Portal North. ISSUE 2 - Magazine - Page 18
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
With plenty of low-cost 昀氀ights to Belfast it’s an easy weekend
hop for city wandering. Start at the Renaissance style City Hall
with a tour of the building, then head outside to the Titanic
Memorial Garden where you’ll 昀椀nd the names of those lost with
the famous ship.
On a cheerier note, make your way to the lively St George’s
Market for a taste of the local foods. Stroll into the Cathedral
Quarter, with cobbled streets and vast warehouses
transformed into a vibrant hub of bars and restaurants. Check
out arts centre the MAC or treat yourself to afternoon tea at
the luxurious Merchant Hotel, which lays claim to the biggest
chandelier in Ireland.
Some of the city’s more macabre attractions include the
historic Crumlin Road Gaol (a working prison until 1996) and
Titanic Belfast. This museum on the slipways where the ship
was built is packed with interactive experiences and historic
facts about the ill-fated vessel.
Lighten things up with a stroll through the Botanic Gardens
and if you’re still hungry for more history, check out the Ulster
Museum. Among the exhibitions is ‘Troubles and Beyond’
detailing Northern Ireland’s historic con昀氀ict.
If you’re a fan of hit TV comedy Derry Girls, set in nearby Derry
but with much of the 昀椀lming in Belfast, you can also take a
tour that covers the locations used (Derry Guided Tours). Led
by local Gleann, this historical walking tour will fascinate even
those not familiar with the show.
For dinner, try Ginger Bistro on Great Victoria Street in the
centre. Get past the glass atrium to discover sumptuous
hidden rooms. You’ll 昀椀nd a laid-back ambience and top-notch
food at this acclaimed local gem.
Step count: 11,500
Getting there: Fly to Belfast with a range of airlines. There
are two international airports. Belfast City Airport is less than
10 minutes from the centre whilst Belfast International is 40
minutes away. There’s also an overnight ferry from Liverpool.
Ginger Bistro
18 PORTAL NORTH ISSUE 2
Belfast
