Take a ferry to Belfast and experience a vibrant city with modern neighborhoods, rich in history and a turbulent past and with a thriving culture!
Belfast is the capital and main port of Northern Ireland, situated on the banks of the River Lagan and in recent decades has transformed itself into an attractive destination!
Today, the city has a flourishing visual arts, theater and music scene and in 2021 it was declared by UNESCO as a "City of Music"!
Belfast is a mixture of historical significance, as the area seems to have been first inhabited since the Bronze Age, cultural richness and unique scenic beauty and modern attractions with trendy neighborhoods full of modern bars and restaurants. It is worth mentioning that apart from the town, the Causeway Coast, with its timeless beauty, is a unique experience, perfect for walking and playing golf!
The city of Belfast has several ferry routes, mainly with Scotland and England.
Ferry connections to Belfast
The ferry connections to Belfast are from the ports of Liverpool and Cairnryan in the United Kingdom!
- Cairnryan to Belfast: A very popular route, with 7 services daily and up to 47 times a week. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Liverpool to Belfast: A very important connection and the journey time is between approximately 8-9 hours
Port of Belfast
The port of Belfast is the terminal for cruise ships and has 2 cruise ship docks. The Stormont Dock (of Belfast Harbour) is located approximately 5 km north of the city center and serves the larger cruise lines, while the Pollock Dock serves smaller vessels.
The port of Belfast is conveniently located close to the motorway network, providing easy access from Belfast city center and the rest of Ireland.
Transportation in Belfast
The transportation in Belfast includes a variety of options such as public transport, taxis, bicycle and car hire, each catering to different needs of visitors and facilitating their accessibility throughout this vibrant city.
In Belfast, public transport includes an extensive bus and rail network operated by Translink and serves the whole area efficiently and adequately.
- Bus services: There are bus services operating within Belfast, connecting various neighborhoods to the city center
- Train services: The Northern Ireland rail services connect Belfast with various cities and towns across Northern Ireland. The main railway stations in Belfast are Great Victoria Street Station and Lanyon Station (formerly known as Belfast Central Station). There is also an Enterprise Train service linking Dublin to Belfast
- Taxis: Taxis are very comfortable but also the most expensive option. They are readily available in Belfast and you can book in advance through local taxi companies. Value Cabs is one of the largest taxi providers in Belfast
- Private transfer: The most convenient way of getting transported around the city. Book your driver in advance
- Car hire: Car rentals are a good choice for visitors wishing to explore not only Belfast but also other attractions throughout Northern Ireland. However, it is prudent for visitors to carefully consider rental agreements, particularly with regard to cross-border travel to the Republic of Ireland, where additional charges may apply
- Walking: The compact layout of Belfast makes walking a great way to explore the city. The city is pedestrian friendly, allowing individuals to enjoy the local sights at a leisurely pace. There is also the option of beautiful walking tours with experienced guides
- Cycling: A great way to navigate Belfast and in particular the Lagan and Lough Cycle Way which is a major cycle route that runs through the city along scenic paths
Best things to see in Belfast
Belfast is a vibrant city in Northern Ireland , the second largest after Dublin with a long history, great culture, natural beauty and an impressive culinary scene. Wonderful natural landscapes with the magnificent Giant's Causeway coastline impressing with its ancient ruins.
Let's take a look at some of the best things to see in Belfast:
- Black Cab Tour: Experienced local guides help the visitor get to know the history of Belfast! The tour takes in important historical sites, including politically themed murals that tell the story of the city's past. Also included in the visit are important sites such as the Peace Walls and the Shankill Road and Falls Road neighborhoods
- Cave Hill Country Park: This park offers stunning panoramic views of Belfast and is a great spot for hiking enthusiasts. It has several trails with one of its most notable features being the 'Napoleon's Nose', a distinctive rock formation that inspired Jonathan Swift's book 'Gulliver's Travels'. For romantics, a visit to Cave Hill at sunrise will be rewarding
- Crumlin Road Gaol: It was a penitentiary that operated from 1845 until its closure in 1996, housing women and children as well as political prisoners during the conflict in Northern Ireland. A tour of this historic building is of great interest, providing information about its dark history
- Titanic Belfast: An iconic landmark in Belfast where it stands on the site where the RMS Titanic was built. It is a state-of-the-art museum that tells the story of the construction, launching and tragic sinking of the Titanic through interactive exhibits and displays. It is certainly a must-see destination for visitors to learn about the city's maritime history through nine galleries covering various aspects of Titanic's history and heritage
- St George’s Market: This market is one of Belfast's oldest attractions, dating back to Victorian times. Every weekend visitors can sample local delicacies, buy handmade products and enjoy live music performances that often take place in the market.
- Ulster Museum: This museum presents an extensive collection of art, history and natural sciences in its modern facilities located in the Botanic Gardens. Exhibitions on Irish history, ancient artifacts from around the world and works by famous artists such as Paul Henry and John Luke are included.
- Botanic Gardens: Located next to the Ulster Museum, the gardens offer a beautiful green space, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics amongst stunning flower displays and historic structures such as the Palm House - an impressive Victorian glasshouse home to exotic plants
- Cathedral Quarter: It is the oldest neighborhood in Belfast with beautiful cobbled streets and some of the best street art murals but also the oldest pubs in the city. Truly one of the most beautiful and lively districts of the city
Nightlife in Belfast
- Nightlife in Belfast is diverse and very intense! The city is famous for its countless pubs and clubs that offer from traditional Irish music to wild modern parties! In the Cathedral Quarter, is the heart of the city's nightlife with many bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. It is worth mentioning that in Belfast there are many live film, music or dance festivals throughout the year!
Βelfast’s Gastronomy
- Belfast's gastronomy reflects its rich cultural heritage and the diverse influences that have shaped Northern Irish cuisine. This city has evolved into a culinary hotspot, where traditional dishes meet modern innovations!
