short break in Belfast - hotels?

[katierocket]

anyone been to Belfast for short break? Friends have just been and said it was really good and I've heard loads of postive things about it recently. We are thinking of going - easyjet has sale on at the mo.

Jimjams - saw that your DH was from Belfast (was searching old threads) - any advice - where to go? where not to go? where to stay?

Belfast's great (my folks live there, so I can't recommend hotels, although the Crescent Town House is supposed to be chic as is McCauslands ; for food Deanes is brilliant and Paul Rankin's Cayenne has a very good reputation - don't know how well either deals with kids in tow though); but hire a car and head out of town a bit and get some of the best scenery in the world, all within a couple of hours drive - down the coast to Strangford Lough and stay in the Narrows in Portaferry or the Portaferry Hotel if you're feeling a bit flush. Across to Strangford on the ferry down the coast to the Mournes sweeping down to the sea at Newcastle and possibly on to Carlingford Lough with breathtaking views across the border. Or north from the city up the Antrim coast (spectacular) to the Giant's Causeway (even more so), Bushmills and wide open Atlantic beaches backed by towering headlands, or through Derry/L'Derry into wild and gorgeous Donegal. Sorry to go on, but we've just got back (see "Anyone posting from Ireland" thread) and I start missing the place immediately I land on English soil. I'm sure Rebi and other locals could give you better tips for places to stay. HTH

Hiya katierocket - what sort of things do you want to do when your in Belfast?

I am amazed by BearinthebigblueHous' ability to do so many links!!! Very impressive!! I don't think I could manage that but let us know the sort of thing your in to (pub crawls, theatre, National Trust sites, restaurants, etc - maybe all!!?) and will certainly do my best to give some advice.

thanks bear and rebi
DS is staying with my mum for the weekend so we are looking for good food, drink, some sightseeing and fun!
How easy would it be to get to giants causeway without a car?
can't wait actually - really looking forward to it

Not so easy without a car - so far as I can remember, going by train and bus, or by bus alone will take about 4 hours each way 'cause of all the stopping they do on the way there - it would eat up a whole day and only really let you see one site (breathtaking though it is). Check out Translink for NI public transport timetables etc. If you decide you're not hiring a car and are going to just stay in Belfast, you have to drink in the Crown Liquor Saloon and also try the Morning Star for a boozy brunch (get yourself an Ulster Fry there (heaven) - check out Belfast for more ideas. Enjoy yourselves

Bloomy eck Bear do you work for NI Tourist Board!!

I think that the Crown is closing/closed for refurbishment (saw something on UTV Live recently). But well worth a visit katierocket if its open.

The Odyssey is a brilliant facility in Belfast by the river. There is loads of restaurants - I can recommend the Chinese (Red Panda) and Tapas Bar - there is also indian, mexican, burger, etc. All of good quality I think. There is also Warner Village cinema, bowling, icehockey arena, imax cinema and W5 (brilliant but if you don't have kids with you, maybe not). None of this is very 'Irish' though.

A short way from Belfast by direct train is the Folk Museum (Cultra) and Transport Museum. There is a train station right beside and a lovely walk around the outdoor Folk Museum (a village, farmhouses, mills, etc) really lovely and can be done in an afternoon. Would be good for clearing head after night before in pub!!

Anyway if I think of anything else I'll post again. Don't socialise in Belfast much (lack of babysitters!) but you would have a ball. Bear has provided fantastic links - I think I'll use them myself!!!