Best 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 Odyssey (SSE Arena Belfast) would mak the beginning of the main stretch along Belfast Docks and the Titanic Quarter. And the building, which is really hard to miss, is a bit of a white elephant when it comes to visiting during slower hours. As it is really used more for big events and is the home stadium to the Belfast Giant’s Ice Hockey Team which may be worth seeing on a night out (what’s on here)."

"Sports fans and novices alike will love watching the Belfast Giants, ice hockey champions, play at the SSE Arena (a popular event venue as well as ice rink). Not familiar with the game?. Give this attraction a try anyway for a night of excitement and one hell of an atmosphere."

"Visit Northern Ireland's biggest indoor arena, the city's favorite location for concerts and comedy shows, and home to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team."

"Just over a mile from the Titanic Quarter and overlooking the River Lagan in central Belfast, the Waterfront Hall is a world-class entertainment and conference venue that, in no uncertain terms, reflects the regeneration of the city. Since opening in 1997, the center has seen more than five million visitors and now attracts top musicians and performers from around the world, as well as hosting a range of exhibitions. When lit up at night, the building is particularly impressive."

"Conceived by the celebrated theatre designer, Frank Matcham, the Grand Opera House opened in December 1895. What sets this building apart from UK theatres is the influence of oriental architecture, most obvious in the domes on the facade. The theatre puts on opera productions, concerts of all types, pantomimes, dance performances, musicals, comedy shows and dramas."

"The Grand Opera House is a historical theatre designed by the most prolific theatre architect of the period, Frank Matcham. It opened on 23 December 1895. According to The Theatres Trust the "magnificent auditorium is probably the best surviving example in the United Kingdom of the oriental style applied to theatre architecture"."

"A post shared by Saphyre Restaurant (@saphyrerestaurant) on Mar 3, 2020 at 11:25am PST. Recommended in the Michelin Guide with a Michelin Plate award, SAPHYRE restaurant in Belfast is a fabulous hidden gem set within a converted Church on the Lisburn Road. The menus include an a la Carte, Vegetarian & Tasting with the Chef’s seven course tasting menu being the highlight."

"This popular Canadian coffee and doughnut chain has firmly rooted itself in Northern Ireland. With over five stores across the country, and two more on the way, you won't have to travel too far for something tasty. If you haven't tried their signature donuts before, why not purchase a Timbits box and sample a variety of yummy donut holes."

"Eat in the Yellow Door Deli, and you'll find it's a full and filling meal of real quality for £6 or less. What we find most outstanding is the Deli’s sourcing policy; employing their own bakers, patisserie chefs and sourcing only the finest meat and veg from selected farmers in Northern Ireland, Yellow Door ensure the quality of their food by keeping it close to home. The pride they take in their food is evident in the taste and presentation of their meals."

"Visit the café on the first floor in Avoca for a colourful breakfast menu of poached eggs, smoked salmon, shakshuka and traditional cooked options. Feel like something lighter?. Opt for a selection of toasted breads, or choose from a range of delicious homemade scones."