If you walk along the edge of the mountain you are greeted with amazing views over Belfast city and the surrounding areas. Hidden deep in the County Down forests, Helens Tower is an enchanting place to stay. And I've stayed in quite a few of them, the Hilton, Ibis, Jurys Inn, Holiday Inn, etc but my most recent stay was in the Maldron which is a budget friendly, 4 star hotel that is honestly in the perfect location for the perfect price! Things to do in Belfast; The perfect idea for pure fun and happiness is a trip to Dopamine Land, where youll enter a museum space with multiple different triggers designed to prompt natural dopamine (happy hormone) in your brain. and soft play is for little adventurers up to age 8. Relive key moments from Game of Thrones on a filming location tour its one of the most popular things to do in Belfast. Its also perched on the hills so a lot of steep walking is required to visit. Children love to paddle here and build sand castles, its the perfect place for a family day out with a bucket and spade. Bangor Calling all Game of Thrones fans, this ones for you! This jail was established in 1845 and closed its doors as a working prison in 1996. Fantastic tour guide/driver, Lyndsay made for a great trip. Stroll around the decks of SS Nomadic the White Star Lines last remaining ship. This is an anti-spam measure. Prices start from 4.50 for kids aged five and under, 6.50 for those six to 11-years-old and 8.50 for adults. 6. Whether its a weekend of free family fun or an afternoon away, Cockle Row Cottages are the perfect place for you! Just 12 miles from Belfast, this stately Georgian house sits in 100 acres of landscaped gardens. Read more about Game of Thrones Tours from Belfast. This stunning Georgian mansion, the official residence of the Royal Family when theyre in Northern Ireland, promises a majestic day out with the family. Here are 20 fun things to do in Ireland with kids, from kayaking with dolphins to wandering the Hogwartsian shelves of Trinity College Library. Check the schedule to see if there are any creative family workshops during your stay. Try this for an interesting tour of Belfast city, which takes place in a black cab, and it's your driver who brings the story of the city to life, combining the history and character of the place with the personal experience of people who have lived. Belfast is probably best known for being where the RMS Titanic was built as well as for the violence and suffering here during The Troubles in the later part of the 20th century.. Only 10 minutes from Bangor, these old fisherman's cottages now house a heritage display, visitor information and weekend family events. Bangor but catching a Belfast Giants game at the SSE Arena's ice rink is a surprisingly fun night out. Of course, it only became a floating mission after being decommissioned in 2011. In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. Balmoral Hotel Belfast - enjoy a kid-friendly afternoon tea with marshmallows. It also has a chain of small lakes providing wildfowl sanctuary with many interesting specimens and dry pens containing a large variety of exotic birds. Start by sampling craft beer at The Woodworkers, then move on to The Dirty Onion and sing along to pumping tunes. Anyway, the Grand Opera house is located next to it and its our equivalent of the theatre. Queen's Quarter. Discover Northern Irelands role in World War II as you explore the exhibits at this must-see attraction. Let's explore the best things to do in Belfast: 1. A black taxi tour, Belfast - a unique insight into Belfast's troubled past. Then its time for a picnic on the beach! A perfect park in the centre of Bangor and an ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks. Walks and hikes. If youre in Belfast in July, pop over to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park for Rose Week. Famed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast boasts a rich maritime and cultural heritage. Enjoy a divers view of marine life, from Strangford Lough to the many coral reefs of the tropical oceans. Laugh at the antics of Andean bears and watch in awe as the bearded dragon stalks his prey. 88. Mount Stewart Stop by the giant murals painted as beacons of hope for the future, before signing your name on the Peace Wall. Its located in the beautiful Cave Hill area and has been a city icon since it was built in 1860. Theres also a fitness path and an outdoor gym to work off those Irish-cooked breakfast calories. Car wash for a good cause. Visit the Titanic Belfast museum and learn about the construction and the passengers who were on board that day. Highlights include the elegant State Rooms, the Throne Room, and the Anteroom where visiting dignitaries are received. St. George's Market is the last covered Victorian market that is still in operation in Belfast today. For a spectacular mountain backdrop and classic greens, head to the Royal County Down Golf Club. So if you want to get your skates on, (one of the fun things to do in Belfast when it's raining), then head to Dundonald. Fees are 2 for admission, 1 for a guide book and 5 for a guided or audio tour. An Adult ticket is 9.50 and a child is 7.50. Its never just a room for the night, so when youre booking your Belfast hotel check out these beauties. Looking for some family thrills? I'm proud to now be a full-time digital nomad. Top Things to do in Belfast - Main Attractions Visit the Belfast City Hall. 35 Fun Things To Do In Belfast City (For 2023) Take a sightseeing bus or walking tour. Gruffalo Trail. Upon arrival, you can grab a map that has a list of activities that take place at the dairy farm. You can also get to Belfast via ferry from England, Scotland and Wales. The Odyssey itself is a great place to explore since its got a brilliant bowling alley which is very cheap. The first foundation stone was built in 1899 on the old site of the St Annes parish church, and has since become one of Belfasts iconic landmarks. It is the tourist epicentre of the city! Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. If you're in search of active things to do in Belfast with kids, The Gruffalo Trail is worth checking out. I also find that the free Naughton Gallery has some interesting exhibitions - perfect for art lovers! Sky Zone offers open jump sessions, a Foam Zone, where kids can jump from a trampoline runway into a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes, and Sky Slam, where trampoline launch pads bounce you ten feet in the air so that you can dunk your basketball like a pro. Its a 4-star hotel that oozes luxury, and whilst I have never stayed here myself, I was here for an awards event and it was beautiful! Stretching over 4.5 miles, this path will take between 1.5 to 2 hours. Apparently he mistook the rock for the shape of a sleeping giant! Thank you! I lived in an area called Castlewellan (which is worth a visit for its peace maze which is the largest in Europe!). Uber is available in Belfast City and it's reasonable so I always recommend using that. Its definitely one of the unique fun things to do in Belfast. You can find it near the Botanic Gardens. Stop 9 is the iconic Visalia Fox Theatre. Belfast has one of the best nightlife in all of Europe, and I am not just saying that! SlotZilla is an 11-story slot machine-inspired zipline attraction and is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Your settings have been updated. Phone +44 28 9043 5704. This Neoclassical landmark was designed with the High Italian Renaissance in mind and looks rather like a palace. By 86frankiet. Walk in the footsteps of Jon Snow and Arya as you trek to Winterfell Castle and explore Robb Starks Riverlands camp. A free walking tour of Belfast is your key to the city, as you walk alongside a local guide, teaching you all there is to know about Belfast and sharing with you not only the citys main sights but also their own local experience. Enter your search above to discover things to do, events, offers and more Blog Or simply stroll in the manicured grounds, see the Titanic Memorial Garden and take in the buildings exquisite architecture, which is often illuminated in different colours after dark. Seapark Recreation Ground is a seafront facility perfect for all the family. Streamvale Open Farm is located about 20 minutes drive from Belfast, and is a wonderful choice if you have young children who fancy a break from the city. Its actually free to enter the Giants Causeway itself, but you can pay extra to get an audio guide. Peek behind the scenes on a guided walking tour around the Queens University Belfast. 4. W5 is Belfasts award-winning science and discovery centre and provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages. Visitors of all ages will love the fun games and challenges, not to mention, the delicious chocolate tasting where youll discover your new favorite chocolate! They do theme tours, especially at Halloween on their fright nights. Adults can ice skate for 7.50 or enjoy a bowling game for 4 per person, while little ones can enjoy Indiana Land from 4.50. You can rent a car via RentalCars right here. There are multiple flights from all across the world that enter Belfast city airport or Belfast International airport. Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. This Gothic-style timepiece was built in the 1860s to commemorate Prince Albert. You will truly be fascinated by history, and dont forget to ask lots of questions. Joob Joobs Belmont Road is home to Northern Irelands largest sweet shop and hosts kids birthday parties. An Adult ticket is 9.50 and a child is 7.50. 5. Take a selfie to celebrate seeing this unusual bit of public art. The attraction also offers tenpin bowling and a kids adventure play area. Formerly a Victorian gin palace, today the bar is a fun place to wet your whistle. There are lots of great places located just 40 minutes to an hour outside Belfast such as the Giants Causeway, which is well worth seeing. On a clear day, you can even see over to Scotland. 10. Homepage, Eat & Drink The 200-acre park is full of trees, has a river flowing through, and even a 9-hole golf course. For instance, I would recommend seeing the Lanyon Building, the campus centerpiece that was named after its architect Charles Lanyon. Will you be the one to spot the Loch Ness Monster? Public skating sessions are available seven days a week, with DJ sessions at weekends. Check out the haunting photos and newspaper articles that tell the stories of those involved. . A neighborhood car wash is a fun way to cool off, help out your neighbors, and give back to a good cause. If youre interested, I worked in a place called Broadway Cafe which offers an American vibe with American style cuisine (massive portions!). History buffs will love wandering along the famous Belfast Peace Walls. For a truly decadent evening out, make a reservation at one of the citys top restaurants and indulge in top-notch cuisine. Homepage, Stay The total climb in height is 833 Ft and 3.1 miles in length estimate time for a the walk is 1 hour and forty minutes following the green trail. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Homepage, Stay Dont forget about exploring the rest of Northern Ireland when you book Multi-Day trips, taking you to other gems around the region easily and effortlessly. Registered Office 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast BT1 5GB. Maldron Hotel Belfast City - a comfy base in a top-notch location. Will you make it to the finishing line? From the former circus ringmaster-slash-University Secretary, to a pioneering cardiologist. Its easy to get there too: There is a free city centre and market link service runs every 10 minutes on Monday to Saturdays and every 20 minutes on Sundays. really odd question, then we're here for you. Homepage, Ideas Belfast is a great city filled with tons of attractions and adventures. By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. It goes without saying that Belfast is another city that you must add to your UK bucket list, and we hope that this list of things to do in Belfast helped you get a little closer to making it happen. Check Out Emily's Covered Bridge. Start off at the adventure playground, before chugging around the park on a narrow-gauge railway. Boogie the night away in the heart of Belfasts fizzing Cathedral Quarter, where youll find some of the best bars in town. If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre. If not, head to Lagan Lookout near the Customs House and check out the Big Fish Sculpture. It's still hard to talk about visiting Belfast and not mention 'the Troubles', the decades-long conflict over whether Northern Ireland should be a part of the UK or not. Its located on top of Napoleons Nose, which is an iconic natural feature visible from the streets of Belfast. Divis is located at an altitude of 478 meters, making it the tallest peak in the Belfast Hills, while Black Mountain rises to a height of 389 meters. Hon. . There are a lot of amazing restaurants, brilliant bars and lots of craic. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location. Jump off at the attractions that pique your interest, with St Georges Market, Titanic Dock, and the Botanic Gardens all at your fingertips. Game of Thrones tour. There is also a gift shop and cafe to enjoy after learning some amazing historical facts. I love the Giants Causeway, its one of my favourite places in Northern Ireland. But anyway, Belfast zoo is very well maintained and the animals have lots of space. Great fun can be had at the childrens playground as well as collecting conkers amongst the leafy wood a perfect day out for the whole family. For those who love hiking, then this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Belfast. Enter your search above to discover things to do, events, offers and more Blog It is home to traditional farm animals, but also offers 'Cuddle Time', where your children can pet rabbits, chicks and puppies. The Palm House and the Tropical Ravine welcome you into a world of rainforests and deserts. Glasgow is brimming with natural wonder and charm, as much as the city is bustling with incredible bars, music, and tons of life. Come along and explore the beautiful . Theyre among the finest in the world, with something for both beginners and pros. Three Star Quality Assurance . Also situated nearby is a childrens playground which includes interactive equipment, the first of its kind in the Ards Borough. I often think that Belfast is underrated, and not enough people visit. W5 . Watch live demonstrations then explore space or have a go at being a weather presenter. 13. Tackle one of the many family friendly walks in Donegal. Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast's Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists. The gardens cover an area of around 15 acres and feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, including a rose garden, a rock garden, and a herbaceous border. A beautiful and brilliantly designed resort. Get up close to Irelands largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views. Its also awesome. If you're looking for a range of things to do in Belfast with kids all in one place, the Ice Bowl is the perfect location (especially for families of mixed ages). Treat yourself to a rip-roaring evening out at the world-class SSE Arena Belfast. Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Translink is Northern Irelands public transport provider. The Belfast Historical Society Museum is open by appointment only during the off season - call 207-338-9229. In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. Due to its popularity, we advise booking in advance online. Its free to enter, and I think its a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day or a place to relax and cure your hangover of that pub crawl I just suggested above! A beautiful park perfect for families, located only a short distance from Holywood. I have fond memories of discovering dinosaurs and seeing Egyptian mummies, and thats only some of the amazing things you can discover at this museum. One of Belfasts most iconic buildings, Belfast City Hall first opened its doors in August 1906 and is Belfasts civic building. When you enter the correct answer, a submit button will appear. You can take a guided tour of the ruins and admire the 17th-century cannons on display. 10. Taking place during 20-26 March, the strictly non-partisan festival offers up an eclectic week of talks, workshops and, Belfast Childrens Festival returns from 3-12 March 2023 full to the brim with exceptional creative experiences for children,, The Lisburn and Castlereagh area lies 6-9 miles from Belfast. Step inside the Seven Kingdoms and explore the world of Game of Thrones like never before at the only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Read more. Once a hotbed of political tension, Northern Irelands dynamic capital is now one of the top destinations to explore in the United Kingdom. Buy a bottle or two to take home! The park provides a small sandy beach, play and picnic facilities, a jetty and two slip ways. This handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by its 130-hectare (320-acre) wooded riverside estate. In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens regularly hosts family friendly events with activities for little ones. Dating to the 13th century, Dunluce Castle was inhabited by feuding clans. Northern Ireland is home to six cathedrals with two of them being in Belfast, you have St. Peter's Cathedral and St. Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral. Gaze at digital exhibits that inspire your senses through sensory perception, whether its popping hundreds of bubbles or pleasing and nostalgic aromas like fresh cookies or popcorn in the air, and so much more. Titanic Belfast. 63. 7. You don't have to break the bank to have a great time in Belfast! The fee to attend is $5. Portstewart is definitely one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland with children.