The beating heart of Belfast is the stately Donegall Square, in the centre of which stands the City Hall, a vast, neoclassical masterpiece of white Portland stone.
Wander the mainly pedestrianised streets north from here to discover the rejuvenated area from Ann Street to Donegall Street, now known as the Cathedral quarter, or head south to find the vivacious Queen’s University, home to many of the city’s most popular eating places, pubs and accommodation.
This area is also home to the city’s beautiful Botanic Gardens and the imposing Ulster Museum, a huge edifice displaying everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art within.
Living history
The city’s docklands – the birthplace of the iconic RMS Titanic – have undergone massive redevelopment in recent times. This area is now known as the Titanic Quarter and today, in the very place where Titanic was designed, built and launched, stands the shiny, new Titanic Belfast, named one of the world's leading tourist attractions.
Step inside the striking aluminium-clad building and cast yourself back to 1912, with nine interpretive and interactive galleries that allow you to wander the decks of the world’s most famous ship, hearing tales of her ill-fated life, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch to the doomed maiden voyage.
Get into jail card
Another new installation that will instantly transport you back in time is the Crumlin Road Gaol. ‘The Crum’ first opened its gates to prisoners in 1846 before closing in 1996 and housed murderers, suffragettes and loyalist and republican prisoners.
It has witnessed births, deaths and marriages aplenty and has been the home to executions, escapes, hunger-strikes and riots. Wander through its maze of cells and hear poignant tales of what life was like for those imprisoned here from the mid-19th century.
Victorian treats
Belfast’s famous ‘Golden Mile’ begins at the ornate Victorian Grand Opera House, just a short distance west of Donegall Square at the northern end of Great Victoria Street.
Opposite the Europa Hotel stands the Crown Liquor Saloon, one of the great Victorian gin palaces, described by John Betjeman as his “many coloured cavern”.
Stop off here, even if simply to admire its carved-timber dividing screens, painted mirrors and frieze-decorated oak panelling.
Take a 10-minute walk east from Great Victoria Street to discover the famous St George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest and most popular attractions.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you can come here to sample some of Northern Ireland’s finest fresh produce, all while marvelling at the charming Victorian building that houses the market today.
City escapes
Your hire car makes Belfast the perfect launch pad for further discovery of the varied delights across Northern Ireland. The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a magnificent, mysterious geological formation on the north-east coast of County Antrim.
Legend has it that this was the stomping ground of the giant Finn McCool, who lived here nearly two thousand years ago. Whether true or not, this coastal setting is undeniably spectacular, battered by Atlantic waves and surrounded by rugged cliffs.
South of the city is Hillsborough Castle, one of the most beautiful historic properties in Northern Ireland and the official residence of the royal family when they’re in the country.
Close to the border with the Republic of Ireland, yet still only an hour from Belfast, are the spectacular Mountains of Mourne. These mystical hills are the highest in Northern Ireland and it’s not hard to see what has made them one of the country’s most visited natural sights.
Hiring a car in Belfast opens the door to exploration, allowing you to make the most of the plentiful delights both city and the country as a whole has to offer.
