Belfast's most atmospheric neighbourhood — cobbled lanes, Victorian architecture, street art and murals. Perfect for stretching the legs after travel.
Free
⛪
St Anne's Cathedral
Pop in for the stunning Spire of Hope hanging 250ft inside. Beautiful stained glass and a genuinely impressive interior — about 30 min.
Free entryAll ages
Evening — dinner
🍽️
Kelly's Cellars
One of Belfast's oldest pubs (1720) with a restaurant upstairs. Irish stew, chicken stack, Guinness on tap. A perfect welcome-to-Belfast dinner for the whole group.
Great for big groupsMid-range
Evening — pubs
🍺
Duke of York
Iconic pub covered in vintage signs and memorabilia. Often has live music. The outdoor alley is gorgeous. A must on night one.
Live music5-min walk
🍺
Whites Tavern
Claimed to be Belfast's oldest tavern (est. 1630). Cosy, full of character. Good craft beers, warm vibe for all ages.
Est. 1630
💡 These pubs are all within a 5-minute walk in Cathedral Quarter — easy first-night pub crawl territory.
2
Titanic Quarter day
Monday, July 21
Morning
🚢
Titanic Belfast Museum
World-class interactive museum covering the ship's construction, launch and sinking. Includes a cable-car style shipyard ride. Allow 3 hours minimum.
Book ahead — busy in July~3 hours
Early afternoon
⚓
SS Nomadic
The last White Star Line ship in existence — included with Titanic museum tickets. Walk the decks, explore restored dining areas. About 45–60 min.
Included in museum ticket
📚
CS Lewis Square
Quick 20-min stop nearby — Narnia-themed bronze sculptures around a free outdoor space. Great photo op.
FreeNarnia sculptures
Evening — dinner
🍽️
Darcy's Belfast
Beloved local spot near Botanic Ave. Traditional Irish dishes — the seafood chowder and roast beef are standouts. Handles big groups well.
Mid-rangeVery popular with locals
Evening — pub
🍺
Sunflower Public House
Brilliant craft beer pub with a huge covered outdoor courtyard and artisan pizza. Live music most nights. One of the best "all ages" pubs in the city.
Live musicOutdoor courtyardArtisan pizza
3
Giant's Causeway day trip
Tuesday, July 22 · Depart ~9am
Full day (return ~5–6pm)
🌊
Giant's Causeway
A UNESCO World Heritage site — 40,000 interlocking basalt columns on the coast. Absolutely stunning in July. One of Ireland's most iconic sights.
Book coach tour in advance~£24–30pp
🏰
Dunluce Castle + Dark Hedges
Dunluce is a dramatic clifftop ruin. Dark Hedges is the Game of Thrones tree tunnel — legendary photo stop. Usually included in day tours.
Usually includedGame of Thrones spot
🌉
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A swinging rope bridge over a 30m drop to a tiny island. Exhilarating and beautiful — most tours include a stop here.
Included in most tours
Evening — dinner
🍽️
The Teal Monkey
Dublin Road gem with great cocktails and proper food. Salt & chilli chicken, goats cheese fritters, surf and turf. Fun for a tired but happy group.
Mid-rangeGreat cocktail list
💡 Book the coach tour ASAP — Odyssey Coach Tours and Giants Causeway Tours are both highly rated and pick up from central Belfast.
4
The Troubles + history day
Wednesday, July 23
Morning
🚕
Black Cab political tour
A local guide drives you through the Falls Road and Shankill Road murals and explains The Troubles from both sides. Moving, educational, fascinating for all ages.
Book in advance~2 hoursAll ages
Afternoon
🔒
Crumlin Road Gaol
Victorian prison with a brilliant self-guided tour. Cells, execution chamber, tunnel connecting to the courthouse. Atmospheric and surprisingly good fun.
Buy tickets online~1.5 hours
🌿
Botanic Gardens
Free green space with a beautiful Victorian Palm House. Perfect wind-down after a heavy history day.
Free entryVictorian Palm House
Evening — dinner
🍽️
Flame (Bedford St)
Steakhouse with an Asian fusion twist. Great ribeye, wagyu burger, cocktails. Buzzy atmosphere — good mid-trip group splurge.
Mid-rangeGreat for carnivores
Evening — pub
🍺
The Dirty Onion
One of Belfast's oldest buildings (c.1608) with live music most nights. Massive outdoor yard, great ribs and wings in the adjoining Yardbird.
Live musicEst. c.1608
5
Nature + Belfast Castle
Thursday, July 24 · Last full day
Morning — hike
⛰️
Divis & the Black Mountain
National Trust land with multiple trail options. The ridge trail gives panoramic views over Belfast and Lough Neagh. Bring layers — breezy up top even in July.
Free3 difficulty levels
Afternoon
🏰
Belfast Castle + Cave Hill
Victorian Scottish baronial castle with gorgeous gardens and cafe. Beautiful views over Belfast Lough. Optional easy hike up Cave Hill behind it.
Free to enterCastle cafe on site
Evening — last big dinner
⭐
Roam (Callender St) ★ Recommended
Outstanding modern Irish cooking — thoughtful flavour combinations, excellent service. One of Belfast's best. The perfect send-off dinner.
Book well aheadUpscale · worth it
⭐
The Muddlers Club (alternative)
Michelin-starred tasting menu in Cathedral Quarter. Only open Wed–Sat, ~£100pp. If the budget stretches — this is as good as Belfast gets.
Book months aheadMichelin star
Evening — final pub night
🍺
Cathedral Quarter pub crawl
You'll know your favourites by now. Kelly's Cellars → Duke of York → Sunflower → Dirty Onion. Belfast farewells are best done slowly.
Belfast tradition
6
Departure day
Friday, July 25 · Easy morning
Morning
🛍️
St George's Market
Belfast's brilliant Victorian covered market — food stalls, crafts, street food, live music. Grab a full Ulster fry-up breakfast from one of the stalls.
Free entryFri 6am–3pmGo before 10am
☕
Cathedral Quarter browse
Indie coffee shops and local gift shops nearby. Good for last-minute souvenirs and a slow morning before travel home.
Relaxed pace
Lunch
🍽️
The Lantern (Wellington Place)
Cosy bistro with great fish & chips, pork belly and sticky toffee pudding. Well-priced, central, no fuss. A nice quiet last lunch.
Mid-rangeCentral location
💡 St George's Market on a Friday morning is one of the best things in Belfast — don't skip it even if it's early. The atmosphere is class.