What do you think of when you think of Belfast? It’s probably never crossed your mind that Belfast would make a great city break. Well, this is how our customer, Janet, thought until she went there last year! Find out from her as to why it’s a great contender for your next weekend away…
I never had Belfast in mind as a top choice for a City Break. However last September, with the restrictions imposed on foreign travel due to the pandemic, I decided on a five-day staycation in Belfast, combined with a trip to The Giant’s Causeway in the North – I was not disappointed!
My hotel in Belfast was close to all the amenities the city has to offer and directly opposite The Crown Liquor Saloon – the oldest bar in Belfast and a definite must for a pint of the best Guinness in town! I enjoyed a ride on the Belfast Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, taking in all the sights this surprising city has to offer. Many of the ‘must see’ attractions included a visit to The Titanic Experience, Botanic Gardens and Crumlin Road Gaol – all of which were incredible. There is no shortage of places to enjoy good food or that pint of ‘the black stuff’ and some of my personal favourites were The Yardbird, Dirty Onion and Ginger Bistro to name but a few!
Then followed, possibly the best drive I have ever experienced, along the coastal road to County Antrim. There is plenty of things to explore here! I took the Giants Causeway and Bushmills Railway, which runs from the Village to the UNESCO World Heritage site, then spend time walking the coastal path around the Causeway – it’s absolutely stunning! Close by is the seaside village of Port Ballintrae, which is great to stay a while and enjoy a meal at The Bayview Hotel.
Other places I found interesting were Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour – one of several locations in the area used for the filming of Game of Thrones and, if you have a head for heights, walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge from the mainland to the small Carrick-a Rede island and enjoy the views.
You will be assured of a warm welcome, excellent regional dishes – you must sample the Irish Stew – and stunning scenery if you decide to take a trip to this part of Northern Ireland!
I absolutely loved Belfast, and Northern Ireland in general, and will definitely be back to indulge in delicious food and Guinness very soon!
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