Must See Sights and Landmarks in Belfast Area

"The Cathedral Quarter is named after its majestic resident, St. Anne’s Cathedral. Consecrated in 1904, the cathedral boasts the eye-catching Spire of Hope, added in 2006. Inside are marvellous mosaics, striking sculptures, spectacular stained glass windows and the poignant Titanic Pall, as well as the shrine of Edward Carson, leader of the Unionist movement during the partition of Ireland."

"s Cathedral sits at the heart of Belfast and is famous for being the seat of not one, but two serving bishops ?. the Bishop of Connor and the Bishop of Down and Dromore. The historic building was, until 2007, noticably different to most European cathedrals because it had no spire."

"Built in imposing Hiberno-Romanesque style, St Anne's Cathedral was started in 1899 but did not reach its final form until 1981. As you enter you'll see that the black-and-white marble floor is laid out in a maze..."

"Guided tours of Belfast's notorious Crumlin Road Gaol take you from the tunnel beneath Crumlin Rd, built in 1850 to convey prisoners from the courthouse across the street (and allegedly the origin of the judge's phrase 'take him down'), through the echoing halls and cramped cells of C-Wing, to the truly chilling execution chamber. Advance tour bookings are recommended. The jail's pedestrian entrance is on Crumlin Rd; the car-park entrance is reached via Cliftonpark Ave to the north."

"Guided tours of Belfast's notorious Crumlin Road Gaol take you from the tunnel beneath Crumlin Rd, built in 1850 to convey prisoners from the courthouse across the street (and allegedly the origin of the judge's..."

"Designed by architect Charles Lanyon, who designed numerous buildings across Belfast, Queen’s University’s gothic Lanyon Building is well worth a visit. Not an inch of this architecturally magnificent building would be out of place on the set of Harry Potter, making it a must for keen photographers. Don’t forget to venture through the entrance hall to photograph Galileo, who stands just through the main doors of the building."

"Part of Queens University on the first floor of the Lanyon Building, The Naughton Gallery is is an exciting visual arts space showcasing a rolling programme of contemporary exhibitions. Past artists include Adham Faramawy, Marie Jacotey, Aidan Koch and Locky Morris. It was founded to display the University collection of artworks, sculptures, furniture and silver that were gifts, bequests and purchases."

"Northern Ireland's most prestigious university was founded by Queen Victoria in 1845. In 1908 the Queen's College became the Queen's University of Belfast and today its campus spreads across some 250 buildings...."

"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"."

"Take the kids out for some fresh air within easy reach of Belfast city centre at Barnett Demesne, located next to Malone House. The park features an arboretum, daffodil garden, eco-trail, orienteering routes and a children’s playground – or for those looking for a little bit more adventure, you can try the bike trails and jump parks. The park, which is named after William Barnett who was the last owner of Malone House, is popular for family walks due to its proximity to the River Lagan, Shaw’s Bridge and nearby Clement Wilson Park."

"The Barnett Demesne route explores an historic estate in Lagan Valley Regional Park, taking in Malone House, meadows, woodland and along the River Lagan. From the Malone House car park, follow the path around the front of the house and alongside the security fence. Follow this path downhill pausing on the way to admire the views over the Lagan Valley, across to Minnowburn Beeches and, the wildflower meadows on your right."

"Take the kids out for some fresh air within easy reach of Belfast city centre at Barnett Demesne, located next to Malone House. The park features an arboretum, daffodil garden, ecotrail, orienteering routes and a children’s playground (near Shaw’s Bridge), or for those looking for a little bit more adventure, you can try the bike trails and jump parks."

"The magnificent 18th-century Mount Stewart is one of Northern Ireland’s grandest stately homes. A three-year restoration project has seen the house transformed to how it looked in its 1930 heyday, by unveiling the central hall's original 1840s Scrabo stone floor, repairing the delicate plaster work and returning the cream colour scheme. The house overlooks formal gardens filled with colourful sub-tropical plants.Mount Stewart is on the A20, 3km northwest of Greyabbey. Buses from Belfast to Portaferry stop at the gate."

"A dynamic three-year makeover, costing £7.5 million and completed in 2015, has opened a new chapter in the history of Mount Stewart,…"

"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."

"Just to the east of Belfast city, this international ice bowl has plenty of activities under the one roof. It’s home to Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic size ice rink which is the real highlight so you can head off ice skating at any time of year. The rink is open to the public every day, or you can opt for some of the designated ice-skating lessons for the younger kids if it’s there first time."

"It’s not Northern Irish so good luck finding the likes of soda bread. I’m a tight Yorkshireman from the North of England where Greggs is part of the staple diet, even for toddlers where a sausage roll takes the place of a dummy!. But now that Greggs has just opened in Botanic Avenue, a short hop from campus, so you can get a hangover during sausage roll (although I think I prefer the steak and cheese roll)."

"Hailing from the North of England, I couldn’t leave this one out. Just because its Greggs, you don’t have to get a sausage roll. Instead, for just two quid, you can get a sausage or bacon bap with a coffee or for an extra quid, you can it properly and get a baguette."

"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!"

"W.J. Desano was established on the Newtownards Road in Belfast by Archie Desano in 1938. Archie inherited the art of making ice cream from his father who emigrated from Italy as a young boy. Currently owned by Charlotte Desano, the granddaughter of Archie, the business is now in its fourth generation."

"Spoon Street is bringing a little bit of US to the residents of Belfast through their quirky froyo (frozen yoghurt) dessert bar. Little kids and big kids can have fun making their own unique creations through the self-serve element, Pour your own delicious froyo flavour and top it up with a selection of different toppings, the sensational flavours include red velvet, the fabulously traditional chocolate cake in disguise – rich, red & radical or go for the key lime, and refresh your pallet with this tartful flavor it’s simply sublime!. To provide the highest quality product everything is whipped up fresh, in-store daily using locally sourced milk, natural yoghurt & ingredients."