To ask about Belfast?

[Wanderlust1984]

I'm off to Belfast tomorrow for a short mini break - first time to Ireland! Any recommendations on what to see/do? Also, I've never flown domestic, does anyone know if I still need to check in a few hours before? I do realise I should know this already, it's been a very last minute decision!

Ah, if you're with friends you'll be grand.

Loads to see in Belfast, and elsewhere as well. If you're staying in Ballymena, it might be worth taking a drive down through the glens of Antrim. Not very far away and very pretty - you go from civilisation to creepy wilderness within minutes, it's eerily beautiful in places.

I like home and mourne for food

I’ve only ever done business trips and recall this restaurant being lovely. Quite quirky but very nice food

Made In Belfast

If you're in Ballymena you gotta climb Slemish!

I live 45 mins from Belfast (country bound)
We regularly go for weekends to Belfast and I love it.
Enjoy!

How do you know if it's going to rain in Ballymena?

You can see Slemish.

If you can't see Slemish, you know it's already raining.

I've got more Ballymena jokes where that one came from...

Belfast is fab but Ballymena is a bit shit really - pity you're staying there.

Agree with the others - Titanic Museum, Crumlin Rd Gaol, Queens Uni / Ulster Museum / Botanic Gardens all well worth visiting. The red bus tour is good too as is taking a black taxi tour if you want to see the grittier side of things.

Harp Bar & Dirty Onion in Cathedral Quarter are good bars & definitely have a drink in The Crown.

One good thing about staying in Ballymena is that you're not too far from the North Antrim Coast Road - beautiful route to the north coast & Giants Causeway, Carrick a Rede rope bridge & Dunluce Castle as well as Portrush & Portstewart - fab seaside towns (although likely pretty deserted in winter).

Enjoy, you'll have a great time (& if taking hand luggage only, you only need to check in 1hr beforehand).

I love the Crown, the Harp Bar & the Duke of York. Also Joey's Bar in Ballymoney, about an hour by train from Belfast. It belonged to road racing legend Joey Dunlop & is still run by his family. It's full of memorabilia & it's right next to the station.

If you like Game of Thrones then Ballintoy Harbour is a must and quite close to Ballymena. Also Dark Hedges and Ballycastle are all sets for that.

You'll be spoiled for choice around the Glens of Antrim for somewhere nice to eat and the Harbour Bar in Portrush is famous for wonderful food.

You're soooo close to the Giant's Causeway (don't pay for the visitors centre, there's a pedestrian walkway you can use for free!)

Also carrick-a-rede rope bridge is an experience in its-self!

Muriel's in Belfast is fabulous and quirky and the little jam jar cocktails are second to none!

Portrush, Portstewart, Glenariffe Forest Park and waterfalls are also a must-see.

Enjoy your trip

Crumlin Road Gaol was a really interesting visit, our guide was very engaging.
Also loved Rathlin Island. Not sure how much there would be to see this time of year, but the bird colonies and seals were fascinating and the pub does good fish and chips ( and kelp pesto)!

I’d echo many of the previous posters. The Deane restaurants and George Street markets are all very good, as is the Ginger. Everyone I’ve taken to Belfast has loved the black cab tours (I’ve done 7 with visitors so far, and each has been excellent). I thought the Titanic was a little expensive for what it was. I’d also recommend Wine and Brine in Moira near the airport - the owner was on Masterchef or Great British Menu, I forget which.