Donegall Square, Belfast

Belfast – Top things to see and do

Belfast is the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland and the perfect destination for a city break with a host of attractions to keep the entire family happy. Getting there: By air: Aer-Lingus, British Airways, KLM, Eastern Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and Wizz Air all operate flights into either George Best City or Belfast International Airport. …

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The Harrison, Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

Hotel Review The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is a newly opened hotel and formerly a Victorian merchants' residence dating from 1879.  Owner Melanie Harrison has expertly woven past and present into a celebration of all that is great about Belfast.  Carpets are from Ulster Carpets, the company who fitted out the ill fated Titanic, Victorian …

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Stormont

Day 5. The Belfast Peace Walls & the Titanic Experience

Our long weekend in Belfast was drawing to a close but gladly we still had a full day of interesting activities planned for our final day.  After a delicious breakfast at the Harrison Hotel we packed up our belongings and we reluctantly checked out of our lovely rooms which had been home for the last …

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The Giant's Causeway

Day 4. Giant’s Causeway Day Tour, Northern Ireland

We were up bright and early as we'd booked tickets (£25 each) for a full day excursion on a combined Giant's Causeway and Games of Thrones tour with McComb's Coach Travel.  The meeting point was outside the Europa Hotel for our departure at 8.30 a.m.  The company seemed very organised as we set off on …

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Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra

Day 3. Belfast and its Museums

We woke to another bright morning and after starting the day with my favourite bircher muesli, fresh fruit and pastries at the lovely Harrison Hotel we were soon ready to walk into the city centre. Belfast is a great walking city as it's relatively flat and quite compact.  It only takes about 20 minutes to …

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Donegall Square, Belfast

Day 2. A walk around Belfast City Centre

We woke to a bright sunny morning and after enjoying a delicious continental breakfast at The Harrison, the lovely hotel where we were staying, it was then just a ten minute walk to the Ulster Museum.  Entrance to the museum is free of charge but it is recommended that visitors pre-book a timed slot to …

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Stormont Assembly building, Belfast

Day 1. A weekend in Belfast

A part of the British Isles that we'd neglected to visit up to now, so a free January weekend tempted us to book flights and visit Northern Ireland.  We took a 7.00 am flight from Leeds Bradford Airport over to Belfast with Flybe on one of their small Bombardier Dash aircraft and in little more …

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Carnlough seafront, Northern Ireland

Day 2. Visiting the Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast

Breakfast at the Jury's Inn was plentiful and soon afterwards we were collected from the hotel lobby by Allen's Tours with whom we had booked a full day excursion along the north coast.  As it was January there were only 18 booked on the tour so our driver/guide Ian suggested we all sit on the right …

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Queens University, Belfast

Day 3. Queen’s University, Belfast and the Titanic Quarter

After a hearty breakfast we walked along to the Queen's Quarter taking us 20 minutes. We strolled through the grounds of the Queen's University which was founded in 1846, it's historic buildings were beautiful with carefully tended lawns and quads. Just across the road stands the Botanical Gardens, being January there was little to see outdoors …

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Belfast Peace Walls

Day 4. Belfast’s Peace Walls

After breakfast we checked out of the Jury's Inn, leaving our luggage for collection later in the day.  The city centre hotel had been a good choice with friendly, courteous staff, a modern, comfortable room and a large selection at breakfast. It was then off to the eastern suburbs noted for 'The Troubles'.  We walked …

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