There’s something truly magical about Northern Ireland – a place where dramatic coastlines meet rich history and vibrant culture. On my recent trip, I had the chance to explore the heart of it all: Belfast. From its storied past to its modern charm, the city surprised me at every turn. But the adventure didn’t stop there – stunning landscapes, charming villages, and unexpected moments made this journey one to remember. Here’s a glimpse into what made this trip so special.
There are far better things ahead than any we can leave behind.
~ C.S. Lewis ~
Places to visit
There’s an entire treasure chest of places to explore in Northern Ireland (UK)—the only real question is how many days you can spare before real life drags you back! Here are a few of my top picks, the ones I loved so much I ended up visiting some of them more than once (yes, they’re that good).
- Belfast is one of those cities that seems quiet at first… and then suddenly drags you into a whirlwind of history, stories, and pints you definitely didn’t plan on having. I started at the mighty Belfast City Hall, which looks like it was built specifically for dramatic travel photos and important thoughts like, “Should I move here?”
- Then came the Titanic Museum—an absolute must-see. It’s part theme park, part history lesson, and part emotional rollercoaster where you walk out whispering “Jack… Rose…” even if you promised yourself you wouldn’t.
- C.S. Lewis Park in Belfast feels like stepping straight into Narnia. As you wander through, you bump into life-sized statues of Aslan, Mr. Tumnus, and even the White Witch—perfect for a quick magical escape from the city. It’s a small but charming spot where your inner child gets to shout “For Narnia!” without judgment.
- Belfast loves a bit of drama, and it shows—especially in its street art. You wander through the city and suddenly you’re staring at towering murals, including epic Game of Thrones pieces that make you feel like you’ve accidentally stepped into Westeros. And if you visit around Halloween? The city turns into a playground of monsters, creatures, and spooky surprises lurking on every corner. It’s part art tour, part fantasy adventure, and all-around brilliant craic.
- To balance all that culture, I decided to get voluntarily locked in prison. Yes, the old Belfast prison tour. And because timing is everything, I went during the Halloween experience, which means the ghosts didn’t even wait for the tour guide to introduce them. Very thoughtful.
- After surviving that, the city centre felt like a warm hug—shops, street buzz, and more pubs than any single mortal should attempt. Naturally, I tried a few. For research purposes. Pure research. All in all, Belfast is a perfect mix of charm, chaos, and good craic—easy to explore, hard to leave, and absolutely worth every step (and every pint).
- Hiking from Portballintrae to Dunseverick via the Giant’s Causeway feels like you’ve signed up for an epic quest—minus the dragons, plus a lot more wind. The trail starts off gently, with coastal views that pretend to be innocent… and then suddenly you’re standing on the legendary Giant’s Causeway itself, surrounded by thousands of hexagonal stones that look like Mother Nature got bored and started playing Minecraft.
From there, the path climbs along dramatic cliffs, with the ocean smashing below like it’s cheering you on (or warning you—hard to tell). Every turn gives you another postcard view, and every hill convinces you that future-you deserves a massive meal afterward.
By the time you reach Dunseverick Castle, you feel like you’ve walked through mythology itself. It’s wild, beautiful, windy, and absolutely unforgettable—one of those hikes where you keep stopping just to say “Wow… seriously?” again and again.
Food & Drinks
- If you need a break from Belfast’s busy streets, Established Coffee is the perfect hideout. Industrial vibes, friendly baristas, and seriously good brews. I stopped in for a flat white and ended up staying longer than planned—warm atmosphere, great pastries, and the kind of coffee that makes you consider moving to Belfast permanently. A must-stop for caffeine lovers wandering around the Cathedral Quarter.
- Belfast’s pub scene did not disappoint. From the ornate Victorian charm of The Crown Liquor Saloon to the artsy corners of The Dark Horse, every stop had its own story. The Spaniard served up cozy chaos in the best way, and Sunflower Public House kept the good vibes flowing with its no-nonsense, old-school Belfast spirit.
Each one different, each one brilliant—and together, the perfect Belfast night out. - St. George’s Market is pure foodie heaven—buzzing stalls, local flavours, and the smell of fresh bread floating through the air. I grabbed a classic Belfast bap, warm, messy, and absolutely perfect. The kind of comfort food that makes you pause your sightseeing just to enjoy every bite. A must-stop for hungry travelers wandering the market.
Gallery
Narnia Belfast – Lion
Belfast City Hall
Game of Thrones
C. S. Lewis & Wardrobe
Titanic Museum
Belfast Monsters
Narnia Tumnus
Titanic Museum
Titanic museum in Belfast
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway
Titanic museum exposition
The Duke of York pub
Causeway Coast National Landscape
