Location: Belfast
Top Things to do in Belfast
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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Belfast, Northern Ireland
With a population of almost 300,000 in the city proper, Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energizing getaway. It's never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a number of intriguing bus, taxi, boat and pedestrian options. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum or the Belfast Cathedral, and make sure to experience some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theaters.
Restaurants in Belfast
1. Clifton Street Graveyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By IrishIsis - Randalstown, United Kingdom
I am have mobility issues and was able to use my rollator throughout the tour. Tour was booked for 3pm and started on time. Was a very pleasant day - no rain and temperature was comfortable. Our guide was Gretta and I must say that all the folk in the group remarked how knowledgeable Gretta was, she was able to hold the attention of the group by telling us all about the various plots in the graveyard from the richest Belfast merchants with their crypts and inscribed headstones, to the mass grave of those unfortunates who died from various illnesses, the poor, and those that had no relatives - some of these people came from the poor house, some from the workhouse, and some were dumped at the gate. Thanks Gretta for ensuring that we had an afternoon of local history.
2. Freemasons’ Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. Clifton House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, it was used until 1882 as the Poor House. Today it is operated as a heritage and conference centre. Come on a tour and hear tales about Belfast's original Poor House as your guide takes you through the interesting, and at times turbulent, history of the Belfast Charitable Society as you walk in the footsteps of the famous Joy and McCracken families and the poor who sought refuge in its walls. Daily tours are at 3pm throughout August or every Friday at 3pm from September. On the last Friday of the month we also offer an extended tour to Clifton Street Cemetery. Here you will visit the graves of leading figures in the history of Belfast and see one of Ulster's largest famine graves. Tours of the House (£6.50 pp). Tours of the House & Cemetery (£9.50 pp). Free car parking on site.
Reviewed By karmstrong60 - Belfast, United Kingdom
A really interesting tour of both house and cemetery! The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the place! I hadn't expected to enjoy it so much and even though it was raining on the day of our visit, it was still a wonderful experience! I would definitely return when I have more friends visiting me as I learnt so much and would have appreciated more time in the cemetery! A huge thank you to Jim, our guide on the day!
4. Belfast City Cemetery
5. Falls Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Reviewed By ILOVEDOOLIN - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hop on hop off tour bus around Belfast took us into the falls road estate and other areas of significance which I found very moving. We all know of the troubles that Belfast has had but it was somewhere that you felt slightly uncomfortable to be, and prying into people’s lives just didn’t seem right but at the end of the day it gave me a greater understanding. I think Belfast as a whole is very underestimated as it is a very vibrant and friendly city.
6. Barnett's Demesne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
7. Parliament Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,172 reviews
Reviewed By LesleyM66 - Manchester, United Kingdom
We took the G1 Glider bus out of Belfast city centre to the entrance of the Stormont Estate and then walked the mile up the entrance drive to the Parliament Building which gives good photo opportunities as you approach. Free tours of the building are offered twice a day. As you approach the building, aim for the right hand side where you will pass through the security check. Once inside, you are given a visitor's pass to wear during the tour. The tour is fascinating, the building very grand and the tour guide informative. After the tour, we were lucky that we were there on a day when the Assembly Members were in session & we were able to watch from the Public Gallery. To sit in the Public Gallery, you have to exchange the visitor's pass for another pass with your name & photograph on (which is taken & printed instantly for you). Lockers are provided to store your possessions whilst you are in the Public Gallery. There is also a lovely little cafe, gift shop & toilets. Lack of time & bad weather prevented us from exploring the grounds further but there are plenty of walks & a children's playground.
8. Ulster Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
The Ulster Hall is one of Belfast's most iconic venues. Sitting right at the heart of the city's vibrant entertainment scene, the venue has it all - laugh til you cry comedy, monumental gigs and family shows to warm the cockles.
Reviewed By KayleighB464 - Essex, United Kingdom
Went here to see Bombay Bicycle Club on Feb 12 and had an amazing time! Plenty of staff (although we were given the wrong kind of wristband by the first staff member we encountered, which has to be changed!), and we were escorted to our balcony seats more like at a play than an indie gig! The balcony seats are really well designed as they're angled towards the stage, and there is plenty of legroom and a generous size between each chair too. The building itself is very beautiful and clean, the acoustics were great, and there was some interesting history to read about in the entrance hall. Only downsides were the refreshment prices (£3 for a standard bottle of water), and the lack on exits so that the hallways and stair cases are rammed when everyone tries to leave simultaneously. You dread to think what would happen if there were a fire. All in all a very comfortable and well-run venue which allows you to enjoy your show to the fullest. Would definitely return!
9. The Tropical Ravine House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Cosmicmusic - Belfast, United Kingdom
it was a delight to return to this attraction following completion of the creative restoration project,and to find it enhanced in every aspect. The waterfall is a magical feature which has been rendered so naturally that it is very easy to understand the ravine was originally created from a landscape feature, a glen (valley) , out of the fertile imagination of Charles Mc Kimm , the master gardener, a man with long distance vision that has spanned over a century and continues to charm. The young gardeners were friendly and enthusiastic in their willingness to discuss botany, features of the redevelopment process and history of the Tropical Ravine House and to answer any questions posed to them.it was also made clear that there will be frequent and regular guided tours ,of educational and entertainment value ,and organised so that the unique habitat can be preserved and protected from harm while allowing people closer proximity to the exotic plants. Well done Belfast. We are proud of you all , planners ,construction workers and gardeners, and a special thank you to the young people who will be your guides when you come to their "house" for a visit. I really felt as if I had walked through the doors of an old wooden wardrobe and entered Narnia......,
10. Crumlin Road Gaol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,859 reviews
The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed it's doors as a working prison in 1996. After extensive renovations the gaol has re opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre. Today you can take a guided tour of the prison and hear about the history of the site from when women and children were held within it's walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and learn about why the decision was taken to close the prison.During the tour of the gaol you will be taken by your tour guide to visit the underground tunnel that used to connect the gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse, you will get a chance to sit in the Governor's chair, view all the wings from the circle and of course pay a visit to the condemned mans cell before seeing the execution cell where the majority of the 17 men were hanged.
Reviewed By rubyluby1 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Visited the Crumlin road Gaol Saturday 9th June was a fantastic experience well worth the visit Joseph our tour guide was brilliant very knowledgable and witty Learnt a lot about the people incarcerated there, bit gruesome at times but still very interesting Still can’t believe people want to get married there tho!!! So if you’re ever in Belfast make sure you give Crumlin Road gaol a visit you won’t be disappointed Big thumbs up to Joseph ????????????
