
Belfast & Holywood
Things To Do
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St George's Market
Around since 1604, St George’s Market is a Belfast gem. Sample Belfast's best produce and chat with the traders, pick up unique gifts, and soak up the atmosphere. Free admission.
Hours Friday: 8am to 2pm, Saturday: 9am to 3pm, Sunday: 10am-3pm -
Black Taxi Tours
Learn about the history of the troubles in Belfast, what is was like to live through, and what it’s like now since the peace process. Guided by locals with deep connection to the city, your driver will take you to the most historically important and interesting sites, including the peace wall, the murals of Belfast, and more.
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Titanic Museum
Located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built, this museum extends over nine large exhibition galleries that draws together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story.
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Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll through botanic gardens and explore the vegetation in the palm house and the tropical ravine, or get your culture hat on and visit the Ulster Museum — home to Northern Ireland’s treasures, with extraordinary collections of art, history and natural sciences. Free admission.
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Afternoon Tea At The Merchant
From the setting of one of Belfast's grandest dining rooms, enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet and savoury treats and a magnificent selection of patisseries with a warm pot of tea. After, treat yourself to a cocktail in the hotel bar, Bert’s Jazz Bar, if you want to continue your classy afternoon activities!
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City Center Shopping
Belfast is a very walkable city with most shopping in the city centre area. Visit Victoria Square, a shopping complex which includes over 70 shops, several restaurants, and a cinema. Wander down the High Street, Donegal Place, and Royal Ave for more stores. Explore the wee alleys like Pottingers Entry and find quaint pubs & coffee shops.
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Coffee & Coastal Walk
Named the best place to live in Northern Ireland, Holywood is a picturesque costal town ready for your visit! It’s also Mary’s hometown, so we may be biased. Filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and more, pick up a cappuccino as you explore or walk down to the seaside for a stroll by the water — you can walk over 10miles if you are looking for some exercise. Just 15min on the train from Belfast, view the timetables here.
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Golf Rory McIlroy's Home Course
Set high in the Holywood Hills of County Down, Northern Ireland, HGC is a picturesque 18 hole parkland course that boasts some of the best views of Belfast. If that wasn't enough, it is the proud home of PGA professional Rory McIlroy. Pick up some Rory McIllroy merch at the pro shop on your way out ;)
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Souvenirs at Born & Bred
A great little shop that host a range of fun and quirky local gifts and treats. They have art, jewelry, homeware, clothing and more.
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Whiskey Shopping At Friend At Hand
The Friend at Hand boasts a collection of 600 Irish Whiskeys but more than half of them are Never, Never, Never For Sale. Or are they?
Great place to pick up a bottle to bring home, or just marvel at the collection. You can also book a tasting for 6ppl if you call ahead. Check out their website for details.
Eat & Drink
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Duke Of York
Area: Cathedral Quarter
Nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Cathedral Quarter, the Duke offers a traditional Belfast welcome, craic and music. Expect walls crammed with original mirrors and memorabilia, cold beer, great Guinness, and the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland apparently! Live music plays Thursday - Sunday; traditional, acoustic and rock. -
Dirty Onion
Area: Cathedral Quarter
With live music 7 nights a week, the Dirty Onion is a great spot for a night cap or for a night out! The bar features a large outdoor & indoor area which makes it an ideal spot for a group meetup, or a stop on a pub crawl of the Cathedral Quarter. -
The Crown Bar
Area: City Centre
Known as the Crown Liquor Saloon, this bar was originally a Victorian gin palace back in the 1820’s, decorated with carved-mahogany booths, etched-glass, gas lanterns. Pop in for a Guinness and enjoy the people watching in this iconic spot. -
White's Tavern
Area: Cathedral Quarter
The oldest tavern in Belfast and one of my favs. Tucked-away in the Winecellar Entry, Whites is a cosy spot for a good catchup with a couple of friends. You can smell the open fire when you walk in, and instantly feel at home. It’s a space so better for a smaller group. -
Molly's Yard
Area: Queen’s University
Great little restaurant with an enclosed and cosy courtyard outside. Their Irish menu features great local produce such as beef, sea bream and venison. Drinks menu is super local too. I’ve always loved every meal I’ve had here. Located in the university area of Belfast. Reservations recommended. -
The Barking Dog
Area: Queen’s University
Elegant, modern restaurant offering innovative gastropub-style menu and tapas, plus a set menu deal. There’s something for everyone on the menu making it a local favourite and well worth a visit. Reservations recommended. -
Coppi
Area: Cathedral Quarter
Coppi offers a great selection of Italian inspired cuisine served in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. They serve a range of cichetti (Italian style tapas) pizza, and homemade pasta and desserts freshly made on the premises every day. Has an outdoor seating area for those sunny days. Delish. Reservations recommended. -
The Dirty Duck
Area: Holywood (10mins Out of Belfast)
Located in Holywood, the Dirty Duck is a perfect place to pop in for a Guinness and some fish & chips after a seaside walk. Featuring panoramic views across the lough, the Dirty Duck has a walk-in pub downstairs or dining room upstairs with a fantastic menu of Irish food & drinks. Go for a late afternoon brew and enjoy the view. -
The National
Area: City Center/Cathedral Quarter
Trendy industrial style bar with good cocktails and beer. They also serve coffee and food so a nice place to pop in during the day. If the weather is good, they have a fantastic beer garden. Good for a group.
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Observatory at the Grand Central
Area: City Centre
Cocktails that overlook the city. A bit on the pricier side, but worth a trip for the views over Belfast!