Belfast

[rainsofcastamere]

Hi,

I'm just after a bit of advice!

I am taking my husband for a surprise weekend to Belfast at the end of this month! I have trips organised and accommodation and travel!

We land into Belfast International at 09.10 on a Friday and I was wondering if anyone knew where to get the bus from outside the terminal and also how long it takes to get into Belfast! Do I need to book for it?

Also, on the Sunday we are booked I. For afternoon too at The Observatory in Grand Central Hotel at 1.30pm - if I was to book the titanic museum for first thing that morning would we have time to then get over for afternoon tea?!

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for nice places to eat in the city centre?

Thanks

Buses will take 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
For the Titanic, I would recommend you give yourself about 2hrs to complete the main experience and then around 30mins for SS Nomadic. Add on a bit extra if you get a drink form the cafe or go to the gift shop.
If you’re there when it opens at 9, then you should be done at about would easily give you enough time to walk to Grand Central, although a bus would be quicker.
You definitely won’t find a better restaurant than Villa Italia. We also love Yardbird at The Dirty Onion.

Hi, OP!

The bus is directly outside arrivals, well sign posted so you can’t miss it and if in doubt any staff member will gladly help you out. You can’t pre book but it’s never too busy, you’ll definitely get a seat. They take contactless, cash or you can download the Translink mLink app and buy a ticket there in advance. The journey is around 30-40 mins.

That’s more than enough time re: Titanic. The museum itself is quite small and you can comfortably get round in about 2 hours. If it’s a nice day you can walk back along the river to the city centre or else there’s the Glider bus which is only about 5 mins and drops you very close to Grand Central at May Street. The hotel itself is gorgeous, especially the Observatory - the views are stunning and the food, drinks + staff are amazing. One of my firm favourites in the city. Enjoy!!

Restaurant wise Taylor & Clay at Bullitt is lovely, very atmospheric for dinner and great cocktails. Also love Grand Café on the ground floor of Grand Central for a relaxed lunch. Nova is a brand new Italian restaurant - its very nice too. Deanes @ Queens is another favourite of ours with gorgeous views of Methodist College

@Forgottenmyphone I beg to differ re: Villa Italia - don’t get me wrong, it’s alright but definitely not anything authentic or special. Last time I went my pasta was something comparable to a ready meal.. The sort of place DD and friends would’ve gone to as young teenagers for birthday celebration dinners.

You're both brilliant! Thank you!!! I'm a bit dense when it comes to the logistics of getting about places I have never been and with it being me organising it I want to be sure! Thank you!

What else have you got planned OP? I’m sure you’ll love it here - it’s a great wee city.

@CherryValley5

Oooh so, we land on Friday morning and will potter about for the afternoon! Then on the night I've booked for us to see 'Cash' at Crumlin Rd Gaol - a Johnny cash tribute!

Saturday we're off on a coach trip to Giants Causeway and who knows on Saturday night - I think I'd like some lively bars with music! Not sure if there are many with Irish bands on?!

Then Sunday, The Observatory for afternoon tea! We don't fly home until 9.25pm so we do have a good day of it on Sunday! I'm really looking forward to it!

Just make sure you get on the bus to the right airport when you're leaving! Last time I went to Belfast International the people in front of us should have been going to Belfast City airport!!

Don't tell me that!! Luckily, he'll know about the surprise on the way back so I can blame him if I bugger up!! 🤣

The Ulster Museum in Belfast is good for a wander. Set in the botanic gardens also nice to walk round. You can also look round the City Hall.