Free Museums in Belfast

"The RMS Titanic ship we know from history and film was built in Belfast, and Titanic Belfast is one of the world’s leading visitor attractions today. This building’s unique exterior shape calls to mind an iceberg, while its interior offers immersive experiences that take visitors on the journey of the Titanic—from its concept stages through to its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. The visitor centre, which opened in 2012, was designed by American Eric Kuhne and Associates and covers a total of 130,000 square feet (12,000 square metres) of floor space."

"The Titanic Belfast is an incredible experience and is a must-do Belfast attraction. Most museums in the world, and especially in Europe, are old and rely on the old “hang it and look at it” model. It’s a rare treat to get to visit a newly built museum which takes advantage of all of today’s best technologies and design ideas."

"s best museums and the shining crown of the Titanic Quarter of the city is housed within this mammoth building on the edge of Belfast?"

"Less a museum than a world of discovery for kids, W5 is an interactive science centre with more than 250 hands-on stations in four exhibition zones. Children are encouraged to be active bundling through the multi-sensory Spacebase activity zone or scrambling up Climbit, a three-dimensional climbable sculpture, a kind of cross between a jungle gym and a maze. There are also more cerebral activities dealing with flight, electric circuits, natural forces, health, hygiene and geology in the “Go” exhibition, while “Discovery” for under-eights has a virtual rockpool, digital storybooks and a soft-play area where little ones can assemble a Formula 1 car."

"With over 250 amazing interactive exhibits in four incredible exhibition areas, W5 provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for the whole family. W5 features a daily programme of live science demonstrations and shows throughout the day giving you the opportunity to ask who, what, where, when and why."

"Visiting W5 Interactive Discovery Centre is one of the best activities to do with kids in Belfast. It is a science museum with a bit of a twist that offers a seriously fun day out, and not just for the kids. One of the great things about W5 is that the adults seem to love it just as much as the children do."

"For history buffs, the Northern Ireland War Memorial recounts the impact of the two World Wars on Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole. The small museum has an interesting exhibit on the Belfast Blitz 1941 and a number of artifacts related to the wartime industries that dominated Belfast life during WWII. There are also several pieces of art that serve as memorials to those lost during the wars, as well as a wealth of information about the role U.S. forces played in Northern Ireland during the Second World War."

"The war memorial gallery is a must-see attraction for visitors with an interest in the Home Front and US Forces in Northern Ireland during the Second World War. The activities of the local people on the Home Front and the US Forces are displayed in life size dioramas. The fallen are remembered in a magnificent stained glass window, a commemorative wall in black Belgian marble and a granite plinth containing Books of Remembrance from both world wars."

"Located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter beside Belfast Cathedral, the War Memorial Gallery is a ‘must see’ for anyone with an interest in Northern …"

"Farmhouses, forges, churches, mills and a complete village have been reconstructed at this excellent museum, with human and animal extras combining to give a powerful impression of Irish life over the past few hundred years. From industrial times, there are red-brick terraces from 19th-century Belfast and Dromore. Another highlight is the Picture House, a silent cinema that was housed in a County Down hayloft from 1909 to 1931. There's even a corner shop dating from 1889 selling sweets from glass jars."

"Devoted to the province's social history, the excellent Ulster Folk and Transport Museum vividly brings Northern Ireland's past to life."

"The Discover Ulster-Scots Centre is situated on the ground floor of the Corn Exchange Building and contains information displays, free educational literature, a presentation space and a book and gift shop. Find out which heritage trails will lead you down the path to your ancestors."

"While Belfast has come a long way in recent decades, the so-called Troubles remain a major part of the history of the city. The Irish Republican History Museum was established in 2007 and recounts the story of just one side of the struggle—the Republican cause. The museum offers artifacts from the Troubles and highlights the role of women during the difficult moment in Northern Ireland’s history."

"The Eileen Hickey Irish Republican History Museum is located in Conway Mill in West Belfast. The museum first opened in 2007 but it located in a former linen mill that dates to 1842. It opened on the anniversary of the death of the main benefactor of the museum, Eileen Hickey."

"This magnificent glass-and-timber heritage centre houses a multimedia exhibition called Ego Patricius, charting the life and legacy of Ireland's patron saint. Audio and video presentations tell St Patrick's story, often in his own words (taken from his Confession, written in Latin around the year 450, which begins with the words 'Ego Patricius', meaning 'I am Patrick'). At the end is a spectacular widescreen film that takes you on a swooping, low-level helicopter ride over the landscapes of Ireland."

"The business’ ice cream is made in-store using the best Irish milk and Italian ingredients - and there are over 26 flavours to choose from. Scooped also offers a range of other sweet treats, from traditional favourites to modern desserts, including crepes, churros, sundaes and waffles. You can visit in-store or order online."

"Feel like a kid again inside this ‘Bearcave’, its a charmingly unique dessert parlour with bespoke designed seating booths to sit and enjoy your selected treats, on offer are Froyo, Ice Cream, doughnuts, milkshakes, waffles, crepes & amazing COFFEE. It’s truly a dessert lovers paradise, a one-stop shop for anything your sweet tooth might be craving. Beautiful surroundings, smiles all around, excellent service and sinfully delicious desserts presented in Instagram worthy stylishness, what more can one ask for."

"As you might have guessed from the name this place is all to do with ice cream. Located on Lisburn Road just around the corner from Cranmore Park, this wonderful place serves some of the best ice cream in Belfast. The ice cream comes in the widest range of flavours, and every single one of those flavours tastes sensational."

"If you love Asian cuisine as we do, you cannot miss Zen in Belfast. We are not talking about traditional Asian cuisine but fusion cuisine inspired above all by Japan and “mixed” with the more western cuisine. Booking recommended, especially on weekends."

"Zen is one of Belfast's much loved Asian cuisine restaurants, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Asian taste experience."

"This Asian fusion restaurant is a little hidden gem just to the side of Belfast's City Hall. It opened quietly in 2016 and thanks to word of mouth is now one of the must-try places in the city. Make sure you book before heading, you will find it difficult to get a table on Saturday evening even a week in advance."

"Yügo is a contemporary eatery in Belfast dishing up colourful flavours of the Orient with an unique Irish twist!. Why not pop down to Wellington Street and try their fresh vibrant food served with flavours of Asia!. You can check out their Vegan and Vegetarian menu here"

"Bread & Banjo specialise in making traditional and artisan breads, as well as sweet treats, patisserie, cakes and tarts. What vegan food should I try?. They have plenty of vegan options, but for big celebrations, we suggest ordering their vegan birthday cakes!"

"As well as all your sweet and savoury bakery bits and bobs, these guys do a load of charity work so you can feel good about yourself, even when you’re filling your face with all their tasty food!"

"This place is ideal if you're looking for somewhere to great a nice brunch or breakfast with great coffee and Wi-Fi. Its a cosy and small family-run business that serves amazing baked goods, but you got to get in early if you want to snag a seat!"