In celebration of St Patrick's Day we shine the spotlight on Belfast in Northern Ireland. As travel season is quickly approaching, many of you may be thinking of the perfect place to explore over holiday, and thanks to a local expert we have the perfect travel guide for your trip to Belfast, Ireland!
About the Author
Gemma Wright is a Northern Irish Native who spent many years living in London before moving home to Belfast. Gemma works for local craft distillery Shortcross Gin - a job she loves at a multi award winning distillery, which keeps her the loop with all the newest developments in town. Gemma's favourite thing about Belfast: It’s character: people here are really making things happen, the city is rapidly regenerating and it is always great Craic.
Best time to visit?
Belfast is awesome at any time of year, but in late Spring or Summer the sun is shining, showing everything off at it’s best light.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset?
Belfast is a small city encircled by hills and sea: climbing the Cave Hill, an easy walk along tracks and only a mile or two from the city centre, gives incredible views across Belfast and (on a good day) you can see Scotland and the Isle of Man. It’s a perfect spot for sundown.
Photo Credits Via: ResDiary.com
Brunch go-to?
Brunch at General Merchants Cafe or Bullit Hotel. Feast on the finest locally sourced and globally inspired brunches at either of these hotspots.
Best place to stay?
Stay at House Hotel on Botanic Avenue. House hotel has a great location, close to the city centre but is also right by the Belfast Botanic Gardens and Ulster museum (well worth a dander around, especially if you are an art/architecture fan) Plus, it has a great bar and killer cocktails: ask the bartender to make you a Shortcross Gin Old Fashioned!
Photo Credit Via: Shortcross Gin
If you need a good cocktail?
Velvet opulence and fantastic cocktails await at Berts Jazz Bar and Rita’s.
For a more laid back affair I always head to Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter. Stop in for a Shortcross G&T at the colourful courtyard at the Duke of York.
Photo Credit Via: The Belfast Telegraph
Amazing dinner?
Dinner at the Muddlers Club or Edo. Depending on what level of formality you fancy these eateries offer the best of local produce, in style. The Muddlers Club offers fine dining while Edo’s wood fired oven dishes are not to be missed.
Photo Credit Via: ResDiary.com
Best local tip?
Belfast is a compact city- you can walk everywhere, and remember to chat to the locals, we are a friendly bunch!
An essential item to pack?
Trainers!
*Our lovely local also HIGHLY recommends paying a visit to the Ulster Museum to admire the amazing Victorian architecture!
Great; Thank you Gemma. Plenty of places to explore on my next trip! I would also recommend St. Georges market for atmosphere and good produce if you are self catering… and ps, you can buy the Gin at the duty free on your way home if you are flying. A seriously good idea!