Such a brilliant city!
There’s nothing I love more than a cheeky weekend away, especially when I don’t even have to board a plane.
In Ireland, we’re lucky enough to be able to drive around the country, and visit some of the most incredible destinations.
One place that had been on my list for a long time is Belfast.
I had been once or twice before, but that was when I was in college and didn’t really appreciate it (although I did appreciate the nightlife at the time!)
A few months back, the gorgeous folks at Tourism Northern Ireland invited me to visit Belfast for the weekend, and I naturally said yes.
So for the Bank Holiday weekend, myself and my best friend (Hi Deborah!) headed up to Northern Ireland, where we had the best bloody time.
We ate, we drank, we ate some more (seriously, they know how to cook!), and we just had a fabulous time.
And naturally, I wanted to share with you all the groovy things we did, just incase you fancy paying a visit to lovely Belfast.
Stay at the Ten Square Hotel.
Located right in the heart of Belfast is this delightful boutique-like hotel, and it’s the perfect place to stay for a couple of nights. The rooms are bigger than your average city centre hotel, the beds are like clouds and the staff are all so helpful and accommodating. Also, the shower in the room was MASSIVE.
Have dinner in James St South.
Honestly, no words can properly describe how delicious the food here is. In fact, it was the best meal I have ever had, without a doubt. You know those meals that stick with you, and you still think about years later? This will be that meal for me. I had the special on the night, which was chateaubriand steak with truffle fries and garlic mushrooms. And I’m drooling. Plus, the waiter was honestly one of the nicest lads ever. So helpful and lovely.
Enjoy the Taste and Tour.
Did I spend most of my weekend in Belfast eating? Yes, yes I bloody did. On the Saturday morning myself and my pal rose early and enjoyed a 4-hour food tour of the city, which was delicious. It started in the historic St George’s Market, where we met producers, then we visited traditional bars, world-class shops and finished up in a top restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. Divine.
Titanic Afternoon Tea.
Belfast is famous for many things, but the Titanic is probably the most prolific. The ship was built by Harland and Wolfe in 1911, and sank on the 15th April 1912. The city now has a museum dedicated to the iconic ship, where people can learn about what happened. They also offer a lovely afternoon tea, in a setting that feels like the dining room from the Titanic. Well worth a visit.
Have dinner at Coppi.
Do you like delicious Italian food? Then look no further friends. Coppi is located in Saint Anne’s Square, nestled in the middle of Belfasts Cathedral Quarter. They serve up delicious Italian food using ingredients sourced locally in Northern Ireland. If you go, get the prawn gratin, you won’t regret it.
Spend Sunday morning at St George’s Market.
So we learned quite quickly that not a lot really happens in Belfast on a Sunday morning (most places open at 1pm, or not at all!) However, the delightful St George’s Market is open, and it’s the only way to spend a Sunday. Bop around, get a coffee, pick up some nice homemade jams and soaps – you never know what you’ll find. I even did some Christmas shopping!
Go wild in Primark (obviously).
No trip anywhere for me is complete without raiding the local Penneys (or Primark if you’re in the North!) As you may know, the Primark in Belfast burnt down in 2018. While the refurbishments take place, the brand has relocated to a nearby location, and it’s three stories of excellence. Be prepared to spend, it’s a good one.
