Once an industrial hub, Belfast has transformed into a buzzing city that rivals many of its counterparts. You can explore politics or party, throw yourself back into history or explore the here and now. It’s easy to discover the capital’s heritage, along with the Northern Irish coastline, with car rental from Belfast City Airport.
Belfast’s fascinating past
The city’s maritime roots are best showcased at Titanic Belfast. Built on the site from where the much-vaunted but doomed ocean liner was launched, this award-winning attraction is a fascinating and superbly-realized extravaganza. The interactive exhibitions tell the tale of the Titanic’s construction in Belfast and gives you a glimpse into the vast scale of the ship.
Uncover more of the city’s history when you embark on a tour of Crumlin Road Gaol. This 19th century prison is the last of its kind in Northern Ireland, making it an intriguing place to visit. Head beneath the city as you wander through the tunnel linking the jail to the courthouse and explore the cells of C-Wing to get an idea of what conditions were like at Crumlin Road Gaol.
Head to Belfast City Hall for one last history lesson. Built in the 1906 in Renaissance style, it’s one of the city’s landmark buildings. Pop inside to take one of the free public tours, before heading back outside to explore the memorials peppered among the beautiful grounds, including the Titanic Memorial Gardens.
Glorious greenery
Belfast’s parks and gardens are a perfect introduction to Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes. If you want to stay close to the city center, make for Belfast Botanic Garden. This lush wonderland is filled with fragrant blooms, an ideal retreat after a day exploring the city’s sights. Among the greenery you’ll find two lovely 19th century greenhouses – the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. Both are beautiful and filled with exotic flora.
Head out of the city and follow Antrim Road to Cave Hill Country Park. Park up and set off on a hike around the grassy expanse. At the summit, you can enjoy incredible views of the city and nearby coast – the perfect place for a picnic.
Test your golf skills
Northern Ireland is a golfer’s paradise with a wealth of world-class courses. Follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy with a round at Royal County Down, an hour’s drive from Belfast along the A49.
Established in 1889, this award-winning course is used as a warm-up for the Open Championship and is a truly scenic spot for a few holes. With views of the magnificent Irish sea one way and vistas of the Mountains of Mourne in the other, it can be hard to keep your eyes on the fairway.
Coast along the coastline
A short drive north from Belfast will take you to the Antrim Coast where emerald fields stop at sharp cliff edges and the wild Atlantic Ocean crashes below.
Carrick-a-Rede Island is a brilliant place to visit. Follow the coastal trail that hugs the dramatic sea cliffs all the way to the rope bridge. Just 1-meter-wide, this walkway connects the mainland to the stunning island and has done so for more than 350 years. Make your way across and the views at the other side will be ample reward.
Head west and you’ll soon be at the Giant’s Causeway, the UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Legend has it that it was built by giants, and from the clifftops you can enjoy brilliant views of the mystical stone columns.
Car rental from Belfast City Airport is the perfect way to take in the sights of Northern Ireland. Discover the city that built the Titanic and a gorgeous country steeped in giant folklore.
