Experience Belfast’s Titanic story
The RMS Titanic was built and launched at Belfast’s historic Titanic Slipways. The Titanic Experience takes you through Belfast’s Titanic story—from the shipyard and launch to fitting out and the maiden voyage. Ten interactive galleries form the setting for the self-guided experience, which also includes a self-guided tour of the SS Nomadic. It is the last surviving ship in the White Star Line worldwide. An outdoor guided Discovery Tour focuses on the designers and shipbuilders who brought the Titanic to life.
Another maritime perspective comes from HMS Caroline: the restored First World War ship has been transformed into a museum and visitor attraction. Expert-led tours bring to life the history of the ship, its crew and their unexpected experiences. HMS Caroline is on Belfast’s Maritime Mile, just a short walk from Titanic Belfast; walking times may vary.
Museums and city history
Art, natural sciences and history come together at the Ulster Museum. The Deep Time gallery tells the story of the planet’s formation through 11 episodes, up to the beginning of the Ice Age. The natural science galleries showcase marine life, insects, plants, animals, birds and mammals, as well as Ireland’s only dinosaur bones. The collections span everything from the planet’s distant past to its diverse natural world.
Crumlin Road Gaol was an active prison from 1845 to 1996 and reopened as a visitor attraction after extensive renovation. The experience includes the underground tunnel to the courthouse, the prison wings, the condemned man’s cell and the execution cell. The visitor exhibition at Belfast City Hall offers another perspective on the city’s history, covering Belfast’s industrial past, from the Titanic to the city’s music venues and theatres. Tours of City Hall also include areas not normally open to the public, including the Grand Staircase and the Rotunda.
Gardens and landscapes
At the Botanic Gardens, you’ll find tropical plants, a rose garden, an alpine garden, mature trees, sculptures and several walking trails. The Palm House is one of the oldest examples of a curvilinear iron-and-glass structure. The Tropical Ravine also has its own botanical history: it opened in 1889, and its plant collection is based on a plant list from 1904. The giant water lily Victoria Amazonica was first cultivated in Ireland there in 1852.
Cave Hill Country Park combines archaeological sites and eco-trails with hiking and orienteering routes, woodland, species-rich grassland and Belfast Castle. McArt’s Fort in the park is an ancient rath, or fort, and stands almost 368 metres above sea level. Belfast Castle offers impressive views from its position 120 metres above the heart of Belfast. The grounds include landscaped gardens, mature mixed woodland and a woodland path. The Millennium Maze offers fun for young children and a peaceful place for visitors; check its current maintenance status before visiting.
Literature, remembrance and markets
Belfast Cathedral is known locally as St Anne’s. Its nave was dedicated on 2 June 1904. Visitor or audio guides for self-guided visits are available in eight languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and Mandarin. Check what is currently available before your trip. Founded in 1788, The Linen Hall is Belfast’s oldest library. It also houses a Northern Ireland Literary Archive, with digitised letters, manuscripts and typescripts by writers born or raised in Northern Ireland.
Belfast City Cemetery also tells stories of the past: the recognised historic site features Victorian, Edwardian and neo-Gothic architecture, and has a network of paths. An underground wall dating from the Victorian era once separated Protestant and Catholic graves there. Friar’s Bush Graveyard can be visited by prior appointment. It is considered Belfast’s oldest Christian burial ground and may date back to pre-Christian times.
At St George’s Market, the focus differs between Friday and Saturday. The Friday market dates back to 1604 and has around 200 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, hot food, cakes and pastries, crafts and fresh fish. On Saturday, the market combines local, continental and speciality food with handmade crafts and live music from local musicians. The selection of individual traders may vary.
Getting around on your trip
Belfast is compact and easy to explore on foot; cycling and taxis are also convenient ways to get around the city. Public transport includes Translink’s Metro and Glider services, as well as Northern Ireland Railways. A public bike hire scheme has more than 30 stations in the city centre. As transport services and availability can change, check the details before your trip. City tours are available on foot, by bus, boat, bicycle and taxi, including themed tours. If you have a particular tour in mind, check its current dates and availability.
Discover more destinations: Belfast, Limavady, Ballymena, Moyle, Ballymoney, Craigavon, Coleraine, Dungannon.
For the main travel overview: Northern Ireland.
