enjoy a 

night of music and entertainment at this honest-to-goodness 

working men’s club. Its city centre location and good 

value bar, together with darts, three snooker tables (£1ph) 

and Sky sports, ensures a great time in the company of 

friendly locals from all walks of life. Phone ahead or check the 

small screen on the club’s exterior for details of upcoming 

shows and covers and classics music nights.QC-1, 17 Church 

St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 9961, www.raob.org.uk. Mon- 

Wed 13:00 - 23:00, Thu-Sat 11:00 - late, Sun 17:00 - 22:00. 

Sunflower 

This former working man’s drinking den has been reimagined 

as a cool bar and live music venue. There’s 

more than a nod to its recent past, with local 70s and 80s 

ephemera populating the small two-storey space. Look 

out for the ‘Control Zone’ road sign and other edgy curios. 

Local and world beers and whiskies are among the imbibers’ 

delights. And musos will love the eclectic line-up of 

live music on the intimate upstairs stage, and impromptu 

Irish trad sessions in the downstairs bar. Folk nights every 

Thursday sit alongside soul, bluegrass and other fine music 

genres. Its location on the fringe of Cathedral Quarter 

and close to Central Library and the Art College, ensures a 

steady stream of too-cool-for-school locals. Love it!Q65 

Union St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 2474, www.sunflowerbelfast.com. 

Daily 12:00 - 01:00. 

Live music 

Black Box 

This intimate Cathedral Quarter arts venue is home to 

music, theatre, comedy and many other eclectic nights 

out. Join the boho set in the delightful renovated 

building that consistently throws up some of the city’s 

most culturally diverse entertainment.QC-1, 18 Hill St, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 4400, www.blackboxbelfast. 

com. 

Empire 

This 19th century converted church is a two-in-one venue 

with diverse programme of live comedy, music and clubbing. 

Upstairs the Victorian music hall theme provides a 

sumptuous backdrop for new and tribute music performances. 

The basement bar serves great value food and, 

at night, becomes a hive of activity for beer connoisseurs. 

Every Tuesday, Belfast’s longest running comedy club attracts 

top acts attempting to win over one of the toughest 

audiences on the circuit. The venue is also idea for watching 

big sports fixtures with fellow fans. Good value food is 

served until 20:00.QB-4, 40 Botanic Ave, M7, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9032 8110, www.thebelfastempire.com. Mon-Sat 

11:30 - 01:00. K 

Limelight, Rock Garden and Katy’s Bar 

This revamped jewel in Belfast’s indie, rock and 

emerging music crown boasts an unrivalled line-up 

of deep down and dirty live music and club nights. 

Always busy and always a good night out if you’re 

seriously into your music. QC-3, 15-17 Ormeau Ave, 

(+44) (0)28 9032 7007, www.limelightbelfast.com. 

Voodoo 

Black and red dominates this small, two floor venue 

where local and Cajun inspired lunches give way to 

night-time music encompassing everything from cover 

bands to acoustic acts, hard rock to hip-hop nights. 

Belfast’s Godfather of Punk and discoverer of The 

Undertones, Terri Hooley, plays his Good Vibrations DJ 

set every Thursday. Think tattoos rather than suit-andtie.Q9-11 

Fountain St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9027 8290, 

www.voodoobelfast.com. Mon & Tue 12:00 - 01:00, 

Wed-Sat 12:00 - 02:00, Sun 15:00 - 00:00. K 

Clubs 

El Divino 

Four rooms across three floors make this the city’s biggest 

nightclub. Its Ibizan origins have influenced the design, with 

a laid-back ground floor lounge, the first floor’s intimate 

Little Disco and exclusive Green Room and the top floor’s 

main space completing the club line-up. They say Superclub 

- and who are we to argue Find it along the River Lagan 

walkway, heading east from the Hilton Hotel.Qoff D-2, 

Mays Meadow, Laganbank Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 2000, 

www.eldivino-belfast.com. Thur-Sat, Mon 21:00 - 02:00. 

M Club 

This church of cheese, high temple of tack, minster of madness 

(you get the picture) makes no apologies for its big, 

brash naughtiness. Outside, a giant block of flashing lights 

beckons swarms of half-dressed girls and post-pubescent 

boys, eager for a Saturday night of hot club capers. On Fridays, 

the Groovy Train disco attracts an older crowd reliving their 

glory days from the 70s and 80s. Stags and hens will feel particularly 

at home.QB-4, 23 Bradbury Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9023 3131, www.mclub.co.uk. Tue, Thur-Sat 21:00 - 02:00, 

Downstairs VBar open Mon-Sat from 18:00. 

Thompson’s GARAGE 

With 20 years of hardcore clubbing under its belt, 

Thompson’s is definitely not for the fainthearted. The commercial 

dance, house and R&B is loud and the youngish 

crowd is very, very up for it. No bad thing if you’re tired of 

being good. Two floors of constant noise and euphoria taking 

you into the wee small hours. Find it off Donegall Square 

East.QC-2, 3 Patterson Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 3762, 

www.clubthompsons.com. 23:00 - 03:00. 

Gay Belfast 

Kremlin 

A giant Lenin statue heralds proletariats of all ages to what 

many regard as Ireland’s number one gay hot spot. A the 

name suggests, a Soviet-style industrial opulence exudes 

throughout the complex’s extravagant decor, with all manner 

of hi-jinx including fetish, foam and fancy dress keeping 

the proletariat happy. Frequent celeb performances make 

Kremlin the city’s answer to G.A.Y.QC-1, 96 Donegall St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9031 6060, www.kremlin-belfast.com. Tue & 

Thu 22:00 - 02:00, Fri & Sat 21:00 - 03:00, Sun 22:00 - 02:00. 

Union Street 

Situated in a 19th century shoe factory, this is one of the 

city’s most stylish and fun bars and a great place for some 

fine gastro pub grub. The two storey interior of exposed 

brick, industrial pipes and pale green and chrome décor 

gives the bar a cool yet comfy vibe. Upstairs, the Green 

Room Cocktail Lounge and adjoining Shoe Factory nightclub 

are particularly worthy of your patronage. Theme 

nights can range from Karaoke and Sunday Bingo to quizzes 

and cabaret. Quelle fun.QC-1, 14 Union St, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9031 6060, www.unionstreetpub.com. Mon-Thu 12:00 - 

01:00, Fri & Sat 12:00 - 01:30, Sun 17:00 - 01:00. K 


August - September 2014 2014 27

What to see 

What to see 

Essential Belfast 

If you’re on a whistle-stop day trip, join an open top 

bus tour for a 90min scoot round the major sights including 

Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic and Crumlin Road 

Gaol. Shoppers should head to upmarket Victoria 

Square. Then, if you’ve time to spare, head north on 

Metro Bus N°1, jumping off at Belfast Castle, Belfast 

Zoo and Cavehill Country Park for unbeatable views 

across the city and NI. 

Stay on the right track with these keys (from p.11): 

WB = West Belfast EB = East Belfast 

SB = South Belfast NB = North Belfast 

BUS Tours 

Two companies run 90min hop-on, hop-off open-top bus 

tours of Belfast. Tickets last 48hrs and tours dip into the 

Titanic Quarter, head West to the Shankill and Falls Roads 

then return to the city centre via the Queen’s Quarter. Live 

commentaries are as entertaining as they are enlightening, 

with local guides cracking Troubles-related jokes only 

a native could get away with. The Belfast City Sightseeing 

Bus Tour also stops at Stormont Parliament Building (up to 

15:00) and the Titanic & City Bus Tour heads north to Belfast 

Castle. £12.50/10.50, 4-10 £6, family (2+3) £31, U4 free. 

Y Both companies offer discounts for on-line bookings 

and also run Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones tours. 

Belfast City Sightseeing Bus Tour QC-1, 

Castle Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 1321, www.belfastcitysightseeing.co.uk. 

Dept. 10:00 - 16:00. 

Titanic & City Bus Tours QC-1 High St (beside 

Office shoe shop), tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 1912, 

www.citytoursbelfast.com. Dept. 09:45 - 16:45. 

Buildings & Curiosities 

Albert Memorial Clock 

Belfast’s most prominent timepiece was built from 1865- 

1870 in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince 

Albert, who died in 1862. The 43m-high landmark is 

famous as Belfast’s very own leaning tower. Like many 

structures in the city, it was built on reclaimed land on the 

River Farset’s somewhat squishy foundations and the clock 

tower currently leans 1.25m to the left. A two-year £multimillion 

restoration project saw craftsmen working ‘round 

the clock’ to spruce up its sandstone, polish its two tonne 

bell and add gold leaf to its four faces. The area around 

the clock was once the stomping ground for ladies of the 

night ‘servicing’ visiting sailors.QC-1, High St. 

Belfast City Hall 

A magnificent sight, especially when viewed from Royal 

Avenue, this imposing Portland stone and copper-domed 

building was completed in 1906 as a symbol of Belfast’s 

new city status. Queen Victoria stands at the front, and the 

grounds are dotted with many more statues and monuments, 

details of which can be found on a large map at the 

gates. In 1995 the building provided a dramatic backdrop 

when President Clinton switched on the city’s Christmas 

lights. Check out The Bobbin cafe, whose name reflects 

Belfast’s linen-making past, and No Mean City exhibition. 

And take a free 45min guided tour for a behind the scenes 

glimpse at this iconic building.QC-2, Donegall Square, 

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall. The Bobbin cafe Mon- 

Fri 09:00 - 16:30, Sat 09:00 - 16:00. Tours Mon-Fri 11:00, 

14:00, 15:00; Sat 14:00 & 15:00. YKh 

Belfast Masts 

Each of these eight 16.2m high copper structures is named 

after a White Star Line ship built in Belfast, among them 

Olympic, Britannic, Nomadic and, of course, Titanic. The 

masts feature large-scale banners and info panels at each 

base. QC-2, Donegall Place. 

CS Lewis statue 

Stood fittingly outside Holywood Arches Library, this lifesize 

statue is called The Searcher. It depicts the Belfast-born 

Chronicles of Narnia author as Narnia narrator Digory Kirke 

stepping into a wardrobe - no doubt in search of his mystical 

land. Sculptor Ross Wilson unveiled the bronze statue 

in 1998 - the centenary of Lewis’ birth.QG-2, Holywood 

Rd, M3. EB 

Custom House 

The chiselled heads of Neptune, Britannia and Mercury 

gaze down from this stately 1850’s Italianite building 

whose sweeping steps have long been a platform for 

protests and speeches galvanising the working man. Look 

out for the bronze sculpture of a Speaker representing this 

oratorical past. Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope used to 

work here, and is commemorated with a Blue Plaque. The 

pedestrianised Square provides a sparkly space for Sk8er 

Bois, science toys, illuminated fountains tracing the reclaimed 

River Farset, Belfast’s oldest drinking fountain for 

horses and the occasional al fresco event.QD-1, Custom 

House Square. Though usually closed to the public, the 

building opens during September’s European Open 

Heritage Days. 

Belfast Visitor pass 

Explore more and save money with this 1-3 day tourist 

discount card. The Adult/Child Pass costs £6.30/3.65 

(one day), £10.50/5.75 (two days) or £14/7.50 (three 

days) and includes unlimited bus and rail travel on all 

scheduled Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services 

within a specially designated Greater Belfast Zone. Discounts 

on tours, attractions, souvenirs, eating out and 

lots more goodies are also included. To find out more 

visit the Belfast Welcome Centre (p.5) or buy on-line at 

www.translink.co.uk. And look for the Y symbol on 

our listings for some of the participating companies. 

Lagan Valley Regional 

Park 

This tranquil series of parklands runs for 18km along 

the River Lagan between Belfast’s Stranmillis and the 

neighbouring city of Lisburn. A network of walks, running 

and cycling paths transports visitors through a 

myriad of heritage sites, nature reserves, parkland and 

riverside trails: there’s no dreamier way to spend a sunny 

afternoon.Qoff F-4, www.laganvalley.co.uk. 

Giant’s Ring 

This 2700BC late Neolithic site is Belfast’s very own 

small-scale Stonehenge and Ireland’s largest ritual enclosure. 

The 200m-diameter site is enclosed by a 3mhigh 

circular earthwork with five entrance gaps: climb 

to the top for great views of the surrounding city and 

countryside. In the centre of the earthwork stands a 

megalithic chamber with five standing stones and a 

tilted capstone. Experts believe the site was originally 

a meeting place or cult centre, and records indicate it 

was an 18th century venue for horse races. 

Shaw’s Bridge 

This five-arched stone bridge was built in 1709 with 

stones most likely taken from the ruins of a nearby 

fort. It was originally an oak bridge built by Captain 

Shaw in 1655 to allow Oliver Cromwell’s gunners to 

cross the River Lagan. Today it attracts young romantics, 

families and dog walkers content to soak 

up its peaceful atmosphere and enjoy a Mr Whippy 

ice cream. 

Harland & Wolff Cranes 

Wherever you go in Belfast there’s no escaping Samson 

and Goliath, two giant, moveable yellow cranes looming 

over what was once the world’s biggest shipyard. These 

engineering heavyweights stand at 96m and 106m high, 

140m wide and were built in 1969 and 1974 respectively. 

Belfast’s shipbuilding industry may have dwindled but the 

cranes are still used for H&W’s heavy engineering projects 

and have been preserved as historic monuments. Only the 

chosen few can take the lift to their summit for spectacular 

city views. So resign yourself to enjoying Belfast’s most 

iconic landmarks from ground level.QG-2, Titanic Quarter, 

www.harland-wolff.com. EB 

Queen’s University 

Designed by Charles Lanyon and opened in 1849, this gothic 

masterpiece is said to be based on Oxford University’s 

Magdalen College. It is regarded as one of the best universities 

in the British Isles and its Chancellor, former US Senator 

George Mitchell, was a major architect of the Good Friday 

Agreement. Famous alumni include President of Ireland 

Mary McAleese, Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney 

and scientist Lord Kelvin whose statue is in nearby Botanic 

Gardens. Pick up the free, informative walking tour leaflet 

at the Queen’s Welcome Centre where you can also buy a 

range of Irish and QUB-branded souvenirs. Guided tours 

can be arranged in advance.QB-4, University Rd, M7, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9097 5252, www.qub.ac.uk/vcentre. 

09:30 - 16:30, Sun 10:00 - 13:00. YhSB 

Cathedrals 

St. Anne’s Cathedral 

Dating back to 1776, the original St. Anne’s Church was 

demolished in 1903 making way for a new Hiberno- 

Romanesque-style Cathedral of Belfast. The foundation 

stone was laid in 1899 and the cathedral built in five stages 

across two centuries. The West Front, featuring Ireland’s 

largest Celtic cross, was completed in 1927 and dedicated 

to the victims of World War I. Though dedicated to St. 

Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Cathedral 

was originally named after Lady Anne Hamilton, wife of 

the founder of the original Parish Church. The Anglican 

Cathedral often holds inter-church services and past visitors 

have included Royalty and Heads of State. It is also 

the burial place of Unionist MP Lord Carson, regarded as 

the founding father of the NI state. The Cathedral was extensively 

refurbished in 1998 and, in 2007, a stainless steel 

72m ‘Spire of Hope’ added to the roof.QC-1, Lwr Donegall 

St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 8332, www.belfastcathedral. 

org. Mon-Sat 08:00 - 18:00, Sun 08:00 - 16:00 (closed to 

tourists Sun 11:00- 12:30). h 

St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cathedral 

This neo-Gothic twin-spired Cathedral off Falls Road was 

built in 1866 for the city’s increasing Catholic population. 




What to see 

The building was designed in 1860 by Father Jeremiah 

McAuley, a trained Belfast architect prior to entering Orders, 

and completed in 1866. Its magnificent twin spires 

were added in 1886 and dominate West Belfast’s skyline. 

The tower holds a carillon of 11 bells and, following major 

restoration, the cathedral now boasts fine examples 

of high Victorian Gothic decoration.QA-2, St. Peter’s 

Square, off Falls Rd, M10, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 7573, 

www.stpeterscathedralbelfast.com. hWB 

Parks, Gardens & Mountains 

Botanic Gardens 

This meeting place for the city’s students, families and 

couples first opened in 1895. Its grounds are a profusion 

of colourful flowerbeds, expansive lawns and magnificent 

trees. Take a steamy jungle walk in the Tropical Ravine or 

marvel at the collection of outstanding tropical flora in the 

iron-and-glass Victorian Palm House. The Ulster Museum 

and a statue of Victorian scientist Lord Kelvin are located 

within the grounds. QB-5, Stranmillis Rd, M8, www. 

belfastcity.gov.uk/parks. SB 

Cave Hill Country Park 

Belfast’s most striking backdrop looms dramatically above 

the north of the city. Its craggy skyline rises 360m to the 

sheer cliff face of McArt’s Fort, named after 16th Century 

chieftain Art O’Neill. This prominent landmark’s instantly 

recognisable silhouette is known locally as Napoleon’s 

Nose, and the hill itself is pockmarked with those eponymous 

caves. Marked trails, suitable for all walking levels (we 

suggest you start your energetic stroll from Belfast Castle), 

guide you to the summit for unparalleled views stretching 

all the way to the Mountains of Mourne - it’s as though 

a map of NI has been unfolded before your eyes.QF-1, 

Antrim Rd, M1, www.belfastcity.gov.uk. NB 

Belfast Castle 

Beneath Napoleon’s Nose on Cave Hill nestles this 19th 

Century Scottish Baronial-style building presented to the 

city in 1934 by the philanthropic Shaftesbury family. Weekends 

are often awash with traditional white weddings, so 

wish the happy couple ’good luck’ then go explore the 

manicured grounds with their cute Cat Garden, stunning 

city views and children’s adventure playground. Apres 

stroll, indulge in high tea in the restaurant or rummage 

around the quaint antique shop. The interpretive centre 

contains info on the surrounding flora and fauna, Castle 

wedding pics from yesteryear and a roofcam affording 

close-up views of those city sights. Tours available.QF-1, 

Antrim Rd, M1, tel. (+44) (0)28 9077 6925, www.belfastcastle.co.uk. 

LKYhNB 

Belfast Zoo 

Over 1200 animals populate the 55 acre Cave Hill setting of 

NI’s top fee-paying visitor attraction. Among the 140 species 

living in its natural woodland habitat are ’Big Cats’, primates, gi- 

Stormont 

ESTATE AND 

Parliament 

Building This 

164-hectare public 

park provides 

an awesome setting 

for one of NI’s 

most iconic landmarks. Climb the steps to gaze at the 

imposing Portland Stone structure and see some great 

city views. 

Parliament Building was opened by Edward, Prince of 

Wales in 1932 and is home to the restored NI Assembly. 

The building stands at the top of the mile-long Prince 

of Wales Avenue behind a statue of Lord Edward Carson 

(Unionist MP regarded as the founding father of 

the NI State). It is topped by the figure Britannia, and 

nearby is Reconciliation, a small water sculpture depicting 

a couple embracing across a divide. 

Free guided tours run Mon-Fri 10:00 and 15:00 

(hourly in July, Aug, Easter & Hallowe’en) taking in 

the main entrance, Great Hall, Assembly and Senate 

Chambers and Committee Room. On Mon from 12:00 

and Tues from 10:30, you can watch proceedings from 

the public gallery. There’s also a small gift and coffee 

shop, and fantastic Mo Mowlam children’s play area. 

Qoff H-3, Upr Newtownards Rd, M4, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9052 1802, www.niassembly.gov.uk. YhEB 

Crumlin Road Gaol and Courthouse 

raffes, zebras, elephants, penguins and sea lions. The Zoo also 

takes part in almost 100 international breeding programmes 

designed to save endangered animals from extinction. A Rainforest 

House, Bird Park, visitor centre and Zoovenir shop - as 

well as some of the city’s best views - add to a memorable day 

out. And lots of year-round fun and events give children 

(and adults!) a greater understanding of the Zoo’s inhabitants. 

Some gradients are steep, and much of the Zoo is 

outdoors, so wear appropriate footwear and clothing. 

QF-1, Antrim Rd, M1, tel. (+44) (0)28 9077 6277, www. 

belfastzoo.co.uk. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Last admission 

17:00. Adult £11.50, senior, student and 4-17 £5.80, family 

(2+3) £31, U4 free. LKY NB 

Divis & Black Mountain (478m & 390m) 

These twin peaks of limestone and basalt dominate West 

and North West Belfast’s skyline. A BBC Transmitter masts 

sits atop Divis whose Irish name translates as black back. 

Former owners, the Ministry of Defence once used it for 

army training and, allegedly, surveillance. Belfast’s highest 

peaks were acquired by the National Trust and open 

to the public in 2004. The Trust has uncovered 2000 acres 

rich in biodiversity and archaeological interest, as well as 

constructing signs, paths and the Long Barn visitor centre. 

Be aware that this no Sunday stroll, though, and sudden 

changes in the weather can make conditions treacherous. 

Come prepared - wear wellies and wet-weather gear and 

let someone know where you’re heading. To get there 

What to see 

The foreboding facing edifaces of Crumlin Road Gaol 

and Courthouse are connected by an underground tunnel 

once used to spirit prisoners from the Gaol to the 

Courthouse for trial - and back if convicted. 

The Neo-Palladian Courthouse was opened in 1850 

and is topped by a scales-free figure of Justice. Closed in 

1998, the dilapidated building is privately owned with 

no plans for redevelopment. 

Opened in 1845, the black basalt and red sandstone 

Crumlin Road Gaol was designed by Sir Charles 

Lanyon and inspired by the cutting-edge layout of 

London’s Pentonville Prison. Four Wings (A-D) radiate 

from a centre Circle and rise three storeys, with a 

fourth basement level. Each small prison cell was built 

for single occupancy, though many housed up to four 

cellmates during the 1970s. 

Early inmates included women, children, petty criminals 

- some bound for Australia’s penal colonies and 

suffragettes. 

Throughout the Troubles, the Gaol witnessed many 

breakouts, bombings and rooftop protests. Inmates and 

internees of note have included politicians Ian Paisley 

and Eamon de Valera, loyalist murderer Michael 

Stone and Shankill Butcher Lenny Murphy. 

The Gaol closed in 1996 and, following major restoration 

re-opened in 2012 as a visitor attraction. Guided 

75min tours take in the reception and Governor’s Corridor, 

before descending into the haunted tunnel - 

nighttime paranormal tours available. 

The Circle, with its ornate railings and spiral staircase, is 

the next stop before continuing down a restored wing 

and into one of the 550 or so cells. At the end of the wing 

is the Condemned Man’s Cell - larger than the others 

to house two 24hr prison officers. Seventeen men were 

executed here from 1854-1961, and all but two remain 

buried in unmarked graves at the back of the complex. 

Your first glimpse of the original hangman’s noose is 

guaranteed to leave even the hardiest of visitors slackjawed. 

And the descent to the basement ‘drop cell’ - 

where the dead man was left to dangle until sure death - 

will send a shiver down the straightest of spines. A short 

walk outside reveals the large back yard, old hospital 

building - and those unmarked graves. A gift shop and 

cafe complete your unique day out, and regular events, 

including Elvis and Johnny Cash tribute nights, make it 

a unique nighttime venue. Q F-2, 53-55 Crumlin Rd, 

M12, tel. (+44) (0)28 9074 1500, www.crumlinroadgaol.com. 

Daily 09:30 - 17:00. Adult £8.50, 5-15 £6.50, 

conc. £7, family (2+2) £25. Tours 10:00 - 16:30 daily. 

From city centre, drive up Crumlin Road, past the Mater 

Hospital, Crumlin Road Gaol and petrol station on 

your right, turn right at traffic lights onto Cliftonpark 

Ave, then take first right and follow signs to free car 

park. HKLNB 

take a Metro bus, walk or drive to the Upper Springfield 

Rd. entrance, then trek to the summit for amazing views 

stretching as far as Scotland on a clear day.Qoff F-3, Divis 

Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9082 5434, www.nationaltrustni. 

org.uk. LNB 

Malone House & Barnett Demesne 

Close to Shaw’s Bridge stands this elegant late Georgian mansion 

with sweeping pastoral views across equally elegant 

grounds. A very popular wedding venue, the building also has 

a cafe and art gallery.Qoff F-3, Upper Malone Rd, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9068 1246, www.malonehouse.co.uk. LKYSB 

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park 

This 128 acre oasis, south of the city, is a sweeping sea of rolling 

lawns and swaying trees and a masterclass in floral landscaping. 

19th Century Wilmont House was taken over by the Dixons 

in 1919 and bequeathed to the ’citizens of Belfast’ by Lady 

Dixon in 1959.Q off F-3, Upr Malone Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9027 

0467, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks. LKYSB 

Museums & Galleries 

Belfast barge 

Inside the specially kitted-out MV Confiance floating maritime 

museum you’ll find Holohan’s restaurant and, below 

deck, info panels and interactive displays revealing the 

city’s proud shipbuilding past. Find out about The Belfast 



What to see 

What to see 

northern ireland in wW2 

Belfast Blitz Memorial Plaque On the corner 

of the Belfast Telegraph 

building, 

a small section of 

pockmarked stone 

provides a tangible 

reminder of the 

1941 Belfast Blitz. 

Over 100 German 

Luftwaffe planes 

bombarded the unprepared city on April 15, killing 900 people 

and injuring a further 2,500. A lone plaque on the stone 

tells how the newspaper published ‘without interruption’. 

QC-1, 124 Royal Ave. 

Northern Ireland War Memorial 

This small exhibition space near St. Anne’s Cathedral recalls 

the ravages of WW2 - both on the battlefield and during 

the Belfast Blitz. Artwork features strongly and attention 

is drawn to NI’s wartime links with the USA. A bronze 

sculpture depicts half lifesize figures of a mother guiding 

her child through the ruins of Belfast on the morning after 

the blitz of 15 April 1941. Soldiers’ artefacts are also on display 

alongside uniform-clad mannequins, shiny medals, 

propaganda posters and pieces of anti-aircraft shells. The 

most evocative exhibit, however, is a revolving reel naming 

each of the 1000 men, women and children who died 

during the Belfast Blitz. A WW2 war veteran is often on 

hand, so stop for a chat to learn more about the role Belfast 

played in this pivotal period of world history. Q C-1, 

21 Talbot St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 0392, www.niwarmemorial.org. 

Mon-Fri 10:30 - 16:30. h 

Bottom, The Rat Killer and the Harland & Wolff-built SS 

Canberra, in fact, everything but Titanic. A unique location 

for a meticulously presented chronicle of what they 

call ‘the greatest story never told’. Look out for regular live 

music and other events in its small performance space. 

QBelfast Barge D-2, Lanyon Quay, Belfast Waterfront, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 2555, www.belfastbarge.com. 10:00 

- 16:00. Adult £4, conc. £3, family and combined ticket 

with Titanic Boat Tour £12. KY 

belfast Exposed 

NI’s only dedicated photography gallery is a favourite haunt 

of the city’s art students and another cool creative space in the 

thriving Cathedral Quarter. The gallery runs contemporary community-based 

and international photography exhibitions and 

houses over half a million archived images and negatives from 

1983 to present day. Screenings and talks take place year-round. 

Q C-1, 23 Donegall St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 0965, www.belfastexposed.org. 

Tues-Sat 11:00 - 17:00, Sun 13:00 - 17:00. h 

Belfast Print Workshop 

NI’s largest print workshop provides facilities for etching, 

screen print, lithography and relief printing, and its street 

NI War Memorial Aug & Sept Events 

In August, previously 

unseen 

WW2 exhibits 

are on display 

relating to Winston 

Churchill 

and local man 

Captain Richard 

Pim, Supervisor 

of Churchill’s 

Map Room. Pathe film footage recalls significant WW2 

events including the Yalta Conference. ‘Pim and Churchill’s 

Map Room’, a book based on the papers of Richard Pim 

detailing the setting up of map rooms for Admiralty House, 

Dunkirk, The Atlantic Charter, the Casablanca Declaration, Operation 

Torch; the allied landings in North Africa, the Normandy 

landing in 1944, and conferences in Washington, Quebec 

and Yalta, is on sale in the gallery for £5. 

In September NI War Memorial will contribute to the 

European Heritage Open Days and Culture Night 

Belfast by hosting two First World War Living History 

events. Drop in to learn about the role of photography during 

the First World War, dress up and pose for a photograph 

souvenir, taken by professional museum photographer 

Brian Rutledge. The gallery will present material relating to 

First World War photography and the story of a box of old 

lantern slides which was found in the organ loft of Alexandra 

Presbyterian Church. The images were of soldiers and sailors 

in First World War uniforms and were made by the famous 

Belfast photographer Mr Alex. R. Hogg. 

level gallery hosts regular exhibitions and a small shop. 

Look for the beautifully renovated warehouse with dramatic 

steel and mosaic sculpture, in the square facing The 

Merchant Hotel. Q C-1, Cotton Court, 30 Waring St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9023 0323, www.bpw.org.uk. Mon-Fri 10:00 

- 17:00, Sat & Sun 11:00 - 16:00. 

gt gallery 

On the fringes of Cathedral Quarter stands this red brick building 

whose ground floor houses one of Belfast’s coolest art 

galleries. The stark concrete interior lends itself perfectly to 

changing exhibitions of paintings, photography and installations. 

You’ll usually find students from the nearby art college 

contemplating the contemporary local pieces and scribbling 

a few inspirational notes. Find it 2mins from the back of St. 

Anne’s Cathedral beside Beggs & Partners bathroom showroom. 

QC-1, Switch Room, 84-94 Great Patrick St., tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9033 0920, www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk. Tues-Fri 

10:30 - 17:30, Sat 10:30 - 16:00. h 



THE MUSEUM OF NORTHERN IRELAND 

IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 

21 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD • Monday – Friday 10.30am – 4.30pm 

www.niwarmemorial.org 

Tel (028) 9032 0392 

Red Barn Gallery 

Down a wee lane beside Rosemary Street Church nestles 

this cavern-like art space featuring work from local or locally-based 

photographers, painters and sculptors. Images and 

artwork depicting the Troubles sit alongside those reflecting 

today’s exuberant Belfast - and all the pieces are for sale 

and searchable on the on-line archive. Call in, browse the 

latest exhibit and grab yourself a real talking-point souvenir. 

QC-1, 43a Rosemary St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 1901, www. 

rbgbelfast.com. Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:00. h 

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum 

Stroll through this outdoor collection of lovingly-restored 

18th Century buildings and let the costumed guides bring 

history to life. The transport section houses an impressive 

collection of steam trains, railway memorabilia, planes and 

horse carriages. Highlights include a DeLorean sports car, 

made in Belfast and star of the Back to the Future films. 

The Museum is 11kms east of the city centre on the main 

A2 Belfast to Bangor Road. The nearest rail station is Cultra 

Halt. Q L-3, 153 Bangor Rd, Cultra, Holywood, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9042 8428, www.uftm.org.uk. Tue-Sun and Mon 

Bank Holidays 10:00 - 17:00. Adults £9.50, 5-17 £5, conc. 

£7, U5 free. Family and individual museum tickets also 

available. LKYEB 

Ulster Museum 

This eye-catching hybrid of 1960s concrete and neo-classical 

architecture, features a 23m high atrium, and three 

Zones across four levels. As you navigate the glass and 

steel walkways, keep an eye on the Window on Our World 

gallery where iconic objects from each Zone - including a 

6m long Edmontosaurus dinosaur skeleton - further fuel 

the imagination. Then spend the day exploring those History, 

Art and Nature Zones, where a bona fide Egyptian 

mummy, Spanish Armada gold and Peter the Polar Bear 

are among the myriad of attractions. The Gallery of Applied 

Art is said to house the best collection of its kind in 

the world outside London’s V&A. Other highlights include 

the impressive collection of Fine Art and costumes, and 

an exhibit on The Troubles. Children are positively encouraged 

to get up close and interactive with exhibits in the 

Discovery areas. And everyone can discover their own 

treasures at the gift shop and enjoy lunch in the ground 

floor restaurant overlooking Botanic Gardens.QB-5, Botanic 

Gardens, Stranmillis Rd, M8, tel. (+44) (0)28 9038 

3000, www.nmni.com/um. Tues-Sun and Mon Bank 

Holidays. 10:00 - 17:00. KYhSB 

Libraries & Archives 

Central Library and Newspaper Library 

This red sandstone and black granite building was 

opened in 1888 - the same year Belfast achieved city 

status. The grand staircase and first floor Reading Room 

with fine domed ceiling are worth a peek. And the adjoining 

Newspaper Library houses NI’s largest collection 

of local and Irish newspapers, some dating back 

to the 1700s. Chapter One café and regular events and 

exhibitions will feed the body and mind. Q C-1, Royal 

Ave, tel. (+44) (0)28 9050 9150, www.ni-libraries.net. 

Mon-Thu 09:30 - 20:00, Fri 09:30 - 17:30, Sat 09:30 - 

16:30. Kh 


What to see 

Linen Hall Library 

Founded in 1788, Belfast’s oldest library is a focal point for the 

city’s cultural community who love to leaf through the books 

or simply enjoy those fantastic views across the City Hall. If 

you’re into the history of the Troubles, seek out its unrivalled 

A History of Terror 

Walking Tour 

Between 1968 and 1998 Belfast city centre witnessed 

many of the most significant events of NI’s sectarian conflict 

which became known as ‘The Troubles’. This unique 

city centre walking tour visits nine of the sites and tells the 

story of the Troubles and, most poignantly, the people 

involved. Use of ipad images from the conflict expertly illustrate 

the reality of living in Belfast during this time, while 

the tour itself shows how far this city has come. Engaging, 

enthralling and unbiased, tours are guided by conflict 

historians, with the lead guide a History lecturer and Belfast 

native born in the year the Troubles began. The tour 

avoids political rhetoric but tells the stories in a balanced, 

objective and historically accurate way. As educating for 

locals as they are for visitors, they are a must for anyone 

with a fascination for our troubled past.Q Dep. Front 

Gates, Belfast City Hall, Donegall Sq. North, tel. (+44) 

(0)771 6949460, www.deadcentretours.com. Daily 

tours 10:30 (c.2hrs). £15pp - pay guide on the day or in 

advance via website. Private tours available. 

W5 

NI’s only science and 

discovery centre has 

over 250 interactive 

exhibits across 

four spacious levels, 

and a changing programme 

of workshops, 

events and 

exhibitions. Check 

out the fantastic new 

‘climbit’ exhibit, a cross between a maze and a jungle 

gym, combining physical fun, exploration and art. Oval 

platforms are suspended from steel pipes and cables to let 

visitors traverse over, under and through this amazing 3D 

design, the first structure of its kind in the UK and Ireland. 

Titanic Quarter location affords fantastic views across Titanic 

Belfast and the Harland & Wolff shipyard. Great fun 

for young Einsteins and a learning experience at any age. 

Bring your own picnic or enjoy light bites at the cafe. And 

the name It’s a zippier version of whowhatwherewhenwhy... 

so now you know. QD-1, Odyssey Complex, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9046 7700, www.w5online.co.uk. Mon-Fri 

10:00 - 17:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. July & 

Aug open til 18:00. Last admission 1hr before closing. 

Adults £8.50, 3-16 £6.50, Conc. £7, U3 free. Family and 

season tickets available. LK 

Northern Ireland Political Collection of books, posters, leaflets 

and propaganda. A gift shop, café, tours, readings and lectures 

all add to the library’s effortless charm. Q C-2, 17 Donegall 

Square North, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 1707, www.linenhall. 

com. Mon-Fri 09:30 - 17:30, Sat 09:30 - 16:00. KYh 

Public Record Office of NI 

Established in 1923 following NI’s formation, PRONI is the official 

place of deposit for NI records. Over three million official 

and privately deposited archives mainly, but not exclusively, 

relating to NI are held on its premises. If you want to trace your 

NI roots, a visit to its state-of-the-art Titanic Quarter premises 

is a must. A spacious Public Research Room houses a suite of 

laptops and power points, and documents can be ordered, 

researched and copied at the equally capacious Public Reading 

Room. Thousands of documents of value to family historians 

include church records, valuation books and maps, 

letters, diaries and photographs. PRONI’s extensive website 

has information on how to research your family history, and 

searchable online resources include 19th Century Street Directories, 

the Ulster Covenant and Wills. PRONI staff cannot 

undertake research but can help and advise with the process. 

Paid parking is via the main Odyssey car park with a short walk 

to PRONI. Translink also runs a Metro Bus service to the area. 

Children U14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Photo ID required. No appointment necessary.Q off D-1, 2 

Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, tel. (+44) (0)28 9053 

4800, www.proni.gov.uk. Mon-Wed & Fri 09:00 - 16:45, Thu 

10:00 - 20:45. LKh 


No other city but Belfast can lay claim to having lived beneath 

RMS Titanic’s magnificent shadow for so long. The 

emerging superstructure, on slipway No. 3, dominated 

East Belfast’s Harland & Wolff shipyard for just over two 

years, from the moment its keel was laid in March 1909 

to its departure on 2 April 1912. Only the cold North Atlantic 

seabed has been its home for longer – from the 

early hours of 15 April 1912 when the mighty ship collided 

with an iceberg and came to its final resting place, 

claiming 1512 souls. The triumph and tragedy of the 

ill-fated liner has transcended into modern folklore, its 

very name instantly recognisable throughout the world. 

And now Belfast has commemorated its connection 

with the opening of Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest 

Titanic-themed visitor attraction, and SS Nomadic, Titanic’s 

‘Little Sister’. Here’s our round-up of Belfast’s tours 

and attractions taking you to the heart of this enduring 

story. 

Titanic Murals and Yardmen sculpture 

Two murals on East Belfast’s Lower Newtownards Road 

depict Thomas Andrews, Captain Smith, RMS Titanic 

and the Harland & Wolff cranes. The black & white 

painting at Dee Street is particularly impressive and 

worthy of a photo-op. The Yardmen bronze sculpture 

was created by Ross Wilson and depicts three shipyard 

workers walking towards Westbourne Church from the 

docks. Q G-2, Lower Newtownards Rd, East Belfast, 

M4. 


Titanic in Belfast 

Belfast City Hall memorials 

Reflect on the tragedy at the Titanic Memorial Garden 

where a 1920 stone sculpture depicts female figure 

Thane looking down on two sea-nymphs lifting a 

drowned sailor. Heading its list of 22 local men who 

perished is Titanic’s designer, Thomas Andrews. The 

Garden also features the world’s only memorial to 

name all those who died in the disaster. A statue of 

shipyard founder Sir Edward Harland and plinth dedicated 

to Lord Pirrie, shipyard chairman at the time 

of Titanic, are nearby. And inside a commemorative 

stained glass window depicts the ship. Q C-2, www. 

belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall/monuments. 

TITANICa: The Exhibition and The People’s 

Story Opened on 31 May 2011, the 100th anniversary 

of Titanic’s Belfast launch, this exhibition connects the 

indoor Transport and outdoor Folk Museums with exhibitions 

and living history experiences telling the story of 

Titanic and its era. More than 500 original artefacts from 

the Museum’s collection are on display in the Transport 

Galleries. And a Titanic trail leads visitors to the Folk Museum 

to meet people who lived here before, during and 

after Titanic’s maiden voyage. This unique two-centre 

experience recreates the entwined life and times of the 

city and the ship in a truly authentic setting. For full details 

of the Museum’s prices and opening hours, see our 

main listing on p.34. Q L-3, Ulster Folk and Transport 

Museum, www.nmni.com/titanic. 



TITANIC TOURS 

Titanic Boat Tours 

Jump aboard the world’s only tour that traverses the 

same water where this mighty ship was built and first slid 

into the sea. Belfast locals are proud to proclaim, “She 

was alright when she left here!”® - and this Titanic boat 

tour offers an authentic perspective of the doomed liner 

from on-board the small passenger ferries Joyce Too and 

Mona. The 75min tour passes the significant historical 

sites around Queen’s Island and the shipyards of Harland 

& Wolff where Titanic was designed, built and launched. 

Tours daily 12:30, 14:00 & 15:30. Tickets: £10/8, 2+2 £30, 

U5 free. Dept. Jetty 2 beyond Big Fish sculpture. Combined 

Boat Tour & Belfast Barge Maritime Museum 

ticket: £12/10, £40 (2+2). Boats can also be booked for 

private parties. Check website or call at the Maritime 

Emporium (see p.56) for all the latest tours, times and 

prices incl. 90min Sunday Harbour Lough Excursion from 

May and combi tickets with Belfast City Sightseeing Bus 

Tours. QD-1, dep. Donegall Quay beside the Big Fish 

sculpture, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 0124, 07718 910423, 

www.laganboatcompany.com. Y 

Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House 

Once the ’beating heart’ of Harland & Wolff shipyard, 

this listed Edwardian building houses a 12m deep 

pump-well whose four engines could drain two dry 

docks of 23m gallons of water in just 100mins. Of the 

two, the adjacent Thompson Dry Dock is the largest - 

Titanic Memorial, City Hall 

and the place where Titanic had its final fit-out. The Dock’s 

gargantuan proportions give an awesome indication of 

Titanic’s scale and the tour includes a 44ft descent to its 

base. Self guided and guided (1hr) tours reveal the engineering 

excellence behind these colossal constructions. 

The Pump-House Café & Visitor Centre has free WiFi, 

souvenirs and info panels recalling Belfast’s industrial and 

maritime heyday.Q G-2, Queen’s Rd, M26, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9073 7813, www.titanicsdock.com. Daily 10:00 - 

17:00, Fri from 09:30. Self Guided/Sat & Sun 14:00 1hr 

Guided Tours: Adult £6/7, 5-16 £3.50/4, U5 free, Senior 

Citizen £5/6 (Mon-Fri), £5.50/6 (Sat-Sun), Student £5/6, 

2+2 £14/15. Group rates available. LKY 

Titanic’s Pump-House, Titanic Quarter 


titanic belfast 

Rising phoenix-like from the 

once bustling Harland & Wolff 

shipyard, this £77m silver colossus 

encases the dreams 

and disaster that encapsulate 

the story of Titanic. 

Outside thousands of 3D 

aluminium shards collide to 

create a four-bowed building 

designed to reflect the 

White Star Line giant of the 

seas. Each pinnacle is the exact 

height of Titanic, giving 

visitors a tantalising clue of the 

large-scale exhibits within. 

At the front entrance, a giant TITANIC steel sign sits 

alongside a life-size Titanica female figure - a poignant 

reminder that the ship sailed without this maritime 

symbol of good fortune stretching from her bow. The 

sculpture is said to have been inspired by Kate Winslet’s 

role in the 1997 Titanic blockbuster. 

Once inside, the ground floor, with cafe, restaurant, 

shop and ticketing desks, features a full-height atrium 

and large engraved compass rose floor design. Dramatic 

use of metals and wood meld the past with the present 

and create an authentic shipyard atmosphere in a 21st 

century setting. 

Ascend the stairs to begin your tour through nine galleries 

taking you from 1910 to the present day. The story 

starts with Boomtown Belfast where giant screens 

show street scenes from the era and a large interactive 

floor allows you to explore the ship’s plans. 

Next the Arrol Gantry and gentle six minute Shipyard 

Ride take you into the heart of Harland & Wolff with 

sights, sounds and smells providing a sensory exploration 

of what it was like to be a shipbuilder working on 

Titanic. 

Exit the ride and enter The Launch - a moment in 

Belfast’s history when excited citizens watched in awe 

as the world’s largest movable object slid into Belfast 

Lough. A large translucent panel showing Titanic ahead 

of launch clears to reveal the actual slipway where she 

once sat. 

Then it’s time to ‘board’ the ship as The Fit-out reveals 

the opulence and craftsmanship embedded in her interior 

design. Large glass cases display replica cabins from 

all three classes. And a fantastic triple-aspect screen 

takes you on a virtual tour of the ship - from boiler room 

to bridge. 

The Maiden Voyage introduces some of the people 

who sailed on that journey, blissfully unaware of the 

ship’s imminent fate. Photos taken by Father Brown provide 

a priceless record of life on-board the luxury liner. 

The Irish priest embarked briefly when Titanic docked at 

Queenstown, now Cobh, Co. Cork. 

Then the atmosphere changes starkly as you enter the 



next gallery... The Sinking. A dark starry night descends 

and, as the ship hits the iceberg and begins to list, messages 

are relayed to nearby ships asking for help. Animations 

show Titanic’s demise, with its final moments 

poignantly projected onto a large wall of lifebelts. 

An exact-scale lifeboat sits in silent observance as The 

Aftermath recalls the British and American inquiries in 

the wake of the tragedy. Over 1500 souls had perished - 

and the fate of every single person who sailed on Titanic 

- including the survivors - is recorded in fully-searchable 

touch screens. 

Myths and Legends explores the enduring global appeal 

of the Titanic story, as books, films, music and television 

tell their versions of the tragedy. A selection of 

memorabilia, from the tasteful to the downright tacky, 

is also displayed, showing just how ingrained the story 

has become in our popular culture - even one hundred 

years on. 

Titanic Beneath’s 88-seat viewing theatre features images 

taken by Robert Ballard, the man who discovered 

Titanic in 1985. Look down at the glass floor to see dramatic 

footage of the ship resting on the seabed - it’s as 

though you are diving to the wreck yourself. Finally, an 

Ocean Exploration Centre brings the story full circle 

as marine biologists reveal life beneath our local shores. 

The tour is self-guided with a member of staff in each 

gallery to answer your questions. Also worth doing is the 

separate guided Discovery Tour that reveals the symbolism 

behind the build and surrounding landscaping 

(Adult £7, Child £5, Conc. £6). 

The top two floors house four conference and events 

suites - one with an exact replica of the famous staircase 

(not part of tour but can be viewed with Sunday 

Afternoon Teas). Two subterranean levels provide paid 

parking for 500 cars. 

Allow at least half a day to see this super-sized attraction. 

QG-2, Queen’s Rd, Titanic Quarter, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9076 6386, www.titanicbelfast.com. Daily: 

April, June-Aug 09:00 - 19:00, May & Sept 09:00 - 

18:00, Oct-March 10:00 - 17:00. Last admission 1h 

40m before closing. Adult £15.50, 5-16 £7.25, U5 Free, 

Student/Unemployed (Mon-Fri) £10, (Sat & Sun) £11, 

Senior Citizen (Mon-Fri) £11, (Sat+Sun) £13, 2+2 £39. 

Check online for group rates, late saver admission, Titanic’s 

Dock & Pump House combi-tickets and special 

events. HLK 



SS Nomadic 

Titanic’s ‘little sister’ was built in Belfast at the same 

time as her famous sibling. The last White Star Line 

vessel afloat, Nomadic provides a unique link with Belfast’s 

maritime heritage. 

The luxurious interior and quarter size dimensions reflected 

Titanic’s whose 1st and 2nd class passengers 

she ferried from Cherbourg ahead of the liner’s illfated 

Atlantic crossing. 

During her eclectic lifetime, Nomadic served in both 

World Wars, tendered thousands more trans-Atlantic 

passengers and spent three decades on the Seine as a 

floating restaurant. 

Famous passengers included the ‘Unsinkable’ Molly 

Brown, Marie Curie, Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor 

and Richard Burton. 

Nomadic was purchased in 2006 by the local government 

and, following several years’ restoration, resides 

beneath the shadow of Titanic Belfast. 

Inside, touch screens, info panels, displays and projected 

characters from Titanic’s heyday recount her fascinating 

past. Compare the 1st and 2nd class quarters, 

explore the engine room and peek into the Captain’s 

cabin and crew quarters to imagine what life was like 

for Nomadic’s inhabitants. Guides will help explain her 

history, while period costumes and games keep children 

entertained. 

Through it all, the sobering reality that remains is that 

one third of Nomadic’s 172 Titanic passengers perished 

with the ship. 

A small shop and coffee dock are on site, and regular 

events are reflect this unique space - check online for 

the latest details. Paid parking at Titanic Belfast and 

the Odyssey.Q G-2, Hamilton Dry Dock, Queens 

Rd, www.nomadicbelfast.com. Daily 10:00 - 18:00. 

Adult £8.50, 5-16 £5, U5 Free, Conc. £6.50, 2+2 £22, 

2+3 £27. 

Titanic Walking Tour 

Follow in the footsteps of Titanic’s builders in this, the city’s 

only Titanic Walking Tour. Tour guide Colin Cobb and his 

team’s extensive knowledge leaves no fact unearthed - 

even down to the number of apples on board the doomed 

liner (36,000, if you’re asking). The 90min tour takes in several 

significant shipyard locations - including Titanic Belfast, 

Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House and access to the 44ft deep 

Dry Dock where the ship was fitted out. The entertaining 

and detailed insight is suitable for all ages - whether a 

self-professed Titanorak or not. QD-1, dept. front Titanic 

Belfast, Queen’s Road. M26, tel. (+44) (0)7546 489875, 

www.titanicwalk.com. Tours Sat & Sun 12:00. Adult £9, 

10-16 £7, U10 £5, U5 free, 2+2 £28 (incl. Pump-House 

Tour). Y 

Titanic’s Thompson Dry Dock 

In a part of Belfast where two cultures collide, tourism bodies 

are working together to revitalise the area and make it 

visitor-friendly. Lots of tourists want to see for themselves 

the recent political history of this divided city and, in doing 

so, are often surprised at just how close these two communities 

sit... the Unionist Shankill and Nationalist Falls side-byside, 

divided only by a Peace Line. With both sides making a 

concerted effort to attract visitors, it’s worth taking time out 

from the main attractions to visit these vibrant areas. Hop 

off the Open Top Bus or take a Metro bus or Black Taxi and 

explore at your leisure. 

Falls Road 

Bi-lingual street signs and fluttering Irish flags are the first 

things visitors often notice when they walk along the Falls. 

The area is becoming known as the Gaeltacht Quarter, with 

many shops and businesses offering Irish-language service 

and accepting Euros. Of the road’s many historical and 

political murals, the most photographed is on the side of 

the Sinn Fein offices and features IRA hunger striker Bobby 

Sands. For tourist info visit www.visitwestbelfast.com.QF- 

2/3M10 

Clonard Monastery 

Built in 1911 in early French Gothic-style, and boasting a 

6m-wide stained-glass rose window, this imposing church 

and monastery is home to the Redemptorists. This Catholic 

movement was founded in Italy in 1732 and its story is 

depicted in floor and ceiling mosaics. The interior also features 

red granite, Portland stone and marble columns. The 

crypt was used as a WW2 air-raid shelter and contains the 

bodies of over 20 priests - one of them the architect’s son. 

Each June Clonard Church hosts a nine-day Festival of Faith 

when 15,000 daily pilgrims pray at the shrine of Our Mother 

of Perpetual Help. It is a spectacular sight and well worth a 

visit if you’re in town. Outside this time, the Church is also 

used as an impressive backdrop for occasional music per- 

1. Divis Tower 

2. St. Peter’s Cathedral 

3. International Wall 

4. Falls Remembrance Garden 

5. Conway Mill 

6. Bobby Sands Mural 

7. Clonard Monastery 

8. Royal Victoria Hospital 

West Belfast & Shankill 

formances. Q F-2, Clonard Gardens, off Falls Rd., M10, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9044 5950, www.clonard.com. Sun Mass 

07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 12:30. 

Conway Mill 

West Belfast evolved as country people moved to the city 

to work in its 32 mills. Though many have gone, this imposing 

19th century linen mill remains, and today houses crafts, 

workshops and small weekly market. The Irish Republican 

History Museum has been set up by a local community 

group and consists of artefacts and archive material from 

former prisons. The Museum is open Tues-Sat 10:00-14:00 or 

on request for group tours. Mill Tours also available. QF-2, 

5-7 Conway St, M10, tel. (+44) (0)28 9032 6452, www. 

conwaymill.org. K 

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich 

First stop for all tourists 

has to be this newly 

extended three-story 

landmark where the 

Irish language plays a 

central role in culture 

and the arts. Housed 

in a former Presbyterian 

church and named 

after two 19th Century 

protagonists of the Irish 

language revival, the 

centre was established 

in 1991 and has a restaurant, 

theatre, art gallery, 

book & gift shop and regular céilís (traditional Irish music 

and dancing sessions). Culturlann provides the focal point for 

August’s West Belfast Festival and is also the official West Belfast 

Tourist Information Point. Qoff F-3, 216 Falls Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9096 4180, www.culturlann.ie. KY 

9. Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich 

10. Rise Sculpture 

11. James Connolly Plaque 

12. City Cemetery 

13. Bog Meadows 

14. Falls Park 

15. Milltown Cemetery 



August - Septemeber 2014 39

West Belfast & Shankill 

City Cemetery 

Complete with bell and cast iron fountains, this Victorian 

cemetery was opened in 1869 as Belfast’s first cross-denominational 

burial ground. In 1916 sections were set aside for the 

city’s Jewish community and the burial of deceased sailors 

and soldiers. The war connections continue with a monument 

to those killed in the 1941 Belfast Blitz and a Memorial Cross 

in honour of locals killed in action in WW2. The cemetery is 

the city’s largest with around 250,000 burials and, curiously, 

a sunken wall dividing Protestant and Catholic plots. Many 

of Belfast’s prominent figures from its industrial, religious and 

political past are buried here including Viscount Pirrie, former 

Lord Mayor and controller of Harland & Wolff shipyard during 

Titanic, Sir Edward Harland, former MP, Mayor and one of the 

shipyard’s founders and Daniel Joseph Jaffe, a linen merchant 

and builder of Belfast’s first synagogue. Former Belfast Lord 

Mayor Tom Hartley is an expert historian on the cemetery and 

runs occasional tours. Find out more at An Culturlann. Q off 

F-3, Falls Rd, M10, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/citycemetery. 

Milltown Cemetery 

This 1872 Roman Catholic cemetery 

is a must-see in anyone’s modern 

history tour of Belfast. Its entrance 

features a Victorian Romanesque 

gateway and large Celtic cross 

adorned with Biblical scenes. Inside, 

the Republic Plot has several highprofile 

IRA graves, including 1981 

hunger striker Bobby Sands, and 

Mairéad Farrell, killed by the SAS in 

Gibraltar in 1988. A vast expanse of 

green space is the unmarked burial site of over 80,000 victims 

of the 1918 pandemic flu. Q off F-3, 546 Falls Rd, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9061 3972. 

West Belfast Taxi Association’s TaxiTrax 

Tours These London-style Black Hackney cabs arrived 

in West Belfast at the height of the Troubles and provided 

an invaluable hop-on, hop-off service when regular schedules 

were severely disrupted. Though the Troubles are a 

thing of the past, the black taxis remain and are very much 

a part of the local community. Driven and guided by a native 

in the know, TaxiTrax offer Wall Murals, Historical, Po- 

Rise sculpture aka the Balls on the Falls 

litical, Titanic and Belfast Landmarks Tours. City centre hotel 

pick-ups can be arranged to ensure a hassle-free adventure. 

Q B-1, 35a King St. (behind CastleCourt), tel. (+44) (0)28 

9031 5777, www.wbta.net. 90min Belfast City tours. £10pp, 

min 3 people. 

Shankill Road 

The Shankill dates back to the Stone Age and is Belfast’s oldest 

settlement. Shankill Road was named in 1831 after the 

Gaelic Sean Cill meaning Old Church. Today it is a bustling 

street with shops, snack stops, the Spectrum Centre and the 

Shankill Memorial Garden. Take a couple of hours to explore 

its Peace Walls and murals resplendent with Union Jacks 

and tributes to the Royal Family. One mural of note, beside 

the Rex Bar, depicts Unionist MP Edward Carson leading the 

signing of the 1912 Ulster Covenant which opposed Irish 

Home Rule and was also signed by close to half a million 

men and women. Q F-2. M11. 

Peace Walls 

Since the onset of the Troubles in 1971, many Nationalist 

(Catholic) and Loyalist (Protestant) communities throughout 

Northern Ireland have been divided by Peace Walls. 

These large stone and steel constructions were designed 

to protect neighbourhoods from sporadic attacks and retain 

a sense of peace and protection. Of the city’s walls, 

West Belfast’s sections are the most visited. You can cross 

from one side to the other via access roads at Lanark Way 

(F-2) and Northumberland Street (A-1). And the best 

place to photograph contemporary artwork - and add 

your dawbs to the walls - is along the Shankill side of Cupar 

Way, off Lanark Way. These roads close in times of 

heightened tension, which may well be the case during 

the summer marching season. Otherwise, it’s safe - nay 

positively encouraged - to make the trip to Belfast’s biggest, 

and most infamous, outdoor art gallery. 

With acres of beautiful scenery and a sprinkling of historic 

attractions, here’s the best this wee nook has to 

offer. Small enough to explore in a few days, it’s time 

to hit the open road and see for yourself. VIC = Visitor 

Information Centre. 

Northern Ireland in a 

nutshell 

Population: 1.81 million (2011 Census) 

Area: 13,843 km2. c.175km wide and 135km high. 

Border: 360km (with the Republic of Ireland) 

Counties (in order of population): Antrim, Down, 

Londonderry, Tyrone, Armagh, Fermanagh (Northern 

Ireland’s six counties fall within the ancient Irish 

Province of Ulster which also includes Counties Cavan, 

Monaghan and Donegal). 

Capital city: Belfast (pop. 267,500) 

Other cities (in order of population): Derry (83,652), 

Lisburn (71,465), Newry (27,430), Armagh (14,590) 

Inhabited Islands: Rathlin (2001 pop. 75) 

Highest point: Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains 

(852m) 

Largest lake (landlocked): Lough Neagh (392 km² - 

also largest in the British Isles) 

Longest river: River Bann (129km) 

Government: Part of the United Kingdom of Great 

Britain and Northern Ireland (also comprising England, 

Scotland and Wales). Prime Minister David 

Cameron. Secretary of Sate Theresa Villiers MP (head 

of the Northern Ireland Office). There are 18 NI MPs. 

Due to their opposition of NI’s inclusion in the UK 

(and Parliament’s oath of allegiance to the Queen), 

Sinn Fein’s five MPs do not take their seats at Westminster. 

Northern Ireland Assembly: (devolved powersharing 

government with specific powers including 

policing and justice, health, education, environment 

and local economy). 108 Members of the 

Legislative Assembly (MLAs). First Minister Peter 

Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party). Deputy First 

Minister Martin McGuinness MP (Sinn Fein). 

Languages: English (predominant), Irish Gaelic, 

Ulster-Scots (dialect variant of the English language 

originating in Scotland). 

NI Highlights & Hidden Gems 

Giant’s Causeway Coast 

& Glens 

Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre 

Q K-1, The National Trust Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, 

44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 2073 1855, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway. 

Visitor Centre open April-June & Sept. until 

19:00, July & Aug until 21:00, Nov-Jan 09:00 - 17:00, Feb, 

March & Oct until 18:00. Last admission to Centre 1hr 

before closing time. Rocks accessible year-round. Adult 

£8.50, Child £4.25, Family £21. Group rates available. 

Many visitors to Northern Ireland add the Giant’s Causeway 

to their itinerary. These iconic basalt hexagonal rock 

formations provide a unique, somewhat unearthly landscape 

definitely worthy of a visit. The state-of-the-art Visitor 

Centre provides all the mythical and geological background 

info you need to make your encounter with this 

phenomena all the more memorable. The Centre also has 

a cafe and gift shop. 

Get there via the Causeway Coastal Route - regarded as 

one of the world’s great coastal roads and an absolute 

must for any visitor to Ireland. The signposted journey 

begins in North Belfast; follow the M5 before veering off 

to begin your coastal hug, passing magnificent Carrickfergus 

Castle and detouring into Islandmagee. The 

Route continues along the Irish Sea, taking in charming 

towns and villages such as Glenarm, Cushendun and 

the breathtaking Torr Head. 

Next, the Glens of Antrim reveal emerald hills, rushing 

waterfalls and woodland walks. The world famous Giant’s 

Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills 

Distillery and Dunluce Castle make a mighty foursome 

along the North Antrim Coast. Rathlin Island provides a 

unique daytrip or overnight far from the throngs - catch 

the ferry at Ballycastle. Stop at Portrush or Portstewart 

then continue to Limavady’s Roe Valley before ending 

your journey in Derry. Sights, myths and legends make up 

this unique landscape... and there are some lovely places 

to stay en route. For more info visit www.causewaycoastandglens.com. 





insight into life in Ireland over the last 200 years. Enjoy 

the demos then sample the goodies straight from the 

griddle. 

QK-2, for further info and to book a demonstration, 

contact the the Visitor Information Centre, The Braid, 

Ballymena Town Hall, Museum & Arts Centre, Ballymena, 

tel (+44) (0)28 2563 5900. Open 11:00 - 16:00, 

every Fri in June, and Fri & Sat in July & Aug. Also for 

pre-arranged group visits and events- check ahead 

for details. Small admission charge applies. L 


Experience 

ArdsTours 

Rathlin Island and Rathlin Island Ferry 

Overnighting on NI’s only inhabited island holds more than 

a touch of the Robinson Crusoe’s. Stretching seven miles 

from tip to tip, Rathlin lies just six miles from Ballycastle 

and 15 miles from Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre. Learn about 

its links with Robert the Bruce and Richard Branson at the 

Boathouse Visitors Centre, enjoy a crab burger at Emma’s 

Chip Ahoy, sink a pint at McCuaig’s Bar then overnight at 

the landmark Manor House or a small selection of other 

B&B, hostel and self-catering accommodation. Puffins, 

seals, marked walks and boat trips complete your island 

odyssey. Q K/L-1, www.rathlincommunity.org. 

The Rathlin Express (25mins) and The Canna (40mins) 

run frequently from Ballycastle. Return: Adult £12, child 

£6, Family Day Return £32. Senior Citizens with valid 

N.I. Smart Pass free. Booking Essential. Cars cannot be 

taken onto the island unless you have a special permit. 

QK/L-1, Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Rd, 

Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, tel. (+44) (0)28 2076 9299, 

www.rathlinballycastleferry.com. 

Manor House, Rathlin 

Arthur Cottage 

The ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st US 

President, is a short walk from the Co. Antrim village of 

Cullybackey. The carefully restored thatched cottage 

transports visitors to the late 18th century to see how 

the Arthur family lived. Follow their story and trace the 

link from a rural village in NI to The White House. Ladies 

in period costume bake soda bread and pancakes 

from traditional recipes over an open fire, providing an 

Rathlin Ferry Summer Schedule 

Rathlin Depart 

Ballycastle Depart 

07.30* 08.00* 

08.30 10.00 

08.45** 09.30** 

10.15 11.15 

11.00 12.00 

12.00 13.00 

15.00** 15.30** 

15.30 16.30 

16.15 17.00 

17.30 18.30 

All sailings subject to weather and other conditions. 

* Mon to Fri only. ** June, July & August only 


Boats moored along Strangford Lough 

Ards Peninsula 

Stretching from the market town of Newtownards in the 

north and separating the shores of Strangford Lough and 

the Irish Sea, this gently undulating landscape is a scenic 

mix of pretty villages, rugged seascapes and unspoilt coastline. 

Lough-hugging Portaferry Rd passes historic Mount 

Stewart House and Gardens and the pretty village of Greyabbey 

with its namesake Cistercian ruin, antique shops and 

cafés. After visiting Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, take 

the short ferry trip to Strangford. Or discover 

the other side of the Peninsula with its traditional seaside 

stops such as Donaghadee and Millisle, and quirky Ballycopeland 

Windmill. West of the Lough, Comber town is 

equally pretty, and home to Castle Espie Wetland Centre. 

QL/M-3, 31 Regent St, Newtownards, Co. Down, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9182 6846, tourism@ards-council.gov.uk, 

www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk. Mon-Fri 09:15 - 17:00, 

Sat 09:30 - 17:00. 

Experience Ards 2014 

This programme of guided tours, organised by Ards Borough 

Council, explores every nook and cranny of the borough 

and uncovers the rich heritage, history and culture in 

this area of outstanding natural beauty. 

Now in its 12th successful year, this summer’s highlights 

include exclusive boat tours to Copeland Island Bird Observatory 

and a trip around Strangford Lough with the 

rogue pirate Captain Codfish. 

Lord Dunleath invites you to beautiful Ballywalter House 

to enjoy ‘Tea with the Lord’ in an exclusive coach tour. And 

you can explore the scenic towns of Comber, Ards and 

Donaghadee on a series of historic walking tours. QFor 

more info or to book tickets, contact Ards Visitor Information 

Centre tel. (+44) (0)28 9182 6846 or go to ardscouncil.gov.uk. 


by boat 

by bus 

on foot 

Brochures available from Tourist 

Information Centres provincewide 

To book: 028 9182 6846 

ards-council.gov.uk 

North Down 

Stretching along Belfast Lough’s shoreline, and spreading 

across 50sq miles, North Down’s outdoor highlights 

include sandy beaches, country parks, quaint villages and 

historic sites. Bangor is the main town and Holywood its 

stylish smaller sibling. Home to one of Ireland’s largest and 

Blue Flag Award-winning marinas, Pickie Family Fun Park 

and an abundance of seafront hotels and B&Bs, Bangor is a 

haven for sailors and daytrippers in search of some seaside 

japes. The town’s North Down Heritage Centre features the 

history of Bangor which is one of only four Irish places on 

the 13th Century Mappa Mundi map. The nearby village of 

Groomsport is also worth a detour, with its charming seaside 

setting and Cockle Row thatched fishermen’s houses. 

Q L-3, Bangor VIC, 34 Quay St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9127 

0069, www.northdowntourism.com. 

Bangor Marina boats 




Carnfunnock Country Park 

Carnfunnock Country Park covers 191 hectares of mixed 

woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and spectacular 

coastline, with panoramic views of the Antrim Coast 

and North Channel. 

The walled garden with its unique sundials and wooden 

sculptures is open year round along with a maritimethemed 

outdoor adventure playground, golf driving 

range and academy, way-marked walks, fitness trail, 

orienteering course, geocaching, wildlife garden, public 

toilets and picnic sites. 

From March/April to October you can also enjoy a NIshaped 

maze and family fun zone with miniature railway, 

bouncy castle, bungee run, remote control boats and 

trucks, WOW balls, bungee trampolines and 18 hole mini 

golf course. A children’s activity centre with snack stop, 

face painting, putting and outdoor games adds further 

fun. Add a touring caravan park and camp site; 9 hole 

golf course; barbecue areas and visitor centre with gift 

and coffee shop and the line up is complete. 

CARNFUNNOCK August & September Events 

Below is a selection of event highlights. For much 

more, visit the Carnfunnock website. Wear suitable 

clothing/footwear for all events. All children must 

be accompanied by an adult. 

Sat 23 Aug 

Teddy Bears’ Big Day Out 

2pm - 5pm 

Bring your bear along for an afternoon filled with family 

fun including competitions and much much more! You’ll 

be able to dance the afternoon away at the Teddy Bear 

Disco and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get a chance to meet 

Bubbles, the BIG bear who puts the ‘fun’ in Carnfunnock! 

Teddies may be entered in any of the following competition 

categories: biggest; smallest; most unusual; best 

dressed; fluffiest, cuddliest and most loved. Also pop 

along to the teddy hospital to visit our teddy doctor who 

will gladly give your teddy the once over to make sure 

they are feeling great. £3 per child. 

Sat 30 Aug 

Batty About Bats 

8pm 

Let Robin Moffitt of the NI Bat Group introduce you to 

some of Northern Ireland’s cutest and fluffiest mammals 

– BATS! Learn about their fascinating lives before venturing 

outside into the grounds of Carnfunnock armed with 

torches and bat detectors, to seek out these flying wonders 

zipping overhead (weather permitting). £4.25 adult, 

£3.75 Child/Conc. inc. light refreshments. Booking essential. 

Bring torches. Suitable for age 7+years only. 

Sun 21 Sept (part of Get Outdoors Weekend) 

Wilderness Survival Day 

2pm - 5pm 

Bring all the family and see if you have what it takes to 

survive being lost in the wilderness! Discover the art of 

fire and shelter building, food foraging, flint knapping 

and track mark identification with the NI Survival School. 

For the more adventurous take part in a survival challenge 

event and obtain a special completion certificate. 

St. John Ambulance will demonstrate emergency first aid 

techniques, without any first aid equipment. The Ulster 

Aviation Society and local RAF Air Cadets will also show 

you some special aviation equipment, rock climbing, 

map navigation and other useful outdoor gear. Free public 

event. The challenge event is suitable for those aged 8 

years+ with advance booking required. Event is in association 

with Northern Ireland Survival School, Climb NI, 

RAF Air Cadets and St. John Ambulance (Larne). 


Beauty and the beach 

Submerged in a 

warm seaweed 

bath, cocooned 

from the outside 

world yet knowing 

blue skies 

and a sweep of 

sand are just 

minutes’ away. 

This is the stuff 

of quiet escape, 

a lava stone’s 

throw from the 

Causeway coast. 

On the fringes 

of Coleraine, 

nestled along a 

secluded country 

lane, is Bellisle Spa - a contemporary collection 

of treatment rooms and relaxation spaces in which to 

indulge your ethereal whim. 

As befits its coastal location, Bellisle uses seaweed 

both in its natural form and as a key ingredient in the 

spa’s Voya organic beauty products. Harvested for its 

natural goodness, Irish seaweed is said to draw out the 

body’s impurities. 

A soak in a tub of its silky strands certainly eases body 

and soul. Not only that, but you even get to take home 

your bag of beach booty and enjoy a few more relaxing 

seaweed soaks. Talk about recycling being good 

for you. 

Back at Bellisle, the 

natural hits continue 

at the steam 

chamber where 

you and a friend 

can mud-up in the 

Moroccan Rasul 

then rub down 

with warm oils for 

that baby-smooth finish. Aromatic Sea Salt and Vitality 

Baths complete the aquatic experiences. 

Scrubs and Wraps ranges from the Pure Organic Peppermint 

Sugar Glo to Rose Hydrating Body Cocoon. 

While seaweed oil and hot lava shell body massages 

loosen those knots and invigorate the senses. 

Pamper yourself with the Ocean Deluxe Facial, an indulgent 

85 minute facial, back exfoliation and massage, 

again utilising wild Atlantic seaweed. Or opt for 


a Prescriptive Facial designed to complement your 

own skin. Pregnancy treatments calm mothers-to-be, 

and the couples treatment room ensures you enjoy the 

moment alongside a friend... or even dad-to-be! 

Pamper packages pull together your choice of treatments, 

and you can end the day with Afternoon Tea in 

the Tea Room. How civilised. 

And if all that body 

beautiful has you 

too relaxed for the 

homeward trek, 

gather a group together 

and extend 

your stay at neighbouring 

Bellisle House. 

This six-bedroom (five are en-suite), two sitting room 

detached home also boasts a stunning open-plan 

kitchen, dining, sitting conservatory space complete 

with its very own table tennis table! Double doors 

open out onto a fabulous garden with gas BBQ, patio 

dining space and, naturally, a hot tub. 

Family get-togethers, 

classy hen trips and 

even a wedding celebration 

are all sitting 

pretty in this beautiful 

modern space. And 

with the spa right next 

door, you’re really putting the ‘treat’ into retreat. 

When the mood takes you, head east to the Giant’s 

Causeway and North Antrim coast or west to Limavady’s 

Roe Valley and Downhill beach. Even closer is 

the pretty village of Castlerock with its soft sandy 

shoreline and cluster of cute coffee shops. 

Stunning scenery, rejuvenating treatments and self-catering 

accommodation to-die-for. Bellisle - the beautiful 

isle - what more can we say 

Need to know: 

Bellisle House & Spa 

15 Isle Road 

Macosquin, Coleraine, BT51 4JH 

www.bellislespa.com 

Tel. (+44) (0)28 7035 2121 

Treatments from £40. Packages from £75. Bellisle 

House from £250 per night (min three nights), £1,055 

per week. Sleeps up to 14 people. Check ahead for seasonal 

and last minute prices. 



Lisburn City and Hillsborough 

Granted city status 

by the Queen 

in 2002, Lisburn is 

a shopping destination 

with Bow 

Street Mall, Lisburn 

Square and, 

a short drive away, 

Sprucefield Shopping 

Centre its 

main retail hubs. 

The rebranded Historic 

Quarter dates back to the 17th Century and its rebuilt 

streetscape remains pretty much unchanged to this day. 

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum at the head of 

Bow Street is a good museum with cafe and gift shop. The 

WWT Castle Espie 

Wetland Centre 

Island Arts Centre is a shiny, state-of-the-art cultural centre 

with eye-catching outdoor water jet and sculpture trail. 

Sports fans can have a flutter at Down Royal Raceourse, 

and Drumbo Greyhound Stadium. The nearby affluent 

village of Hillsborough is home to an eponymous Castle 

(Her Maj’s Official NI residence), Fort and Park, and has the 

area’s best pubs and restaurants. And equally convenient 

Moira village also has some delightful shops and cafes, 

most notably the award-winning McCartney’s.Q L-3, Lisburn 

Tourist Information Centre, 15 Lisburn Square, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9266 003, www.visitlisburn.com. 

Armagh City 

Armagh is Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, with the spires of 

St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland and Catholic Cathedrals 

dominating the city’s skyline. Todays Armagh retains strong religious 

links and is also brimming with historical monuments, 

museums and heritage sites. 

Striking Georgian buildings overlook the emerald green Mall 

and nearby winding streets reveal cute cafes and shops. 

Find out more about the city’s Palace Stables, Navan Centre, 

Armagh Museum, Planetarium & Observatory and 

other Orchard County attractions by getting in touch with 

the Visitor Information Centre. Q40 English St, Armagh, tel. 

(+44)(0)28 3752 1800, www.visitarmagh.com. 

and Kilkeel combine to create a beautiful coastal journey 

that makes you realise quite what a wonderful country 

this is. Q L-4, Newcastle VIC, 10-14 Central Promenade, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 4372 2222, www.visitmournemountains.co.uk. 

Fermanagh Lakelands 

Northern Ireland’s most tranquil county is a stunning landscape 

of silvery lakes, green fields and verdant forests. 

The bustling town of Enniskillen is the region’s capital and 

a perfect place to drop anchor before, during or after navi- 


RATES 

FROM ONLY 

£19.00 

per person 

ARMAGH CITY 

YOUTH HOSTEL 

Recently refurbished | Range of multi-share 

& private rooms available | En-suite rooms 

with private showering facilities 

Book at www.hini.org.uk or contact 

Armagh City Youth Hostel 

t: +44 [0] 28 3751 1800 

e: youthhostel@armagh.gov.uk 

Set on the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough, Ireland’s 

only Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centre is a picturesque 

panorama of estuary views, tidal lagoons and 

woodland walks. Begin your adventure at the visitor 

centre, with its Loughshore Cafe, gift shop and everchanging 

art gallery. Plenty of eco-friendly features 

reflect its green tourism mantra and exhibits pave the 

way for your outdoor odyssey. 

A duckery, reconstructed crannog dwelling, bird 

hide, fantastic new observatory and indoor and outdoor 

children’s play areas make it a fun-filled, familyfriendly 

day out. And October’s annual Arctic migration 

of virtually the world’s entire population of Brent 

Geese guarantees a particularly amazing spectacle. 

Seasonal events such as Bat Nights, Pond Dipping 

and Birdwatches keep wildlife fans flocking back for 

more. Q78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Co. Down, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9187 4146, www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/castle-espie/. 

May-Aug Mon-Fri 10:00 - 

17:00, Sat & Sun 17:30, March-April and Sept & Oct 

daily 10:00 - 17:00, Nov-Feb daily 10:00 - 16:30. Also 

open until 17:30 Spring & Summer Bank and Public 

Holidays. Adult £7.75, Conc. £5.95, 4-16 £3.80, 2+2 

£20.90, U4 free. Price incl. Gift Aid voluntary donation. 

Group rates available. LK 

Armagh City’s cathedral skyline 

Mourne Country 

NI’s main mountain range may not be the Rockies, but what 

it lacks in stature it makes up for in picture-postcard beauty. 

The Mournes extend from the seaside town of Newcastle 

in the north to the quaint village of Rostrevor in the south. 

Man-made stone walls criss-cross green fields as Slieve Donard 

(NI’s highest mountain) looks down from its 852m 

granite peak. Newcastle is the area’s main urban attraction, 

and the inspiration behind songwriter Percy French’s Where 

The Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down To The Sea. 

Long the summer destination of local holidaymakers, the town 

moves seamlessly from the sublime to the silly with the magnificent 

Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa, gleaming new promenade 

and Royal County Down Golf Club within eyesight of brassy 

amusement arcades and chintzy B&Bs. Don’t miss nearby Silent 

Valley and Spelga Dam reservoirs set amid stunning scenery - 

and Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks - the latter home 

to what was, until relatively recently, the world’s largest maze 

(pic). Coastal towns and villages Ardglass, Dundrum, Annalong 


ARMAGH CITY YOUTH 

HOSTEL 

If you’re on a budget or travelling with a group, 

save money on a trip to Ireland’s ecclesiastical 

capital with a stay at this revamped hostel. Spick 

and span sleeping accommodation ranges from 

male and female sharing en suite dorms to private 

twin and double en-suite rooms. A common area, 

TV lounge, free WiFi and self-catering kitchen 

keeps visitors well catered for and connected. Bed 

linen is provided, and there’s also a laundry room, 

luggage room and car park. 

Its private, secure location, right beside St. Patrick’s 

Church of Ireland Cathedral in the centre 

of this Georgian city, makes it an ideal base for 

exploring Armagh’s two cathedrals, Navan Fort, 

Palace Demesne, Armagh County Museum and 

Armagh Planetarium. 

Each year, Armagh city hosts several internationally acclaimed 

cultural festivals including the John Hewitt 

International Summer School in late July, The 7 Hills 

Blues Festival in Mid-August and the Charles Wood 

Festival of Music in late August, to name a few. For 

more info on these and other events and attractions visit 

www.armagh.co.uk.QK-4, 39 Abbey St, Armagh, 

tel. (+44) (0)28 3751 1800, youthhostel@armagh. 

gov.uk, www.hini.org.uk. April-Oct 08:30 - 11:00 

& 16:00 - 21:30. Nov-March open for group bookings 

20+ and certain events. From £19pp. 


ARMAGH CITY 

YOUTH HOSTEL 

gating those magnificent lakelands or the glorious Erne- 

Shannon waterway. 

County highlights are many, but try to see the pretty town 

of Belleek - famous for its internationally renowned pottery, 

the magical underground world of Marble Arch 

Caves -complete with glistening stalactites and cascading 

waterfalls, and imposing Castle Coole - an 18th Century 

mansion set in a landscape park and owned by the 

National Trust. 

We’re merely dipping our toes into Fermanagh’s tranquil 

setting so, to find out more about this amazing waterworld, 

ask for the region’s tourism brochures at Fermanagh 

VIC, Enniskillen.QFermanagh Visitor Information 

Centre, Wellington Rd, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, tel. 

(+44)(0)28 6632 3110, www.fermanaghlakelands.com. 

Cruising Fermanagh’s Lakes 


Derry~Londonderry 

GET HISTORICAL 

The Tower Museum has a permanent exhibition on 

Spanish Armada ship, La Trinidad Valencera and also 

offers a fascinating insight into the city’s often turbulent 

history. And you can touch that history at newly-renovated 

St. Columb’s Cathedral, Guildhall, 1st Derry 

Presbyterian Church and Apprentice Boys Memorial 

Hall. 

GO SHOPPING 

Foyleside and Richmond Shopping Centres are both 

within the city walls. The Craft Village (Shipquay St) is a 

pretty piazza with a lovely cafe and good quality, locally 

made gifts. Niche shops can also be found in and around 

the Diamond which is also home to Austins, the world’s 

oldest department store. 

GET CULTURED 

One year on from Derry’s reign as 2013 UK City of Culture, 

the arts scene remains at the very core of the city. To get 

your fix, visit The Millennium Forum, Playhouse, Nerve 

Centre and Verbal Arts Centre. 


For more information on all events, tours, restaurants, 

bars and accommodation, call into the Derry Visitor & 

Convention Bureau, 44 Foyle St, tel. (+44) (0)28 7126 

7284, www.derryvisitor.com. 

First Derry Presbyterian Church & Blue 

Coat School Visitor Centre 

Presbyterians have worshipped in the City since the early 1600s, 

and the first Church on this site was built in 1690. It was the first 

Presbyterian Church in the City and is still the only Presbyterian 

Church within the City Walls. 

The 1690 Church was replaced by the present building in 1780, 

with the Dungiven sandstone Vestibule added in 1820, and the 

Portico & the four fluted columns with Corinthian capitals in 1902. 

Beautifully restored in 2011, the Church reflects many 

uniquely 18th century Presbyterian features, and great care 

has been taken to retain as much as possible of the original 

building. The Blue Coat School Visitor Centre, to the rear of 

the Church, tells the unique story of how Presbyterianism 

arrived in North West Ulster and develops themes such as 

the ancient links between North West Ulster and Scotland, 

Defending Derry’s Walls, Spreading the Word & Education 

Northern Ireland’s second, and Ireland’s fourth, largest city 

is small enough to explore on foot yet crammed with history 

and culture. With the opening of the Peace Bridge and 

re-emergence of historic Ebrington Barracks as a new public 

Square, the city has stretched across the River Foyle for new 

generations of locals and visitors to enjoy. 

NAME THAT TOWN 

Derry, Londonderry, Stroke City, the Maiden City, Legenderry: 

what’s in a name Most locals use Derry, but many Protestant 

Unionists prefer Londonderry. The original name of 

Derry came from Doire, the Irish for ‘oak grove surrounded 

by bog’. London was added in the 17th Century when King 

James I’s Plantation of Ulster reapportioned land from Irish 

Catholics to newly settled English Protestants. London’s 

powerful trades guilds invested in the settlement, hence 

the new name. Maiden City refers to the impregnable 

walls which held out during the 1688-89 Siege of Derry. 

And Stroke City is local radio presenter Gerry Anderson’s 

neutral solution to the political impasse. Legenderry is the 

latest label inspired by its 2013 UK City of Culture status. 

WALK THE WALLS 

Derry is the Dubrovnik of the North and Ireland’s most complete 

walled city. Over 1.5kms of walls encircle the centre, 

providing a unique walkway and affording panoramic views 

of the surrounding area. These impressive 17th Century stone 

fortifications can be accessed by clearly signposted steps, with 

information plaques guiding you through the city’s historic 

heart and often turbulent past. 

Eat, drink and be Derry 

Peadar O Donnells & Gweedore Bar 

Crammed with locals, tourists and trad pub ephemera, 

these adjoining bars are undoubtedly Derry’s 

most lively down-home drinking and live music dens. 

Peadar’s is all about traditional Irish music, while The 

Gweedore attracts indie kids, Goths and rockers keen 

to shake their thang or adopt an air of sophisticated 

disaffection against the crashing backdrop of live and 

loud sounds. Upstairs the nightclub plays the latest 

tunes for those who fancy a bit of an unpretentious 

boogie. Nights out don’t get much better than this. 

QJ-2, 59-63 Waterloo St, tel. (+44) (0)28 7137 2318, 

www.peadars-gweedorebar.com. Mon 11:00 - 01:00, 

Tue-Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 12:30 - 00:00. JE 

TAKE A TOUR 

Bus, boat, taxi and walking tours leave no historical stone 

unturned and no curious question unanswered. Bus tours 

take you through the centre, Catholic Nationalist Bogside 

and across the River Foyle’s two road bridges to the more 

mixed Waterside. Walking tours of the Bogside, site of 

the infamous Bloody Sunday and Free Derry Corner, bring 

this pivotal moment in modern history to life. Taxi tours 

provide similarly indepth commentaries. And the Foyle 

Cruiser tootles along the river at a sedate pace, with onboard 

commentary on the city’s maritime history. 




Where to stay 

and First Derry in the 20th century. Q Upper Magazine St, 

Londonderry, tel. (+44) (0)28 7126 1550, bluecoatvisitor@ 

btinternet.com. Visitor Centre open May-Sept: Wed-Fri 

11:00 - 16:00. Year-round guided tours by arrangement. 

Church Sunday Service 11.30am. All welcome. Admission 

free but donations to the Church & Visitor Centre 

maintenance are greatly appreciated. 

St. Columb’s Cathedral 

Standing proudly within Derry’s Walls, St Columb’s Church 

of Ireland Cathedral was completed in 1633 and is the 

city’s oldest building. It is dedicated to St. Columba, the 

Irish monk who brought Christianity to the area in the 6th 

Century AD. 

The Cathedral is widely recognised for its promotion of 

ecumenical and bridge-building activities, and is held as 

a religious venue acceptable to all communities. Much of 

the area’s history and infinite spiritual value is encapsulated 

within its walls. And a £4m renovation has this elegant 

place of worship looking better than ever. 

Many memorials, stained glass windows and other items reflect 

the city’s history. Its Chapter House Museum contains the 

“Promise Chalice” - sent to Londonderry in 1613 by the Honourable 

the Irish Society as a symbol of their promise to build 

a Cathedral. Also on show is the 270lbs mortar shell fired by 

Jacobites during the 105-day siege of 1689. It contained a document 

outlining terms of surrender refused by the Citizens. 

Q London St, tel. (+44) (0)28 7126 7313, www.stcolumbscathedral.org. 

Mon-Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Morning Service 

daily 10:30. Sun services: 08:00, 11:00, 16:00 (except July & 

Aug). Also 10:00 Family Service (4th Sun every month). Free 

- group charges apply. Donations welcome. 

Here is a small selection of Belfast’s abundant accommodation 

options, many of which also have excellent 

bars and restaurants. Star ratings from the Northern Ireland 

Tourist Board. For more detailed info, visit belfast. 

inyourpocket.com. 

Cream of the Crop 

Culloden HotelQL-3, Bangor Rd, Holywood, Co. 

Down, tel. (+44) (0)28 9042 1066, www.hastingshotels. 

com. HFLKDChhhhh 

Europa HotelQB-2, Gt. Victoria St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9027 

1066, www.hastingshotels.com. JHEKhhhh 

FitzwilliamQB-2, Gt. Victoria St, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9044 2080, www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com. JH 

FLKhhhh 

Hilton BelfastQD-2, 4 Lanyon Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9027 7000, www.hilton.co.uk/belfast. JHFLK 

hhhhh 

MalmaisonQC-1, 34 Victoria St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9022 

0200, www.malmaison-belfast.com. JHKhhhh 

Merchant HotelQC-1, 35 Waring St, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9023 4888, www.themerchanthotel.com. JH 

FLKDhhhhh 

Radisson BluQD-3, 3 Cromac Pl, Ormeau Rd, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9043 4065, www.radissonblu.com/hotelbelfast. 

JHLKhhhh 

Upmarket 

Dukes at Queens QC-4, 65-67 University St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9023 6666, info@dukesatqueens.com, 

www.dukesatqueens.com. HKhhhhSB 

Holiday InnQC-3, 22 Ormeau Ave, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9032 8511, www.ichotelsgroup.com.JHFK 

DC hhhh 

Malone Lodge Hotel QA-5, 60 Eglantine Ave, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9038 8000, info@malonelodgehotel.com, 

www.malonelodge.com. HFLKDhhhhSB 

Stormont Hotel Qoff H-3, Upper Newtownards Rd., 

tel. (+44) (0)28 9065 1066, res@stor.hastingshotels.com, 

www.hastingshotels.com. HILK hhhhEB 

Ten SquareQC-2, 10 Donegall Sq South, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9024 1001, www.tensquare.co.uk. JHBK hhhh 

Wellington Park HotelQB-5, 21 Malone Rd, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9038 1111, info@wellingtonparkhotel.com, 

www.wellingtonparkhotel.com. HRLK hhhhSB 

(+44)(0)28 9023 8888, www.ibishotel.com. JK 

Jurys InnQB-2, Fisherwick Place, Gt. Victoria St, tel. 

(+44) (0)28 9053 3500, www.jurysinns.com. JHK 

hhh 

Park InnQC-3, 4 Clarence St. West, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9067 7700/(+44) (0)28 9067 7701, www.belfast. 

parkinn.co.uk. JHFKD hhh 

Premier Inn, Alfred StreetQC-3, Alfred St, 

tel. (+44)(0)28 870 850 63 16, belfastcitycentre.pti@ 

whitbread.com, www.premierinn.com. JLK hhh 

Premier Inn, Titanic QuarterQG-2, 2a Queens 

Rd, tel. 0871 527 9210/(+44) (0)1582 567890 - from outside 

UK, www.premierinn.com. LKhhh 

Premier Inn, Waring StreetQC-1, 2-6 Waring St, 

tel. (+44)(0)28 870 423 6492, www.premierinn.com. J 

Ramada EncoreQC-1, 20 Talbot St, tel. 0844 801 

0331, www.encorebelfast.co.uk. JHLKhhh 

TravelodgeQB-2, 15 Brunswick St, tel. 0871 984 

8484, www.travelodgebelfast.co.uk. Jhhh 

Guesthouses 

Maranatha info@maranathaguesthouse.com, www. 

maranatha-guesthouse.com. LSB 

Rayanne HouseQL-3, 60 Demesne Rd, Holywood, 

Co Down, tel. (+44) (0)28 9042 5859, www. 

rayannehouse.com. LKhhhhh 

Hostels 

Belfast International Youth HostelQB-4, 

22 Donegall Rd, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 5435, www.hini. 

org.uk. HLKSB 

Vagabonds QB-4, 9 University Rd, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9543 8772/(+44) (0)7706 931943, www. 

vagabondsbelfast.com. SB 

Mid-range 

Days HotelQB-3, 40 Hope St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 

2494, www.dayshotelbelfast.co.uk. JHLK hhh 

IBIS Belfast City CentreQB-1, 100 Castle St, tel. 

Love Locks at Lagan Weir 




Shopping 

Belfast’s city centre’s main shopping areas are Donegall 

Place and Royal Avenue facing the City Hall, radial 

streets off Cornmarket (C-2, off Royal Ave) and, heading 

south, the Lisburn Road. The city centre’s shopping 

malls are Victoria Square off Cornmarket and Castle- 

Court on Royal Avenue. If you want to explore smaller 

city centre outlets and craft shops, check out the Fountain 

Centre and quaint Queen’s Arcade. 

Shopping malls and 

markets 

CastleCourt 

This huge reflective glass building takes up a sizeable 

stretch of Royal Avenue, Belfast’s main shopping drag, and 

brings together high street names, a food court and market-style 

stalls all under one handy rainproof roof. Debenhams, 

Gap and New Look head up the fashion faves, and 

St. George’s Market 

Regarded as one of the UK’s finest 

food markets, St. George’s 

Food & Garden Market (Sat, 

09:00 - 15:00) has around 250 

stalls selling local and organic 

produce ranging from fresh fish 

to wild boar and smelly cheeses 

to Armagh apples. 

A market has existed on this site since 1604, and the elegant 

Victorian red brick and glass structure you see today 

is the culmination of a £4.3m renovation project. 

Inside, the cavernous space has a vibe about it that’s 

unique to the city. Locals mingle with tourists as live music 

plays and traders display their tantalising wares. Savour 

a couple of hours at this colourful smorgasbord and get 

your maw round some great tasting international cuisine 

and local grub. 

On Fridays, food gives way to the Variety Market (06:00- 

13:00) which, as the name suggests, is crammed with all 

manner of antiques, bric-a-brac, clothes and curios. Sift 

carefully and you might uncover a thing of rare beauty 

and value. This is where the real locals shop, and a visit 

gives you an insight into the shopping habits of some 

of the city’s most colourful characters. Totally unpretentious 

and worth an early morning potter before the high 

street stores open their doors. The Sunday Market 

(10:00 - 16:00) is a combination of the Fri and Sat markets 

and with an emphasis on local arts and crafts. A free 

shuttle bus runs every 20mins between the city centre 

(outside Boots, Donegall Place or HMV, Castle Place) and 

the Market. Dept. Fri from 08:00; Sat from 09:00. 

QD-2, 12 East Bridge St, tel. (+44) (0)28 9043 5704, 

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets. K 

The Pound in your pocket... 

£1 = €1.25, US$1.68, CAD$1.83, AUS$1.81 JPY ¥172, 

RUB60 (xe.com Aug 2014) 

Jaffe Fountain, Victoria Square 

other well-known retailers include Laura Ashley, Exhibit 

and Boots. There’s a cute children’s play area for hyper kids 

and their weary parents, car-shaped buggies free to hire 

and, for adult drivers, a multi-storey car park looming large 

at the back. Q B/C-1, Royal Ave, tel. (+44) (0)28 9023 

4591, www.castlecourt-uk.com. Mon-Sat 09:00 - 18:00, 

Thur 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 13:00 - 18:00. LK 

Fountain Street & Fountain Centre 

A good selection of gift shops, gorgeous Sawers deli and a 

sprinkling of cafes and bars are clustered around this small 

pedestrianised area. Ride the escalator and get up close to 

a Hamburg-made 24-bell clock and, in finer weather, enjoy 

outdoor seating on the terrace surrounding the eponymous 

fountain. Look left and you’ll find SpaceCRAFT which sells 

and exhibits gorgeous local crafts from top notch designers. 

Eagle eyes will spot the specially crafted street lanterns 

complete with ’F’ insets. Nice touch. QB-2. K 

Victoria Square 

Belfast’s city centre retail experience received a major shot of 

glamour with the 2008 opening of this shiny new shopping 

centre. The landmark building spans a substantial strip of 

Chichester Street, has several pedestrian access points and 

boasts a House of Fraser signature store and big glass dome 

with viewing gallery. Over 90 more shops, an 8-screen Odeon 

cinema, restaurants, cafés, bars, salon and basement parking 

complete your wallet-emptying expedition. Q C-2, www.victoriasquare.com. 

Mon & Tue 09:30 - 18:00, Wed-Fri 09:30 

- 21:00, Sat 09:00- 18:00, Sun 13:00 - 18:00. LK 

SWEET TREATS 

Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory 

This history-steeped sweet shop has been serving natives 

and newcomers with its sugary confections since 

1953. Today the original Aunt Sandra’s nephews, David 

and Jim Moore, continue the tradition and demonstrate 

their craft as children and adults look on with wideeyed 

glee. Shamrock lollies, Belfast rock and chocolate 

macaroons are just some of the sticky souvenirs 

to tempt shoppers. Willy Wonka plays on the screen 

and the adjacent ice cream parlour implores you to pull 

up a chair and enjoy yet more diet-busting delights. 

Q G-3, 60 Castlereagh Rd, M5, tel. (+44) (0)28 9073 

2868, www.auntsandras.com. Mon-Sat 09:00 - 18:00, 

Sun 10:00 - 18:00. KY EB 

Co Couture 

Award-wining local chocolatier Deirdre McCanny has crafted 

an exceptional sensory experience in this bijou basement 

shop. As soon as you enter, the smell of chocolate is 

nothing short of orgasmic. Her luxurious cocoa creations 

are melt-in-the-mouth gorgeous, and beautifully packaged 

in brown and gold-embossed boxes. Flavoured truffles, 

marshmallows and chocolate bars are among the musthave 

morsels. And a set of tables and chairs means you can 

sit and enjoy some heaven-sent hot chocolate. Q C-2, 7 

Chichester St, tel. (+44)(0)7888 899647, www.cocouture. 

co.uk. Mon-Wed 10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 20:00, Fri & Sat 

10:00 - 18:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. 

Gifts & Souvenirs 

Carroll’s Irish Gifts 

Irish paraphernalia, traditional gifts and other green-gilded 

goodies are available at these city centre souvenir stores. Part 

of the Ireland-wide chain, Carroll’s stocks enough big-name 

products - from clothing to collectables and chocolates to 

CDs - to keep the folks back home happy. Q C-2 51-53 Donegal 

Place and C-1, 2-6 Castle Place, tel. (+44) (0)28 9031 

3350, www.carrollsirishgifts.com. Mon-Sat 09:30 - 19:00, 

Thu 09:30 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 19:00. Y 

M.A.S. Silver 

Take home a little piece of Belfast with The Belfastb Ring, a 

beautiful piece of jewellery inspired by favourite city sights 

and legends such as Titanic, George Best, the Harland & 

Wolff cranes and Belfast City Hall. Designed by local silversmith 

Mark Steele, the ring is available at his small city centre 

shop. Check out the selection of silver rings, pendants, 

bracelets, earrings, bangles, beads and much more. Many 

pieces also come in-set with various semi-precious stones. 

Engravings, jewellery repairs, watch batteries fitted, photo 

images and jewellery cleaning for gold and silver is also 

available. QC-1 33 Rosemary St. Mon-Sat 09:30 - 17:00. 

Find out more via the M.A.S. Facebook page. 

The Wicker Man 

Showcasing and selling the work of over 150 Irish artists 

and craftspeople, this treasure trove is an absolute must 

for all you quality-conscious souvenir hunters. Perfumes, 

marble, pewter and pottery sit alongside paintings, jewellery 

and many other smaller items - with all price ranges 

covered. Check out the gorgeous Irish textiles and clothing, 

and feast your eyes on the small art gallery, and 

bodhrans (Irish drums - pronounced borons) suspended 

from the ceiling.Q C-1, 44-46 High St, tel. (+44) (0)28 

9024 3550, www.thewickerman.co.uk. 09:00 - 18:00, 

Thu 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00. Y 

Maritime Emporium 

Shopping 

Nautical artefacts, vintage posters and ship models 

share space in this snug shop with seafaring prints, 

furniture, and cushions made from old ships flags. 

T-shirts proclaiming the oft-used tagline, ’She was alright 

when she left here’ ®, and copies of Titanic’s original 

plans as referenced by James Cameron for his epic 

flick, keep Titanoracs happy. Run by the team behind 

the Titanic Boat Tours, you can also buy tickets for this 

trip. Find it at the base of Obel, Belfast’s tallest building. 

Q D-1, Obel, 66 Donegall Quay, tel. tel. (+44) (0)28 9024 

0124, www.laganboatcompany.com. Daily 11:00 - 16:00. 



Shopping 

CDC 6x9 ad 2013_CDC 6x9 22/07/2013 18:34 Page 1 

Northern Ireland Map 

Space Craft 

The Craft & Design Collective has brought together 

Artist/Designer/Makers from across NI to create this innovative 

shop/gallery/exhibition area right in the city 

centre. Head up the Fountain Centre’s escalator and 

indulge in a dazzling choice of handmade pieces you’ll 

find nowhere else in town. From the modest to the 

more luxurious, and featuring everything from ceramics 

to stylish jewellery, fashion and interior accessories, 

Space CRAFT provides a relaxing alternative to the high 

street mêlée... and gives you the opportunity to support 

local Artist/Designer/Makers.Space CRAFT will 

close on Mon 7 July and re-open on Tue 15 July. 

QB-2, 9b The Fountain Centre, College St, tel. (+44) 

(0)28 9032 9342, www.craftanddesigncollective. 

com. Mon-Sat 10:30 - 17:30. J 

Costumes, Props, Armour, Weapons and More... 

Fri 8 to Sat 30 August 

This exhibition celebrates 

local Artist 

|Designer|Makers’ 

contribution to NI’s 

flourishing ‘Screen 

Industry’. Over the 

past ten years NI 

has changed from 

being a place with 

little or no international 

profile in the 

‘Screen Industry’ to 

a world-class location 

for film and television 

production. 

Many local Artist 

|Designer| Makers 

have been working behind the scenes contributing to 

this success; making costumes, props, armour, weapons 

and more… The Craft & Design Collective decided 

to track them down, find out what they’ve been doing 

and persuade them to come out from behind the 

scenes to exhibit their own work. This exhibition is 

part of August Craft Month 2014 www.craftni.org/ 

augustcraftmonth/. 

IN THE HOUSE, OUT OF THE HOUSE 

Fri 5 to Sat 27 Sept 

This exhibition shows selected Craft, Applied Art 

and Design as exhibited ‘In The House’ at Castle 

Ward during CRAFT FEST 2014. The pieces will 

be exhibited alongside images of the pieces presented 

in the truly wonderful and inspirational 

surroundings of the Entrance Hall, Dining Room, 

Library, Morning Room, Boudoir and Saloon of the 

18th Century House at Castle Ward, Strangford, Co. 

Down. 

Be Original! Buy Original! 

Space CRAFT is a shop, gallery and 

exhibition area that sells ‘lovely stuff’ made 

by local Artist | Designer | Makers. 

Space CRAFT 

9b The Fountain Centre 

College Street 

Belfast BT1 6ET 

Opening Hours 

Monday to Saturday 

10.30am to 5.30pm 

T +44 (0)28 9032 9342 www.craftanddesigncollective.com 

E info@craftanddesigncollective.com 

SHOP 

GALLERY 

EXHIBITION 

www.spacecraftshop.co.uk 

GO 

UP THAT 

ESCALATOR! 

Shopping on the lisburn road 

This walkable Queen’s Quarter stretch has a sprinkling 

of designer boutiques, art galleries, home accessories 

and to-die-for shoes, jewels and lingerie. 

Bespoke baby gifts, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates 

and relaxing day spas are all there for the asking. And 

there’s a grande assortment of cafes, bars and restaurants 

to ensure your shopping excursion is enhanced 

by fine food, gourmet gifts and the occasional 

cocktail. Qwww.thelisburnroad.com. 

Shopping on the Belmont Road 

Gift shops, cafes, a gallery and the art deco Strand 

Cinema & Arts Centre populate this busy little East 

Belfast street. The Park Avenue Hotel and Belmont 

Tower, with its CS Lewis exhibition, top and tail this 

retail thoroughfare which also boasts an oft-photographed 

view of the Harland & Wolff cranes looking 

down Pims Avenue. Qwww.belmontroadbelfast. 

co.uk. 


on 

and 

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I J K 

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NORTHERN IRELAND 

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Greater Belfast Map 

Street index for the Belfast city map on pp.56-57 

Academy St. C-1 

Adelaide St. C-2/3 

Agincourt Ave. C/D-5 

Albert Sq. 

C/D-1 

Albion St. B-3 

Alfred St. 

C-2/3 

Amelia St. B-2 

Ann St. C-2 

Ann St. C-2, D-1 

Annadale 

Embankment C/D-5 

Apsley St. C-3 

Arthur St. C-2 

Ashborne Mews C-3 

Ashleigh Ave. A-5 

Balfour Ave. D-4 

Bank St. C-1 

Bankmore St. C-3 

Bedford St. 

C-2/3 

Berry St. C-1 

Blythe St. B-3 

Botanic Ave. B/C-4 

Bradbury Pl. B-4 

Bridge End D-1 

Bridge St. C-1 

Bruce St. B-3 

Brunswick St. B-2 

Callender St. C-2 

Camden St. B-4 

Carmel St. C-5 

Castle Lane C-2 

Castle Pl 

C-1/2 

Castle Pl. 

C-1/2 

Castle St. 

B/C-2 

Chapel Lane B-1 

Charlotte St. C-3 

Chichester St. C-2 

Claremont St. B-4 

Clarence St. C-3 

Colenso Parade B/C-5 

College Gdns. B-5 

College Park Ave. C-5 

College Pk. C-4 

College Sq. B-2 

College St. B-2 

Cooke St. D-4 

Cornmarket C-2 

Corporation St. C-1 

Cromac St. C-3, D-2 

Cromwell Rd. C-4 

Cullingtree Rd. A-2 

Distillery St. A-3 

Divis St. A-1 

Donegall Pass C-3 

Donegall Pl. C-2 

Donegall Quay D-1 

Donegall Rd. A/B-4 

Donegall Sq. East C-2 

Donegall Sq. North C-2 

Donegall Sq. South C-2 

Donegall Sq. West C-2 

Donegall St. C-1 

Dublin Rd. 

B/C-3 

Dunbar Link. C-1 

Dunluce Ave. A-4 

Durham St. B-2 

East Bridge St. D-2 

Eglantine Ave. A/B-5 

Elgin St. D-5 

Elm St. C-3 

Elmwood Ave. B-4 

Erin Way C-3 

Falls Rd. 

A-1/2 

Fitzroy Ave. C/D-4 

Fitzwilliam St. B-4 

Fountain St. C-2 

Franklin St. C-2 

Glengall St B-2 

Gloucester St. C-2 

Gordon St. C-1 

Grace St. C-2 

Gresham St. B-1 

Grosvenor Rd. A-2, B-2 

Gt. Victoria St. B-3 

Hamill St. B-2 

Hamilton St. C-2 

Hardcastle St. C-3 

Haymarket C-1 

High St. C-1 

Hill St. C-1 

Hope St. B-3 

Howard St. 

B/C-2 

Howard St. South C-3 

India St. C-4 

Ireton St. C-4 

James St. South C-2 

Joy St. 

C-2/3 

Jubilee Rd. A-4 

King St. B-1 

Lagan Bridge D-1 

Lindsay St. C-3 

Linenhall St. C-2/3 

Linfield Rd. B-3 

Lisburn Rd. A-5, B-4 

Little May St. C-2 

Lombard St. C-1 

Lower Crescent B-4 

Malone Ave. A-5 

Malone Rd. B-5 

Marcus Ward St. C-3 

Maryville St. C-3 

May St. 

C/D-2 

McAuley St. D-3 

McClintock St. C-2/3 

McClure St. C-4 

Millfield B-1 

Montgomery St. C-2 

Mount Charles B-4 

Murray St. B-2 

North St. 

B/C-1 

Northumberland St. A-1 

Ormeau Ave. C-3 

Ormeau Bridge D-5 

Ormeau Embankment D-3/4/5 

Ormeau Rd. C-3,D-4,D-5 

Oxford St. D-2 

Peter’s Hill B-1 

Pottinger’s Entry C-1 

Queen Elizabeth 

Bridge D-1 

Queen St. B-2 

Queen’s Arcade C-2 

Queen’s Bridge D-1 

Queen’s Quay D-1 

Queen’s Sq. C/D-1 

River Terrace D-3/4 

Rosemary St. C-1 

Royal Ave. C-1 

Rugby Ave. C/D-4 

Rugby Rd. 

C-4/5 

Russell St. C-2 

Salisbury St. C-3 

Sandy Row B-3 

Servia St. A-2 

Shaftesbury Ave. D-4 

Shaftesbury Sq. B-3 

Shankill Rd. A-1 

Station St. Flyover D-1 

Stewart St. D-3 

Stranmillis 

Embankment C/D-5 

Stranmillis Rd. B-5 

Sussex Pl. C-2 

Talbot St. C-1 

Tates Ave. A-5 

The Gasworks D-3 

Tomb St. D-1 

Ulsterville Ave. A-4 

University Ave. C/D-4 

University Rd. B-4/5 

University Sq. B-4 

University St. B/C-4 

Upper Arthur St. C-2 

Upper Crescent. B-4 

Upper Library St. B-1 

Upper Queen St. B-2 

Ventry St. B-3 

Vernon St. C-4 

Victoria St C-1, D-2 

Waring St. C-1 

Wellesley Ave. A/B-5 

Wellington Pk. A/B-5 

Wellington Pl. B/C-2 

Wellington St. B/C-2 

Wellwood St. B-3 

Westlink A-2/3, B-1 

William St. South C-2 

Windsor Ave. A-5 

Wolsley St. C-4 

York St. C-1 

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